Description: Materials consulted in relation to Wellcome Trust funded projects ('Imperial Measures' / 'Colonial Consumption') along with brief descriptions / notes for each one. Source: All entries are from the British Library India Office Records and Private Papers collection (https://www.bl.uk/collection-guides/india-office-records) IOR/L/AG/1/1/9/f.145(1) : 1682-1694 Import/export ledgers from the East India Company 1682-94. Military Department Special Collections: Collection 29 IOR/L/MIL/5/378, Coll 29 : 1819-1820 Correspondence – mundanities, discussion of duties to perform, a lot on pensions for Europeans (300 rupees), gunpowder, other goods. 1820, case of Lt. Edward Routledge, whose conduct at Barrackpore was described as most disgraceful. Though not specified yet, likely drunkenness. Ordered, under guard, to be removed to Fort William, remain there as a prisoner until a ship becomes available to take him to England for discharge. Affair goes on for a long time: correspondence on this from Summer 1819 through to Winter 1820 – Routledge described as deranged, ‘an improper person to be at large’. Letter dated 20th June 1820 describes the ‘outrageous violence of this unfortunate young man’s conduct whilst under the influence of intoxicating stimulants to which he is unfortunately habitually addicted having exhibited a constitutional infirmity which not only affects his intellect but frequently deprives him entirely of reason’. Collection 201/26 Proposed daily issue of beer to non-commissioned officers over rank of Sergeant for themselves and their wives. IOR/L/MIL/7/8976 : 1897-1898 List of correspondence and reports on question. Porter ration abolished in 1889. Letter 77 Captain Francis Steward to the Court requesting permission to carry out nine chests of beer with him and three hogs heads of Bristol water. IOR/E/1/29 ff. 169-170v : 4 Jul 1740 As described. Letter 233 James King to the Court requesting that he may be permitted to send wine and beer to Ralph Sheldon on board the Desbouverie. IOR/E/1/1 ff. 416-416v : 8 Dec 1709 As described. Letter 160 Samuel Perry to the Court requesting to send his son at Fort St George a chest of beer and 200oz of foreign silver. IOR/E/1/2 f. 278 : 6 Dec 1710 As described. Letter 175 Francis Eaton to the Court requesting permission to ship out twelve dozen bottles of beer and 100 oz of silver to his son William Eaton, a writer in Bengal. IOR/E/1/16 ff. 327-328v : 24 Dec 1725 As described. Letter 148 Sir Charles Peers to the Court requesting permission to send two chests of wine and two chests of beer to his son Charles Peers, a factor at Fort St George. IOR/E/1/16 ff. 280-281v : 1 Dec 1725 As described. Collection 233/18 Contracts for supply of beer in India. IOR/L/MIL/7/9952 : 1906-1909 Discontinuation of beer orders from Indian breweries for Indian army; contravention of policy that states where possible to buy Indian-produced goods. In link to above, soldiers in India buy their own beer by this point, so report concludes that they are at liberty to buy from whomever/wherever they want. Publication of a Madras General Order regarding the issue of arrack to European Soldiers - proposal that beer should be substituted for spirits in soldiers' rations - question of the practicability of... IOR/F/4/1768/72708 : Mar 1838-Jan 1839 Useful list of contents of correspondence (75 pages of material), basically arguing that troops better supplied with ‘wholesome beer’ than with drams of ‘native arrack’. Issuing of arrack apparently ‘gratuitous’, letter on experiments in brewing beer in the presidency, beer more wholesome for recruits just arrived. Cost of building a brewery, tallied up. Vast scale of brewing to meet a ration of just one bottle per man per day – 1278 hogsheads needed for 1000 men. Much on the logistics – no real debate over whether or not it is a good thing. Plans of brewhouse, letter detailing how the scale of the demand means that it is lucrative and likely to entice brewers to try. Collection 201/56 Issue of bottled beer, on payment, to staff of Indian hospital ships. IOR/L/MIL/7/9005: 1917 Minor dispute over who is going to pay for the supply of beer to medical personnel aboard hospital ships. Each man allowed no more than 1pt per day, at a cost of 6d/annas. Not able to acquire imperial pints. Collection 315/76 Alleged irregularities in proceedings of military authorities in India with a view to prevention of venereal disease: including letters on question of drink (alcohol), gambling and immorality among troops from... IOR/L/MIL/7/13891: 1909-1911 Lots of letters of support from spiritual figures. Mentions the immorality of drink and gambling quite a lot. Typed letters on the worry of vice and prostitution at Lucknow. Though there is some debate over this in subsequent correspondence. More concerned about venereal disease than they are drinking, with Temperance linked to increased sexual health. Clarke, Volunteer Pilot C., dismissed for drunkeness & given charter-party passage IOR/Z/E/4/14/C1057 : 1834-1837 Brief entry, as described. Army, Commissariat, Canteen, Malt Liquor, Beer, destruction of, supplied to hospital of 1st. European Fusiliers (See entry at IOR/E/4/847, p526) IOR/Z/E/4/30/A832 : 1857 As described. Collection 57/8A Discharge of Mr Eastall for intemperance. IOR/L/MIL/7/2349 : 1872-1880 (Whole file deals with Master Armourers – appointment, covenants and discharges etc) Begins with discussion of recruiting Civil Master Armourers and Armourer-Sergeants for service in India. There is some evidence of contingency planning regarding potential misconduct (dated 16th June 1864). Set of orders that outlines the rates of employment including their beer money. Letter by Lugard dated 16th May 1864 illustrates concern for their health – soldiers to be invalided home if sickness contracted during service. Thomas Grant (master armourer) discharged on grounds of ill health, Feb 1869. Case of Mr Peirce de Lacy Henry Johnstone, Asst Commissioner, Bengal Civil Service ; recommended that he may be removed from the service on the ground of his confirmed intemperance IOR/L/PJ/6/120, File 528 : 26 Feb 1884 Extensive report on the conduct and alcoholism of Johnstone – he is suspended and sent to ‘one of the recently established homes for inebriates’ in England for a period of 2 years whereupon if cured he may be able to serve again in India. E(B) 2414/48 - Wines, Spirits and Beer Association (Madras) IOR/L/E/8/6267 : May 1948 Inaugural meeting of various importers to discuss continued trade after independence and prohibition, 1948. Single file. Collection 99/203 Provision of passages to officer (Robertson) removed on grounds of intemperance. IOR/L/MIL/7/4684 : 1916 Robertson joins army reserves and becomes a drunkard/intemperate. Discharged and then fit again, but place has been filled and he and his wife and child are left destitute. Collection 98/160 Grant of intermediate pension to widow of Lieutenant F.H. Barron, whose death was due to acute alcoholism aggravated by heatstroke. IOR/L/MIL/7/4358 : 1921-1937 File full of docs regarding the payment of pension, including Barron’s wife’s (Caroline Barron) last will and testament. Baron himself suffered from delirium tremens, and his death from sunstroke (to which he is more susceptible as a result of condition) is written up as ‘aggravated by war service’. She received £120 per year from 1920, with an additional £36 for each male child under 18, and female one under 21. Full medical case notes provided. Collection 253/15A Widow of Captain C.A. Coles, removed from service for intemperance. IOR/L/MIL/7/10920 : 1881-1883 Coles had a history of intemperance. Doc stating that of 14 years service he spent five on leave due to drunkenness. He seemed to be fairly well to do – Captain in the Bengal Staff Corps, son of a political agent (according to the marriage certificate – married late, aged 33, wife Emma 25, and on the 19th April 1882 – docs dealing with his dismissal are from 27th April 1882). Given £100 per annum on compassionate grounds. Collection 236/96 Allegations of intemperance among British troops in India. IOR/L/MIL/7/10079 : 1923-1924 Investigation as a consequences of the Reverend Cape and his observations on the drunkenness of British troops at Lucknow where he was a Wesleyan minister until 1923. The summary of the report (by illegible, Secretary to the Govt. of India), dismisses the claims, and produces figures showing decreases in courts martial for drunkenness over the preceding years (attributed to wider recruitment and