Reference code: GB-0033-ADD 835
Title: Additional Manuscripts 835: J.S.M. Blackett letters
Dates of creation: 1857-1859; 1947-1948
Extent: 98 items
Held by: Durham University Library, Archives and Special Collections
Origination: John Stephens Blackett (b. 1833)
Language:
English
John Stephens Blackett was born at Stokesley (N. Yorks.), and lived at 20 South Street, Durham, from 1839 until 1841, when his father, John Blackett, became agent on the Bessborough estates in Ireland.
95 letters, May 1857 to December 1859, written by John Stephens Blackett (born 1833) from the neighbourhood of Agra in India, while in the service of the East Indian Railway. The letters are all to his mother in Ireland. They cover the period of
the Indian Mutiny, and throw light also on the social conditions experienced by young “Chota Sahibs” . Where the modern form of a place named could easily be discovered, it has been given in square brackets after the
form used by Blackett. Also includes 3 letters from the time of the deposit of the material with the Library.
The letters were deposited on permanent loan in Durham University Library in 1948 by the author's son, J.P.M. Blackett, who taught for many years at Durham School.
Summary catalogue of Additional Manuscripts
Add. MSS. 835/i-iii; 1-95Add. MSS. 835/30 28 February 1858
Camp Hattrass [Hathras]. Then 1 March, camp 12 miles from Allyghur [Aligarh]. Discusses an Indian festival being celebrated. Also describes the fortresses in India that have been used during the rebellion and the difficulty for the British in
capturing them. He is having difficulty getting information about the rebellion, particularly about Cawnpore. Mentions his dislike for the King of Delhi [Bahadar Shah II] and the lenient treatment he thinks the king has received. Criticises the
English papers for their reports concerning some of the military leaders whom Blackett regards as poor.
3f
Digitised material for Letter from John Stephens Blackett in India to his mother in Ireland, 28 February 1858 - Add. MSS. 835/30 Add. MSS. 835/35 6 (/7) April 1858
Camp Koomerpore. Discusses an accidental fire at the fort at Agra and the capture of Jhansi by the British with the escape by the Rani of Jhansi [married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, but, after a childless marriage, the British annexed Jhansi from
her adopted son]. Discusses the need for India to be governed directly from home by the British government. Blackett suggests that the rebellion has still not been put down and supports measures such as disarmament of the native population to
prevent more trouble.
2f
Digitised material for Letter from John Stephens Blackett in India to his mother in Ireland, 6 (/7) April 1858 - Add. MSS. 835/35