conscription in the war that brought in ‘undesirables’ – now that the war is over, they are gradually being demobbed). Letter from quartermaster explains how the ‘wet canteens’ were deliberately made as uninviting as possible to encourage the men to go to temperance clubs or institutes. Report on Royal Army Temperance Association (est. 1862), and the good work it does. Decline in drinking over the past 10 years observed, related to habits, war and prices. Reports including figures on daily and monthly amounts of beer consumed. IOR/F/4/637 Book of correspondence – 17525 about cholera. Continuation of the work begun by Major General John Garstin to secure a supply of good drinking water for the Fort William Garrison. IOR/F/4/637/17554 : Sep 1819-Mar 1820 Very detailed breakdown of soil components recorded during digging and surveying. Further papers regarding the supply of fresh drinking water for the garrison of Fort William. IOR/F/4/897/23344 : Jun 1823-May 1826 As above. Chumba, Warning addressed to Wuzeer of regarding habits of intoxication and non-fulfilment of obligations in supply of timber IOR/Z/E/4/25/C535 : 1854-1855 As described. Lewis, James Henry convicted of intoxication whilst on duty and sentence on IOR/Z/E/4/14/L107 : 1834-1837 Little detail on these earlier cases of private soldiers, or lower ranks. Army, Recruits, Proceeding to India, Beer substituted for spirits and effect reported IOR/Z/E/4/45/A3018 : 1838-1842 - record: E/4/949: 28th July 1837, Military correspondence: Two pages of recommendation to substitute porter for spirits to avoid developing a ‘destructive habit’. Beer again called ‘wholesome’ (cross reference with: IOR/F/4/1768/72708?) Material on the stocking of canteens. - IOR/E/4/957, p206: letter dated 2nd March 1842. - IOR/E/4/955, p25: mentions that a pint and a half of porter per man per day (as had been the ration) was too much, and it should be dropped to a pint. Cawnpore, Troops, Success of experiment substituting beer for spirits for recruits proceeding to (IOR/Z/E/4/16/C672) Entry at: IOR/E/4/763, pp708-710 7th Jan 1840: Three pages on how a detachment of 369 recruits travelled from Calcutta to Cawnpore and were supplied with a beer ration (priced 3 ½ annas per bottle) in place of spirits. Medical Department, Sanatoria, Murree, Beer cheapening allowance of canteen spent in cheapening beer purchased for convalescents at IOR/Z/E/4/27/M569 : 1856 E/4/835 pp. 243-250: 16th April 1856: material on beer cheapening allowance for men in the sanatorium and discussion of malt liquor supplies. Also, some disagreement over measures – old wine measure vs imperial one. Intemperance amongst British soldiers in India IOR/P/525 Mar 1875 no 01 : Nov 1874-Feb 1875 Sanitary commission reports, listed by month. Couple of pages of printed reports on the apparent drinking habits of soldiers in India. Bombay, ship, Advantages to health of troops from substitution of porter for spirituous liquors IOR/Z/E/4/44/B563: 1835-1838 E/4/950 p. 728. 9th May 1838 (series summary – date of letter is 26th September 1837): Noted next to summary that ‘this [illegible] is very satisfactory’ Army, Recruits, Proceeding to India, Beer substituted for spirits and effect reported IOR/Z/E/4/45/A3018: 1838-1842 E/4/953: Madras Despatches 1839-40, p. 1025. Complaint over the quality of the porter issued to the troops aboard the General Kyd travelling from England to Calcutta. Recommends thinking about more conducive ways of storing. Medical Board's detailed report on the results of zeilothoid or grain-stone for the preparation of beer IOR/F/4/2538/147636 : 1852-1853 Number 147636, dated 23rd November 1853 Experiments in brewing from other sources. ‘Not entirely successful’, however, seem to suggest further exploration. 40 pages of description, including appendix summaries of experiments conducted between 29th January and 22nd July 1853. Army, Stores, Zeilithoid for making beer shipped to India with instructions IOR/Z/E/4/23/A1398 : 1852-1853 IOR/E/4/817, p199: Fairly short piece of writing on how some zeilithoid has been shipped out and can be used to make beer. Stores, Medical, Alcohol, indent received and remarks respecting IOR/Z/E/4/46/S504 : 1842-1845 Alcohol stores information. Collection 425/1218 Complaints by certain warrant officers and non-commissioned officers regarding travelling arrangements in India (provision of drinking water, train accommodation, heatstroke). IOR/L/MIL/7/18386 : 1917-1919 Small booklet with instructions on train travel, mentions avoiding alcohol as chief means of avoiding sunstroke. Mentions limits for numbers of men in each carriage and how many can lie down, split into British and Indian: Long journeys are 4/4m other journeys are 4/5(Indians) in hot weather, 5/5 in cold. Ghandi’s letter to The Pioneer Mail dated 6/10/1917 re: overcrowding and poor service. Complaint over lack of soda water and no hot water for tea. Book of special orders specifically prohibits alcoholic liquors. Lots on soda water and tea. Collection 46/112 Sub Conductor C. Pinson: transfer to pension establishment on account of chronic alcoholism. Request for advance of pension in order to emigrate to Australia. IOR/L/MIL/7/1998 : 1913-1916 Pinson, ‘addicted to intemperate habits’ by his own admission. Wants to start a new life in Australia, but refused money under liability. Berwick, Messrs Alexander and Co., contract with, for pale ale to be sent to India IOR/Z/E/4/45/B574 : 1838-1842 IOR/E/4/953, p712. Gives details of contract to supply beer from England to India, ships used (beer and porter shipped separately). IOR/E/4/956, p199: Fort St George, Madras Presidency, 1st September 1841: document on the supply of beer and porter aboard ship for recruits. Gives some detail of how much is required, also makes suggestion for some ‘sound and palateable [sic] wine to be found around the Cape of Good Hope’. More on the canteen system; mentions that the following number of hogsheads are needed to meet the annual demands of the Madras presidency: 2198 (porter) and 236 (Ale). Marshall, Superintending Surgeon, report on effects of Regimental Temperance Societies and suggestions respecting use of beer IOR/Z/E/4/15/M667 : 1837-1839 (Bengal Despatches) IOR/E/4/759, pp38-39: Begins with discussion of cholera outbreak, then moves into decreased amount of spirits drunk due to implementation of temperance society. File 3190 - Proposed tour of India and Ceylon of Mr ("Pussyfoot") W E Johnson, on behalf of the World League Against Alcoholism IOR/L/PJ/6/1750, File 3190 : May 1921 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_E._Johnson - Johnson was an American prohibitionist and law enforcement officer, very active in temperance. His visit to India causes some consternation because the Non-Cooperation party had taken up prohibition as one of their aims, and it was feared his visit would enflame things (esp. in 1921 shortly after Amritsar). File Pol 10447/48 - Repatriation of alcoholics IOR/L/PJ/7/14069 : Sep 1948-Nov 1948 Interesting case re: Mr. W.H. Heath (referred to throughout here as ‘the individual’ or ‘gentleman’ or ‘person A’, but named in notes on the front and inside). Discusses possible repatriation under the Inebriates Act (1912), and putting him in a home such as Caldecott Hall in Warwickshire. House of Commons question on the harsh sentencing of a native of India at Dibrugarh, Assam, for being found drunk in a house into which he had trespassed; request for a remission of part of the sentence IOR/L/PJ/6/687, File 1862 : 9 Aug 1904 Brief, punishments were not only quite hard on Indians, but also there is no possibility of appeal – no enquiry, no review. Collection 425/1531 Parliamentary Questions regarding casualties from heatstroke during transfer of 3rd Garrison Battalion of Bedfordshire Regiment from Burma to Lucknow; unsuitability of exist contract with British India Steam Navigation Company. IOR/L/MIL/7/18775 : 1919-1921 Some recommendations for ‘summer trooping’ and an enquiry into how some soldiers got sunstroke whilst travelling aboard ship from Burma to Lucknow. Collection 425/1034 Report of court of enquiry into heatstroke cases among troops from Ballarat. IOR/L/MIL/7/18201 : 1916-1920 Regarding transport of troops in hot weather without proper supplies and provisions. Ballarat case – ship left Devonport destined for Bombay with territorials aboard. Went to Karachi via Suez. Soldiers often left in 3rd class carriages, no shade etc. Referred to in other clippings as ‘The Troop Train Disaster’ – this case is a little more serious, with between 12 and 15 deaths (some sources claimed 23) – actual number: 19. Telegram dated 5th August 1916 that discusses poor quality of helmets issued to troops that were wholly inadequate for the Indian sun. Collection 170 Army in India: diet and rations IOR/L/MIL/7/7666-7672 : 1883-1927 Overview and report prompted by an unfavourable report on rations from the Army Sanitation Commission. Intro suggests that the question is to do with both quantity and quality, with enough perhaps for the older men, but not so for the younger ones or in cold weather, reports that many buy extra food. Enquiry by Captain McCay and his assistants into the question of diet in jails in India IOR/L/PJ/6/943, File 2274 : 3 Jun 1909 McCay wants to study jail diets, no objection from IO, but they doubt his proposed time schedules. Collection 170/1 Diet of British soldiers in India: opinions of officers consulted. IOR/L/MIL/7/7666 : 1883-1885 See above. Emigrants' diet on board ship IOR/L/PJ/6/603, File 1173 : 29 May 1902 This is another judicial papers collection – as part of a complaint into the conduct of Madras Hospital (file 1118/02). Emigrant's Diet on Shipboard: notification of the addition of "Bovril" to the diet scale IOR/L/PJ/6/584, File 2077 : Oct-Nov 1901 Exactly that. Army, Transport Arrangements, Diet arrangements IOR/Z/E/4/34/A1244 : 1753-1767 IOR/E/4/863 p658 (contains passenger dietary information too). Army, Recruits, Diet, arrangements on voyage IOR/Z/E/4/34/A936 : 1753-1767 IOR/E/4/863, p659 Mentions that captains are in charge of the diet, but doesn’t actually state what that diet consists of. Hospitals, European, Sick in, Revised table of diet IOR/Z/E/4/42/H353 : 1824-1830 IOR/E/4/936, p859 Mentions how ‘Lisbon Wine’ is preferable to any other for hospital use. Emigration, West Indies to, Clothing, diet and accommodation of IOR/Z/E/4/19/E529 : 1846-1849 IOR/E/4/790, pp525-527: acknowledges receipt of letter detailing list of recommendations for suggestions on these things; believes them good for health., IOR/E/4/796, p222: Not of use. Case Book IOR/K/2/35 : 1846-1849 http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/rd/d31006ff-3527-438e-88ff-abcca784ad99 - Pembroke House was a Hackney asylum for returned Company invalids operating between 1818 and 1870; then moved to Ealing. More material in the National Archives – 66 volumes. Suggestions for providing a more nutritious diet on emigrant ships IOR/P/434/45 Jan 1870 nos 31-32 : Aug 1869-Jan 1870 p. 79. Sanitary Dept. Report on ship diet in which passengers arrive like ‘healthy skeletons’ due to salt fish diet. Army, Pay and allowance, Diet and Subsistence, Demand of persons for that of Royal Troops, not complied with IOR/Z/E/4/34/A877 : 1753-1767 IOR/E/4/862, p430 Letter from Dec 1761-Jan 1762. Useful, only on nature of the relationship between the Company and HM Gov/HM’s Forces. See themselves as utterly distinct in manners of organization and hierarchy. Army, Pay and Allowance, Recruits, balance of, owing to change to diet on transports, arrangements respecting IOR/Z/E/4/42/A2884 : 1824-1830 IOR/E/4/938, pp68-72 – Not useful. Army, Military Board, Medical Board's proposal for amending diet of sick in hospital supported by IOR/Z/E/4/20/A791 : 1849-1850 IOR/E/4/804, pp504-5 Not that useful. States that European troops likely sick because they arrived India in the cold season. Note by the Surgeon General with the Government of India in connection with his recent visit to Assam IOR/P/4963 Feb 1896 nos 121-23 : Feb 1896 pp 83-85. Not useful. Collection 233/2 Beer supply, Madras and lower Burma: questionable economy of accepting tender of Nilgiri & Muree Brewery Co. IOR/L/MIL/7/9936 : 1884-1886 1886. This seems to be dealing with the economics of the supply of malt liquor (presumably including beer/porter and whisky) from the Nilgiri brewery in India; states that current contracts will likely result in a loss of 3 lakhs in 5 years (300,000 rupees). There is another letter from 4th August 1886, that discusses geographical influence on price – hill stations and up country then the local will be cheaper, whilst European beers are cheaper by the coast. Mention of the Abkari. Malt Liquors, Beer, Issue of with rations to soldiers on certain festivals IOR/Z/E/4/25/M378 : 1854-1855 See entry at IOR/E/4/826, p47 Fairly short entry but states that ration of beer should be issued to European soldiers attending these ‘certain festivals’ (in June – letter dated 7th June 1854), but not spirits. Collection 87/84 Question of sunstroke as grounds for pension on account of medical unfitness: case of Lieutenant Owen Owen. IOR/L/MIL/7/3882 : 1908-1954 Fairly slim file. Owen was invalided out of the Indian Army in 1909 due to what he calls ‘Infantile Paralysis’ (Polio), and is later expanded on officially as meningitis of the spine due to heat exposure. Medical Journal IOR/K/2/45 : Aug 1875-Mar 1890 A case book, set up as a table stating date, name and bodily treatment for patients (presumably at successor to Pembroke – stamp inside the cover states ‘Ealing Middlesex’, and Pembroke closed 1870). Case Book IOR/K/2/37 : 1859-1868 This case book differs a little from the first in that all of the entries seem to follow a particular script: mentions date of arrival, and circumstance (most are admitted immediately on arrival from India). Describes their countenance, eyes, and temperament (eg: ‘he is of a moderate habit and bilious/lymphatic/sanguine temperament’; also tells us something about the shape and condition of their head (sometimes size). Case Book IOR/K/2/39 : 1870-1883 Format has changed again, but continues some of the attributes of the others. Military Department Special Collections: Collection 4a IOR/L/MIL/5/376, Coll 4a : 1810-1813 Copy correspondence on arrangements for the transmission of court martial proceedings concerning British Army officers Courts martial of British officers in India 1861-75. L/MIL/5/674 128 British Commissioned officers tried, 99 found guilty between 1861-75. Haileybury. IOR/L/L/2/1, pp.805-822 : c 1813 Deeds for purchases including warehouses in Leadenhall Street, and Haileybury. East India College, Haileybury IOR/L/AG/45/1: 1830-1861 (5 volumes) Case Book IOR/K/2/40 : 1883-1892 Pembroke records. Collection 430A Personal Papers of Indian (Sandhurst) Cadets IOR/L/MIL/7/19159-19182 : 1919-1924 Various cases of medical discharge or reprimands. Collection 410 Confidential Reports: Supply and Transport Corps (Commissariat) IOR/L/MIL/7/17064-17069 : 1888-1918 Files are separate entries. These consist of short reports (maybe 100-200 words) on conduct of officers in the supply dept. Medical Certificates, IOR/K/2/20 : 1860 More Pembroke records – again another different form for the recording and assessment of new admissions. Standardisation apparent – list of particulars. Records become typed after 1860. Military Collections, IOR/L/MIL/7 : 1846-1963 Index; some entries of note include: L/MIL/5/383 coll 74 (p66) L/MIL/5/383 coll 78 (p66) L/MIL/5/391 coll 135 – On drunkenness in British troops in India, dated 1827 (p. 78 onwards in file). Describes how the European soldier in Britain is not supplied with spirits at all, but gets a penny a day for beer. IOR/L/MIL/5/381 -, Coll 62 -on issuing wine instead of spirits to troops at St Helena. A few pages of correspondence, arguing for the beneficial effects of wine over spirits (50% reduction in hospitalized troops). IOR/R/15/2/1333 : 21 Feb 1934-17 Oct 1943 - 'File 8/6: Interdicts: Prohibition of Drinking and Purchase of Alcoholic Liqueurs on Board Steamers' (microfilm - OMF/IOR NEG 33025) Mainly court receipts and requests for money to pay fees. L/MIL/5415 Coll 321: Original and copy correspondence, statements, proceedings and printed memorials on the case of Lt William Hollis, 36th Madras NI, court martialled for his conduct while taking passage on the Inglis in 1840. L/MIL/5413 Coll 310: : Copy memorandum and covering letter on the case of Bombay Asst-Surgeon William Robert Williams, court martialled for assault. IOR/L/MIL/5/393, Coll 151a: Counsel's opinion on the trial of Col Robert Fletcher, Madras Army, in 1816. IOR/L/MIL/5/401, Coll 198a: Copy correspondence, GOs and minutes on the restoration of Bombay officers dismissed by courts martial. IOR/L/MIL/7/3079 : 1919 Collection 72/48 Measures to safeguard health of army in India. No use. IOR/L/MIL/7/13217 : 1860-1881 Collection 290/1 Dr Warburg's Fever Tincture. Suggested as a curative for various ailments. Some debate over its efficacy. IOR/L/MIL/7/3033 : 1888-1891 Collection 72/3 Comparative returns of sickness, mortality and invaliding among British soldiers in India. Detailed statistics on the actual numbers, and breakdown of genders, regiments etc, but nothing on the actual illnesses. Letter from Henry Sewell and Thomas Curtis Chase, students, asking pardon for breaking the rule 'prohibiting the use of wine in the students' apartments', n.d. Read 4 May 1808 IOR/J/1/23/343-44 : 1808 ‘Letter from Samuel Henley about Sewell and Chase; William John Bushby, who stole a ball and a pack of cards from a shop; W. D. Mansell, who 'is naturally of so violent...’ IOR/J/1/23/349-50 : 1808 Letter and statement from James Charles Colebrooke Sutherland, student, about his part in the 'riots', 24 Nov 1809 IOR/J/1/24/509-12 : 1809 Letter from Samuel Henley, forwarding reports on student misconduct, 8 Nov 1808 IOR/J/1/23/428-37 : 1808 Letter from H. C. Cotton, Woodcot House, nr Nettlebed, Oxon., about the conduct of his son Sydney John, 28 Nov 1809 IOR/J/1/24/517-18 : 1809 Letter from Edward Marjoribanks, student, forwarding a formal statement on his part in the stoning of Professor Hamilton, 8 Nov 1809 IOR/J/1/24/495-97 : 1809 Correspondence re: cadet misbehaviour. Take a Spare Truss: Tips for Nineteenth Century Travellers (London: Elm Tree Books, 1983), Simon Brett. Slightly satirical in tone, but has a useful author’s note containing all the books he consulted as a means of compiling this list; many deal with diet and disease. Banting in India with Some Remarks on Diet and things in General (Calcutta/London: Thacker & Spink, 1885), Surgeon Major Joshua Duke. ‘Bantingism’ describes a high protein, low fat/carb diet developed by William Banting in the 1860s: ‘His own diet was four meals per day, consisting of meat, greens, fruits, and dry wine. The emphasis was on avoiding sugar, saccharine matter, starch, beer, milk and butter’. (From Encyclopedia Brittanica). Queries at a Mess Table: What Shall I Eat? What Shall I Drink? (Calcutta and Simla: Thacker and Spink, 1908), Second Ed. (first was 30 years previously), Joshua Duke. Describes difficulty in deciding what is the ‘correct’ or best amount to eat and argues that it varies from individual to individual, however, some general rules can be discerned from experience. Diary of the Doctor’s Lady – Diary of Colina Brydon, edited by Geoffrey Moore (1978). Memoir written by wife of Dr Brydon, present at Siege of Lucknow, 1857. Healthful Diet for India (Lahore: Civil and Military Gazette Press, 1927), H.C. Menkel. Very much part of a new and scientific approach to health, nutrition and dietary habits. Nothing about alcohol, but a great deal on nutrition, vitamins, and calories. John Peter Wade, MD (of the Honourable EIC’s Bengal Establishment), Nature and Effects of Emetics, Purgatives, Mercurials and Low Diet in Disorders of Bengal and Similar Latitudes (London: John Murray, 1793). Case studies and patient testimonials on tropical diseases, and dietary measures to combat them. The Imperial Guide to India, Including Kashmir, Burma and Ceylon (London: John Murray, 1904). Extensive information on travelling to India including how to book, where to book, which route to take, what to pack, wear, how much money to take for tips, where to camp, how to hire servants. Also, section on medicine and doctors, recommends the Wellcome. Organised by province and district, lots of information on the sights and where to stay. Edmund C. P. Hull. The European in India: or Anglo-Indian’s Vade-Mecum, with Medical Guide for Anglo-Indians (London: Henry S. King & Co., 1874). Extensive vade mecum, designed as a personal handbook for people travelling in India, or resident there. Covers social customs as well as treatment of specific conditions. Thomas King Chambers, A manual of Diet in Health and Disease (London: Smith, Elder & Co, 1876) 2nd Ed. (NB: states that 1st Ed had more on alcohol – should compare). As before with Hull. Chapter on alcohol and what it does to the physical state of the body - mentions the studies performed by Parkes as being the most in depth and medically sound. His own were delivered as part of a series of lectures, footnoted on p. 231, in the 1860s. The Case for Alcohol or The Actions of Alcohol on Body and Soul (London: Rebman Limited, 1909), Robert Park. Essentially a political tract, more about semantics of intoxication and a reliance on the importance of personal responsibility. It goes on to discuss American research into whether alcohol is an aliment, and produces some statistics to back up its value as a calorific, but it is not particularly well organized, nor necessarily very convincing. Louis C. Parkes. Hygiene and Public Health (London: H.K. Lewis, 1889). A general guide to health designed for all levels of medical knowledge. J. F. Foster, Asst. Surgeon, H.M.’s 36th Foot, Three Months of My Life (London: Simpkin and Marshall, 1873). Very little on medical practice, more about personal experiences and travelogue. Mark Thornhill, [spine title] The Indian Mutiny. [Title Page] The Personal Adventures and Experiences of a Magistrate During the Rise, Progress and Suppression of the Indian Mutiny (London: John Murray, 1884). Part of the ‘Mutiny memoir’ genre popularised after 1857; Thornhill writes that he missed an early opportunity to publish in 1858, so has returned to this in the 1880s in his retirement. Alexander Kenny and Major Shelley Leigh Hunt, Tropical Trials: A Handbook for Women in the Tropics (London: W.H. Allen, 1883). Authors also wrote: On Duty Under a Tropical Sun’ – were induced to write TT after requests and the reception with which their earlier work was received. Title of this volume again indicates the idea that India was a hardship, a risk, a hazard. Chapter outlines – lots on travelling aboard ship, diet in general, domestic economy, specific illnesses, sunstroke etc. Alexander Kenny and Major Shelley Leigh Hunt, On Duty Under a Tropical Sun (London: W.H. Allen, 1882). H&K’s first book published the year before. Essentially, this seems to be the same book as the later edition, but there are some subtle differences – this is more focused on male experiences. Surgeon General C. R. Francis, The Indian Medical Service; Health in India: Alcohol (Bristol: J. W. Arrowsmith, Printer, 1889). Contains detailed sections on the pathology and mortality of alcohol. Sections on individual drinks with histories and usages etc. A lot of material on status of British Empire in relation to drink, and on education around alcohol. - Second section entitled: The Indian Medical Service (London: Mitchell and Hughes, 1898), reprinted from The Middlesex Hospital Journal for February 1898). Inserted pamphlet covering a host of medical and non-medical topics, including alcohol and diet (and temperance), expenses and the day to day life of a cadet and commissioned medical officer, recommendations on choice of presidency, stories of hunting. David Burton, The Raj at Table: A Culinary History of the British in India (London: Faber & Faber, 1993). Popular history of food and drink culture of the Raj and earlier. John Burnett, Liquid Pleasures: A Social History of Drinks in Modern Britain (London: Routledge, 1999). Drink history with specific chapter on beer (p. 110). Robert Dudley, The Drunken Monkey: Why We Drink and Abuse Alcohol (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2014). Interesting thesis that basically we drink because our primate ancestors learnt to eat overripe fruit as a means of securing more calories and therefore enabling us to survive. The book exists at the intersection between social history of alcohol and evolutionary biology and the effects of alcohol on a molecular level. Wulf Schiefenhovel & Helen Macbeth (eds.), Liquid Bread: Beer and Brewing in Cross-cultural Perspective (New York: Berghan Books, 2011). Detailed information on UK pub industry, and the social place of the pub too. Regulations for the Medical Department of Her Majesty's Army : War Office, 1st November, 1878. Informative on general operations of the Army Medical Dept. Mary Hooper, Cookery for Invalids, Persons of Delicate Digestion and Children (London: Keegan Paul, 1879). (Wellcome player) As described. Death of Mr A W Varley, ICS, Bombay at Larkana, Sind from heat apoplexy IOR/L/PJ/6/1246, File 2168 : 11 Jun 1913 As described. Varley died. Of heat apoplexy. Collection 87/77 Grant of injury pension on account of lunacy caused by sunstroke: Lieutenant M.R. Hunter. IOR/L/MIL/7/3875 : 1893-1927 Standard military record of a death in service case and payment of pension. Death of Mr A A Ferguson, ICS, Madras; died of sunstroke IOR/L/PJ/6/875, File 2262 : 22 Jun 1908 As described. File D I(S) Aug 1919 41 Note recorded by the Political Secretary during his Rajputana tour in July 1919 of his conversations with H.H. the Maharaja of Bikanir and with Lt.col. R.E.... IOR/R/1/1/929 : 1919 A brief file; useful for understanding political relationships between Govt. of British India & Indian states. Use of quinine in the treatment of sunstroke IOR/P/1005 Jun 1877 nos 17-18 : Mar 1877-Jun 1877 (this is proceedings to the government of India, specifically the medical section, includes reports on minor to major issues, such as dismissal of individuals, appointments, remedies, medical cases etc.). Correspondence, typed, from Salisbury to Governor General of India, detailing the thoughts of C. R. Francis, with a note from Fayrer. Bengal, Indigo, Intoxication amongst Hindus in, referred to IOR/Z/E/4/41/B489 : 1818-1824See entry at IOR/E/4/921, pp357-359 Asks for the matter to be considered and some thought given to how the regulations can be improved, and ‘the heads of caste’ brought back to playing an active role in the policing of their communities. Walker, Rev. R. O, Alleged intoxication of, and resignation IOR/Z/E/4/27/W11 : 1856 IOR/E/4/835, pp1087-1088 As described. Title: Measures taken to discourage the abuse of alcohol and drugs by the native population, IOR/F/4/723/19573: Apr 1815-Mar 1821 Related Resources: Bombay Rev 7 Apr 1824, draft 271/1823-24, IOR/E/4/1044 pp 575-76. See also 7314-16 Considers relationship between drinking and unemployment levels. Army, Commissariat, Canteens, Abkari contract system, intoxication promoted by, and abolition in certain cantonments proposed IOR/Z/E/4/45/A985 : 1838-1842 See entry at IOR/E/4/957, p193 See next entry (pp.195-197 of same document - photos) Army, Barracks and Cantonments, Proceedings respecting regulation of sale of intoxicating liquors and drugs and maintenance of order and discipline awaited IOR/Z/E/4/45/A765 1838-1842 See entry at IOR/E/4/957, pp195-197 Military correspondence, March 2nd 1842. Discusses regulation of arrack and toddy shops. Appear to be new powers to close shops in order to reduce numbers, but not all cantonments acting upon them. Number of shops causing concern. Document discusses new measures restricting intoxicating drink and drugs, but cautions the importance of different departments restricting themselves to their respective areas of expertise – suggestion of conflict between Military Revenue and the Judiciary. Army, Stores, Commissary General, Proposition for vesting exclusive spirituous liquors and intoxicating drugs in Bangalore in hands of one person approved IOR/Z/E/4/43/A3523 1830-1835 See entry at IOR/E/4/945, p26 As described. Administration of India, Legislative, Acts, 1852, III, amendment of law respecting spirituous and intoxicating liquors and drugs in Bombay IOR/Z/E/4/23/A95 1852-1853 See entry at IOR/E/4/818, p704 No use – no actual information beyond that given in the title of the file. Memorandum on excise administration in India so far as it is concerned with intoxicating liquors, 1934/35 20th edition IOR/V/25/323/4 1934-1935 List of revenues in total but then break it down by type of drink and presidency/area. P. 16-17: specific measures taken regarding ‘Experiments in Prohibition’; mentions restriction unless in possession of medical certificate, though this apparently varied from province to province. No systematic organization of the latter sections – some have a list of offences for instance, where others do not. ‘Canteen Tenant System’ was a licensing system that permitted the sale of Indian alcohols in military establishments – a shift from 25 years earlier in which all Indian liquors were, it was argued, best avoided. Haileybury Haileybury history: system of patronage basically led to accusations of nepotism and corruption overtaking the best interests of a capable administration; writerships were selling at a price of £3000 in the 1790s. Wellington wanted to set up an Eastern University at Fort St. George in 1798, specializing in Indian language training, but also covering various other subjects (political economy, mathematics, zoology, botany, natural science, English lit), he spent £250,000 before the Directors stopped it, because it meant that he (in the office of Governor General) would be able to place officers trained in India, he threatened the power of patronage possessed by the DG and board in London (which presumably was able to use these politically). EIC demanded it closed, but Wellington threatened to resign, and the issue was put before parliament, who forced the EIC to let it to stay open, albeit in a truncated form. As the English language subjects had been removed from the FSG college, there was suggestion of setting up shop in England; change in policy at EIC around the same time concluded that because the climate of India affected teenage recruits so greatly, they would now be recruited at 15 and undergo three-four years of training in England before being shipped out. This would also turn them out as ‘more accomplished’ servants of the company and of society. Education was to value classical grounding as service relied so greatly on composition and literary style, all business ‘carried on in writing’ (p.7). High salaries and university-equivalence attracted talent and prestigious staff (inc. Malthus, and plenty of ex-Cambridge/Oxford types). Fees were 100 guineas a year. Originally at Hertford Castle, but bought and built at Haileybury in 1805, opening in 1809; Hertford became a prep school for the Company. Disciplinary problems in early years (footnote 35 p. 9 which lists some reference for further inspection), but college gained powers of rustication and expulsion (another challenge to the patronage of the DG since expelled writers could not take up their position under the 1813 Charter Act of the college which insisted that they had to have completed 4 terms). Changes in policy and various acts meant that from 1826 Writers did not have to complete the four terms if they could provide testimonials of expertise and pass an exam; another act limited the age of entrants to the college at 21, and proceeding to India at 23. Patronage system finally abolished in the mid c19th, and led to development of Civil Service Exam in order to pick up ‘new breed of university graduates’ (p. 9). Charles Wood’s 1853 Government of India Act abolished civil patronage and made entry to Haileybury conditional on entrance exam, and gave power to examine candidates who had not attended the school at all; university pressure convinced Wood that Haileybury was redundant. There were no new admissions after 1856 and college closed 1858, later reopening as a public school (which it remains). Addiscombe begins around the same time, and is prompted by the development of Sandhurst. There was a need for specialist military officers in the late C. 18th, so the EIC placed 10 recruits at Woolwich military academy. Following set up of Sandhurst at Great Marlow whilst the training ground was built, the EIC also capitalized on this, sending 88 cadets to Woolwich between 1802-1808 to fill the vacated places. There was also in-country training at Baraset, near Calcutta. These options were expensive though, and Addiscombe was opened in 1809. Recruits were aged between 14-18, and all ‘had to write good legible hand, construe Caesar’s Commentaries, [and be] expert in vulgar and decimal fractions’ (quote from East India Register, where the regulations were regularly printed. Example found in Emma Roberts’ The East India Voyager (1845)). Cadets paid £30 per year for various supplies and expenses. It was successful and produced over the number of technical officers necessary. Took on cavalry and engineers and Infantry cadets too, and had an arrangement with the Sapper school at Chatham. 1858 Govt. of India Act shifted power; direct appointments were now purview of Sec of State for India, with some reserved for the sons of EIC servants. Addiscombe stayed open as Royal India Military College until 1861 when it was decided that Woolwich and Sandhurst were provision enough. List of records much smaller than Haileybury, and mainly to do with recruits, examinations and reports of progress in certain subjects. Emma Roberts, The East India Voyager, or Ten Minutes Advice (London: J. Madden, 1839) 1st. Ed. Vade mecum with advice on various subjects from travel, finance, provisions, medicines etc. Description in the Civil Service chapter mentions that Roberts ‘applied to a gentleman’ who had served 14 years in India as both judge and magistrate, and repeats his replies in full here. The cadet chapters are composed of the replies and advice sought from ‘several officers of long experience in the Indian army’. The Medical Service personnel she contacted seemingly refused to help, and are presented negatively (‘it appears to me to be upon its present footing the most inefficient of any of the Indian departments’, p. 148). However, she does use other sources, and essentially presents a compendium of existing advice here. Erica Wald, Vice in the Barracks: Medicine, the Military and the Making of Colonial India, 1780-1868 (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014). Academic history on alcohol regulation in EIC/Crown military. Harry Hobbs, It Was Like This! (Calcutta: Thacker & Spink, 1918). This appears to be a book of ‘tales from the Raj’ produced to aid the Bengal Women’s War Fund. Essentially Hobbs’ experiences from travelling to India in the 1880s presented in anecdotal format. Peter Stanley, White Mutiny: British Military Culture in India 1825-1875 (London: Hurst & Company, 1998). Academic history, as described. David Gilmour, The Ruling Caste: Imperial Lives in the Victorian Raj (London: John Murray, 2005). Popular history of the Indian Civil Service up to the early 20th century. Widely available. H. Hervey. The European in India (London: Stanley Paul & Co, 1913). Part vade mecum, part collection of anecdotes and tales collected as a compendium. Useful chapters on character of British in India. Major H. Hobbs, John Barleycorn Bahadur: Old Time Taverns in India (Calcutta: Published by H. Hobbs, printed by McKenzie Lyall & Co, 1943). Popular history of drinking in India. Alcohol as occupying a ‘prominent place’ in British-Indian history. ‘How many difficulties have been smoothed over a friendly drink will never be known, nor can it be estimated how much comfort it has given to those depressed by loneliness and over-work in a bad climate’ (1). Harry Hobbs, Scoundrels and Scroungers (Allahabad: Pioneer Press, 1933). Further anecdotes in the style of Hobbs’ other published works (catalogue also contains a ‘Revised and Enlarged’ edition, published 1937). Dennis Kincaid, British Social Life in India 1608-1937 (London: Routledge, 1938) Broad history of British presence in India essentially, as per title. Europeans in India, IOR/O/5/25 : 1766-1824 Report of misconduct by officers and subalterns, and describes how they had been sent to England, having no licence to reside in India. Limejuice, supplied in change of diet on board transport ships and remarks respecting IOR/Z/E/4/42/L168 IOR/E/4/938, pp 63-64 As described. Army, Recruits, Supply of ale and porter for, instructions respecting IOR/Z/E/4/24/A1194 1853-1854, See entry at IOR/E/4/820, p54 Part of a drive to get soldiers drinking beer in place of spirits. Calcutta, Troops, Agreement with Messrs. Truman, Hanbury, Buxton and Co. for supply of ale to IOR/Z/E/4/24/C223, 1853-1854 See entry at IOR/E/4/823, p1019 As described. No detail. Army, Commissariat, Canteens, Ale and porter to be provided for troops IOR/Z/E/4/19/A1248, 1846-1849, See entry at IOR/E/4/798, pp665-666 8th November 1848. Useful. Recommends sale of ‘wholesome’ London Porter at cost price or reduced price within canteens as a means to induce the European soldier to spend his balance on porter instead of spirits. Use of the punishment of flogging in India IOR/L/PJ/6/752, File 896 : 4 Apr 1906-3 Aug 1906 Consideration of whether flogging should be retained. Suggested used only for the gravest offences, same rules for Indians and Europeans. Medical certificate signed by Sutherland Meeke, Civil Surgeon of Malabar, testifying that the severe hepatitis suffered by Lieutenant John Grattan Guinness necessitates his immediate return to Europe, dated, Calicut, 26 Nov 1805 IOR/D/165 f 192 : 1808 Letter, subject as suggested by the item description. Harry Hobbs, Scraps from My Diaries (Calcutta, 1954). Part autobiography, part collection of further stories in keeping with Hobbs’ other work. Harry Hobbs, Indian Dust Devils (Calcutta, 1937). Essentially another of Hobbs’ memoirs – anecdotal reminiscences about his time in India from the 1880s-1930s. Medical certificate signed by Surgeon E Milligan testifying that the severe bilious complaint suffered by Captain Robert Maxwell precludes his returning to India, dated, Castle Douglas, 23 Mar 1808 IOR/D/164 ff 173-75 and 177 As per description. Hints for travelers to India, China and Australia, compiled by Messrs Grindlay & Co., East India Army and Colonial Agents (London: The ‘Home News’ Press, 1854). Travel guide as per description. Great deal on shipping, with emphasis on ‘practical description of the various routes to get to India’. James Herbert, The Art of Brewing India Pale Ale & Export Ale, Stock and Mild Ales, Porter and Stout. (Burton-Upon-Trent, published by the author, 1866). Herbert described on the title page as a ‘practical brewer’, and text itself as ‘a practical treatise on brewing’, as opposed to one based on chemistry. J. E. Power, Vade Mecum for Officers and Civilians Proceeding to India (London: Forster Groom & Co., 1912). Power was retired officer of 19th Lancers. Guidebook contains typical subjects, including a chapter on servants, horses and dogs. A Guide to the Domestic Medicine Chest adapted to The Use of European Families in India and the Eastern Colonies, by A civil Assistant Surgeon of the Bengal Establishment (Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co., 1853). A useful guide detailing medical practice, with summaries of various ingredients, their uses and their effects. Not really about general health; much more about lay treatment and available medicines. C. F. Andrews. The Drink and Opium Evil (Madras: Ganes & Co.: 1921). Short (6 pages) pamphlet on drink and drugs in India. Important to note that no mention of religion like other such publications, other than that by nature Hindus and ‘Moslems’ are teetotal, and should thus join forces against drink. Badrul Hassan, The Drink and Drug Evil in India (Madras: Ganes & Co., 1922) Very similar to above, but with foreword from Gandhi, in which he explains that he had meant to write a much longer one, but now can’t. Thomas Williamson, East India Vade Mecum, or Complete Guide to Gentelmen intended for the Civil, Military, or Naval service of the Hon. East India Company (London: Turner & Harwood, 1810). In two volumes. As described. Dr Williamson (not Thomas Williamson above), Effects of Alcohol on Individual and National Life (Bombay: Tatva-Vivechacka Press, 1910). Anti-alcohol temperance pamphlet. Religious in tone, particularly towards the conclusion. Charles Simmonds, Alcohol: Its Production, Properties, Chemistry, and Industrial Applications (London: MacMillan & Co, 1919). A mainly scientific tract. Mainly focused on the chemistry as suggested by the title. Bengal Army Officers Casualty Returns: Lists of officer and warrant-officer casualties by death, resignation, retirement, transfer or court-martial, returned to London by the Adjutant-General in Bengal IOR/L/MIL/10/103 : Jan 1786-Oct 1858 Large, tabulated lists of officers no longer in service for reasons above. Has a column for remarks, but this is mostly blank. Mainly records drownings, or the odd hospitalization/KIA, but not completed consistently (no cause of death column). Collection 269/56 Memoranda, Parliamentary Questions regarding execution of British and Indian soldiers sentenced by general court martial to death by hanging. IOR/L/MIL/7/12276 : 1906-1910 Not useful; refers to the practical instructions for the execution of prisoners rather than the judgments etc that might bring them there. Collection 313/38 Courts martial of native soldiers, serving out of India, in a force not under command of Commander-in-Chief in India. IOR/L/MIL/7/13733 : 1903 Another procedural document; no information, just policy. Collection 219/5 Captain H.J. Forster: resigned in 1890 to avoid court martial for drunkenness. IOR/L/MIL/7/9600 : 1888-1890 Details of case described in title. Collection 219/4 Captain A.A. Lane: resigned in 1888 to avoid court martial for drunkenness. IOR/L/MIL/7/9599 : 1888-1889 As before with Forster. Collection 219A Officers removed from the service by court martial IOR/L/MIL/7/9620 (Sub-series) : 1896-1900 As described; no files of use. Title: Intemperance amongst British soldiers in India Collection Area: India Office Records and Private Papers: IOR/P/525 Mar 1875 no 01 Nov 1874-Feb 1875. Contents: pp 81-84. Communications from Brigadier-General C T Aitchison, Adjutant General of the Bombay Army, and the Quarter Master General of the Bombay Army, regarding: intemperance and drunkenness of British Soldiers; the availability of liquor, beer and porter in regimental canteens; the purchase of spirits from Indian liquor sellers; and the entertainments available to soldiers and officers. Collection 46/187 Pension of Sub Conductor E. Green, retired from his War Office appointment on account of drunkenness. IOR/L/MIL/7/2075 : 1914 A brief file on Green’s dismissal. Pension was allowed to stand on account that it was earned through prior ‘exemplary service’. No further details, e.g. medical assessment, were included. Emigration to Surinam; proposed dismissal of Percy Castle, the Indian interpreter for continual drunkenness IOR/L/PJ/6/279, File 1075 : 24 Jun 1890 Castle was formally reprimanded more than once, but only dismissed after they found a more solid reason (that he was also surplus to requirements). Military Department Special Collections: Collection 347 IOR/L/MIL/5/417, Coll 347 Contents: Original and copy correspondence, proceedings, regulations and GOs on Lt James Melville McGregor, 16th Bengal NI, court martialled for drunkenness Correspondence and charge sheet – describes how McGregor acted in a fashion unbecoming of an officer and gentleman by appearing at an entertainment at the house of an Indian gentleman in a state of intoxication. Military Department Special Collections: Collection 109a: IOR/L/MIL/5/387, Coll 109a, 30th July 1824. Copy letter from the Horse Guards to the Board of Control on the prevalence of drunkenness among the European troops in Madras Suggests drunkenness largely unchecked between 1815-1823, when some measures around regimental canteens were taken. Offers various strategies for combatting drunkenness in regiments, as well as comparisons to measures taken in other colonial territories. Military Department Special Collections: Collection 200a, IOR/L/MIL/5/402, Coll 200a, 1828 , Draft letter to Bengal on drunkenness among European soldiers in India, with suggestions for the introduction of Cape wines As above on same subject. Military Depots: Depot Court Martial Books IOR/L/MIL/9/70: 25 Apr 1856-23 Apr 1859 (multiple volumes available). These include a list of EIC soldiers (and later Royal India regiments) based at Warley Barracks, Essex (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warley_Barracks) subject to court martial, and descriptions of case proceedings. Abyssinia Expeditionary Force 1867-1868: File 64 Courts martial IOR/L/MIL/5/581 : Jan 1868-May 1868 Slim file, few incidents, of little use. Collection 253/180 Widow of Captain F.P. Rouse, dismissed for drunkenness. IOR/L/MIL/7/11079, 1922 Related Resources: see IOR/Z/L/MIL/7/5 Not useful: lots of erasure or a lot of names of (former) debtors. Rachel Gilmour and Bill Schwarz, End of Empire and the English Novel since 1945 (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2011). Academic text on post-1945 literature. IOR/L/MIL/7/9598 Collection 219/3 Lieutenant J.A. Vanrenen: resigned in 1889 to avoid removal for drunkenness and misconduct. 1889 As described, with background to the case in question. File R 201/1881 - Correspondence regarding alleged drunkenness among the labourers employed on the tea gardens in Assam IOR/L/E/6/23, File 201 : Jun 1880-Apr 1881 As described: investigation into supply and extent of problem recommended. Bengal European Invalids IOR/L/MIL/10/317 : 1859-1861 Medical discharge papers. Majority of them are because service is complete. Extract from The Englishman Newspaper, 7th February, 1857. India: Remarks on Expected Government Guide Book for Political Officers (London: J. B. Nichols and Sons, 1857). Short book on the ‘Oude Question’. Recommends British presence should be laissez faire, only intervening when it is a means of addressing the cure of greater evils (e.g. public health). Forbes’s East India and Colonial Guide (London: Houlston and Stoneman, 1841). Travel guide book. Mainly concerned with outfitting. Very good on describing routine and the social habits in different presidencies. Also recommends Emma Roberts’ East India Voyager. James Wallace (Surgeon of the Lonach), A Voyage to India, containing Reflections on a Voyage to Madras and Bengal in 1821 on the ship Lonach; INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH IN INDIAN CLIMATES [sic] (London: T & G Underwood, 1824). Part autobiography, and part vade mecum. Extensive information on diet and health whilst travelling and when in India. James Johnson, Influence of Tropical Climates on European Constitutions (London: J. J. Stockdale, 1813). Vade mecum, as above. L/MIL/10/301: List of Discharged Soldiers who came to England, January 1820 to December 1856. As described, but with much fuller list of case notes and remarks. L/PJ/6/3571/19: Compulsory retirement of G.A. Weston, Superintendent of Police, Punjab, 1919. Extensive case file with correspondence and testimonials/service record surrounding Weston’s dismissal. Military Department Special Collections: Collection 347 IOR/L/MIL/5/417, Coll 334 1839-40. Copy correspondence and court of inquiry proceedings on Ens McCormick Ferrie, 40th Madras NI, charged with habitual drunkenness. Discharge Papers of Bengal Army European Soldiers IOR/L/MIL/10/303-317 : 1859-1871 As before: conform to a similar structure throughout, usually listing reason for the return to England (most as a result of enlistment expired, due to wife and child), and a remark on general character. There are other forms though in which more information is provided (pp. 47-8), dating from 1861. These are all medical, many dealing with damaged limbs/limited mobility or ‘ruined constitutions’. Henry Piddington A Letter to the European soldiers in India on the substitution of coffee for spirituous liquors. Henry Piddington, 1797-1858. UNSW [Calcutta The Englishman Press, 1839] A short volume on how to make ‘good’ coffee and how it could replace the stimulant effect of alcohol. A brief review of the means of preserving the health of European soldiers in India / by Norman Chevers. Norman Chevers, 1818-1886. Calcutta : P.M. Cranenburgh, 1858-1860? Vade mecum with particular attention to architecture and spatial means of facilitating health. Norman Chevers, A Commentary on the Diseases of India (London: J & A Churchill, 1886). A useful compendium with detailed sections on various diseases. William Howard Russell, My Diary in India Vol. I, (1860), Autobiographical account of Russell’s coverage of the Indian Rebellion in 1857 as journalist for The Times. Payne & Co.'s Indian diary for 1864 : containing a priced list of their wines and stores, and a variety of information of a most useful kind on subjects relating especially to India. Payne & Co. (Calcutta, India) Calcutta : Payne & Co, 1864. Promotional diary with some adverts for import/export firms in flyleaves. Collection 219/3 Lieutenant J.A. Vanrenen: resigned in 1889 to avoid removal for drunkenness and misconduct. IOR/L/MIL/7/9598 : 1889. As described. Collection 219/7: Lieut. HM Brownlow, compassionate allowance case. Mentions that this ‘is a very unusual case’. Basically, Brownlow writes years after (1906) leaving the service on medical grounds (1895) seemingly out of guilt, claiming that ‘evil habits’ indulged in before and after he joined the army are responsible for his neurasthenia. No smoking or drinking habits observed according to Surgeon-Major F.D.C. Hawkins, dated 30th June 1895. Medical practitioner comments on the evils of drunkenness and venereal disease IOR/P/257/30 Sep 1811 pp 11448-99 : 06 Sep 1811 (Madras) Another long file discussing the potential for illness arising from drinking. Diseases of the liver and dysentery arising from arrack. Goes on in new letter about how liquor should be available, but only under supervision and under the ration system. Establishment of regimental canteens in the Bombay Army with a view to prevent drunkenness. IOR/F/4/709/19275 : Feb 1818-Feb 1823 Related resources: Bombay Mil 11 Feb 1824, draft 177/1823-24, IOR/E/4/1044 pp 375-76. See also 12679 31st July 1822: P.1 states that this will be good for the ‘health, comfort, discipline and morals of European soldiery in India’. P.2: in the [illegible] that you will duly appreciate a step which may lend to check those habits of intemperance which lead to the premature destruction of the health of so many of the European soldiery in this country’. Letter 26th Feb 1823 talks of regulations, and the authority in Bengal to deport any Europeans found selling liquor to European soldiers without authority to England. Also, mentions the apparent success of selling wine to soldiers instead of spirits at the Cape of Good Hope and on St Helena (this appears in other docs). Observations by Sir Laurence Peel ... Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at Fort William, on the Indian Penal Code and the Notes to it and on the Reports thereon. Lawrence PEEL, Sir. Calcutta : W. Ridsdale, 1848. Not of use. VOL. VI. Parliamentary reports, printed- 1. On the sale of beer; 6 Apr. 1830, f. 1. 2. On drunkenness; 5 Aug. 1834, f. 72. With MS. notes. Drunkenness: Reports on the sale of beer and on drunkenness: 1830, 1834.: Printed. Add MS 27830 : 1830-1834 Bedford, Charles H, Report on the quality manufacture and excise-control of alcoholic liquors in India. Simla, 1906 IOR/V/27/323/3: 1906 Bedford charged with examining the methods and process of distilling in India in 1904, availed himself of distilleries in Scotland before returning from Furlough. This is about being able to understand the chemical properties of distilling in order to be able to implement a simple test (again especially to country spirits) to ascertain quality. p. 98: Alcohol as aid to digestion again: this time with a chemical backup; apparently it increases the digestion of fats by its solvent action. Discusses smell on the breath, digestive absorption etc. p. 232 onwards: he basically concludes that no particular drink is especially bad, but rather that impure liquor or poor distilling is the cause. This is again a consistent narrative of emphasizing purity and goodness. Collection 253/176 Sister of Captain P.C. Stowell (death reportedly due to alcoholic poisoning) and Gunner P. Stowell (died of illness contracted while on service in East Africa). IOR/L/MIL/7/11075 : 1921-1924 Correspondence states that Percy Stowell died from alcoholic poisoning unrelated to his military service. Collection 116/30 Subordinate Medical Service: grant of invalid pensions when illness not caused by intemperance or misconduct. IOR/L/MIL/7/5301 : 1899 Discusses how the system changed in 1884: new rules to prevent grant of pension to those men who ‘rendered themselves inefficient by irregular and intemperate habits’. Suspension of Mr R Rice, Madras Civil Service, for acts of intemperance and misconduct IOR/L/PJ/6/150, File 610 : 5 Mar 1885 9th December 1884: File states that Rice was drunk and incapable, had told a series of falsehoods in the hope of screening himself, and had insulted his superior. Recommends Rice be suspended due to severity of case. Case of Mr Rice, dismissed from Madras Civil Service IOR/L/PJ/6/152, File 734 : 1 Apr 1885 Much more: Letter from st April 1885 stating that he was on sick leave for intemperance from 1880, allowed back to India after being passed by a medical board in 1882, working well by 1883 (taking an interest in the introduction of improved types of plough and spread of vaccinations), had kept ‘quite straight’ during this time and had been promoted to sub-collector and then Acting District and Sessions judge in Kurnool. Rice appears to reform, but is still dismissed for actions committed in 1884. Correspondence from 6th October 1884 (start of the trouble – Rice was found on the 5th): Houses stuff: WH Glenny (Collector) goes to Rice’s house at 5.40pm where he had been ‘drinking hard’ and ‘lying up’ for three days or so; finds him in a ‘horrible state’. A lady said she was disturbed by the noise Rice made in the night (though her house was a quarter mile away). Glenny vouches for him though – says he’s not seen him touch anything stronger than tea during recent months. He is demoted, as E Forster Webster (Chief Secretary) concludes he could not possibly remain in the same position after such a disgrace. Extensive correspondence – missives from Glenny stating that Rice’s wife and daughters had arrived and would hopefully keep him straight, telegram from Rice hoping to explain, letter from Rice stating that Glenny was mistaken and that he was suffering from ‘a severe attack of indigestion, accompanied by fever and disordered liver’…also ‘a sharp attack of bilious sickness with vomiting, that left me weak and ill’, which Glenny mistook for intemperance. Letter from DSE Bain (doctor) who backs up his story. Glenny’s letter basically blames the fact that he was left alone, and now that his family are here he will be better. Marginal notes stating that ‘he can’t ride, he can’t talk, he can’t walk’ 24th October: from Rice’s wife begging not to be transferred because of her own bad health. 1st November: Letter from Rice, again claiming medical grounds, also blames the weather (‘hot and trying’). Claims he had been working from home. His Sheristadar attended his house with papers. Letters 15 and 16 – the first calls into question Rice’s provision of a medical certificate (dated 5 days after he was discovered by Glenny), and the second a telegram from Glenny that says there are many witnesses to back up his account. Glenny then writes on 8th November 1884 that his eyes, ears and nose told him Rice was drunk: ‘never have I seen a man more unmistakably drunk’. Witnesses would be reluctant but would provide testimony if compelled. Rice writes on 12th November that he taken whisky and water as remedy for his sickness, and that he usually only drinks lime juice or water, ‘and I seldom or ever partake of spirits or any kind of liquor, except in case of illness’. Seems to then work well at his new post, under the supervision of John Kelsall. Then he receives news that the Govt. of India had decided to dismiss him after all, which apparently breaks him down; Kelsall appeals for clemency and that he be allowed to continue. The Colonial Grocer and Storekeeper. London 1887 Journal, predominantly advertisements. Sam's soldiering : this extract, E.C.O. (Emergency Commissioned Officer) / [George Raschen]. George Raschen, 1889-1964. Swindon : D.G. Raschen, [2000] A private publication of a man made an Emergency Commissioned Officer in the First World War (or Great World War Part One as this volume calls it). He was from Birkenhead, born 3rd Feb 1889, and joined the Karachi office of import/export firm Forbes, Forbes and Campbell in 1913. pp. 82-83: Gets on a steamer where nurses allow him whisky and soda (ice cold), and tell him he could have had champagne if he wished. Later at hospital in Karachi, his arm was not healing, so he mentions ‘I replied that I understood that Guinness, taken regularly every morning, had saved many lives. I also said that, if I were allowed to’ accept some of the many kind invitations I had received from friends, then I thought that he would find my psychological reaction towards a quick recovery quite astonishing. Grand fellow that he was, he agreed to both requests’. p. 85: ‘With the sea calm and cloudless, there was little to do except sit and read under an awning, but that turned a chap’s mind to beer. There was an excellent rule in hospital ships that all patients could have two alcoholic drinks a day, though much better than nothing, two drinks a day was not a munificent allowance, my friends discovered a means of hoodwinking the stewards who bought the drinks and I happily joined them in the deception’. A glimpse of empire / Jessica Douglas-Home. Jessica Douglas-Home, Norwich : Michael Russell, 2011. Unavailable. Formation of the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta IOR/P/10/64 Mar 1823 no 41 : 06 Mar 1823 As described. Fenning, Lawrence Francis Maxwell, IOR/L/MIL/7/13181-11 : 1908-1939 This is a collection of 11 files that have to be ordered individually; I have ordered one to get a flavour of the collection: Browne, Michael Swinton IOR/L/MIL/7/13181-4 : 1908-1939 Collection 176/1 Appointment of Surgeons General W.T. Moore, G. Auchinleck (Bombay): right of Government to select Indian Medical Service officers. IOR/L/MIL/7/7821 : 1879-1883 As described. MSS Eur 180: Collection of memoirs by former members of the Indian Civil Service (1930-47) Restricted items, totalling 85 files listed here: http://hviewer.bl.uk/IamsHViewer/Default.aspx?mdark=ark:/81055/vdc_100000000094.0x000034. Memoirs of former members of the Indian Political Service or their wives Mss Eur F226 : 1920-1947. Restricted items, totalling 35 files listed here: http://hviewer.bl.uk/IamsHViewer/Default.aspx?mdark=ark:/81055/vdc_100000000075.0x0002f0.