Abstract: Imprint:Published by James Horsburgh, Hydrographer to the East India Company.Distinctive Features:Relief shown by shading. Depth shown by soundings.Nautical chart of the northern shores of the Persian Gulf showing the coastline east of Shatt al-Arab to Bushire [Bushehr] compiled from the surveys carried out by the Bombay Marine’s officers between 1820 and 1829.Shows sandbanks and rock hazards; location of ruins and old entrance of Indian River marked.Physical description: Dimensions:504 x 599 mm, on sheet 565 x 777 mm
Abstract: The file consists of a note from the Persian Gulf Residency, Bahrain, forwarding Hand Book on the Persian Gulf, Correspondence between File 15/10 Foreign Office Persian Gulf Handbook.Enclosed are two copies of a Handbook on the Persian Gulf published by the Foreign Office, August 1948. The notes were prepared for visitors to the Arab states covered by the Persian Gulf Residency with information on the Residency, conditions in Bahrain, and conditions in the other Arab states.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file concerns the activities of a German named Gerhard Augusta Frederick Briesenick believed to be a student of Berlin University, travelling to India via the Arabian coast of the Persian Gulf. The file contains correspondence between Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Gordon Loch, Political Agent at Bahrain, and Lieutenant-Colonel Trenchard Craven Fowle, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; and John Charles Walton of the India Office, London.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-11; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: A map indicating the location of one buoy in the vicinity of Kishm in the Persian Gulf. The buoy is marked in manuscript on an inset map entitled 'Kishm and Parts Adjacent', with corresponding arrows drawn in the upper and left margins.The base map on which the buoy is indicated is Admiralty chart 2837a, 'Published at the Admiralty 1st. May 1862', 'Small corrections... III-1907'.A hand stamp on the verso reads, 'British India Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. Received 19 Aug. 1908'.Physical description: Materials: Printed on paper with manuscript additions in coloured inkDimensions: 975 x 637mm, on sheet 1023 x 680mm
Abstract: Volume containing journals and other descriptions of journeys in and around the Arabian Peninsula and India, particularly sea and river journeys. The volume contains:‘Captain Wainwright's Remarks on the Navigation of the Persian Gulph 1809-1810’ (folios 3-28), containing a description of the navigation of the Gulf and the ports, anchorages and other notable places along its coastline, written by Captain John Wainwright of the East India Company ship
Chiffonne‘Captain Sadlier's Diary of his Mission to Arabia 1819-20’ (folios 29-192), containing a description of an expedition across Arabia by Captain George Forster Sadlier to deliver a confidential message from the Government of Bombay to Ibrahim Pacha, commander of the Egyptian forces in the Wahhabi War (also known as the Ottoman-Saudi War). The message to Ibrahim, offering military support to future Ottoman actions against the Wahabees [Saudis] and Joasmee [Al-Qasimi], is included on folios 37-40. A letter containing instructions to Sadlier is on folios 33-37. Folios 40-61 describe Sadlier’s journey from Bombay [Mumbai] to Bushire, April-June 1819, calling at Muscat in May to inform the Imam of his mission. Sadlier’s journey from Kuteef [Qatif, also written as Katief and Katuffe] to Yambo [Yanbu] is described in brief on folios 29-33. The same journey, Sadlier’s interactions with Ibrahim, and his return journey as far as Jeddah are described in detail on folios 61-190‘Captain Bedford's Journals of the Survey of the Burrampooter River - 1824 & 1825’ (folios 193-304), containing a description by Captain James Bedford of a survey of the Burhampooter [Brahmaputra] River, also called the Dihung [Dihang] River. A small sketch map of part of the river is included on folio 260. Folios 303-304 contain a brief vocabulary of the Mismee [Mishmi] language‘Captain Bonamy's Memoranda on the North West Frontier of British India and of the importance of the River Indus as connected with it's [sic] defence 1830’ (folios 305-383), containing a description of the area and notes on the defence of British India against a theoretical invasion by Russia‘Lieutenant Welsted's Memoir regarding the Red Sea and Steam Navigation between Europe & India 1832’ (folios 384-497), containing a description of the navigation of the Red Sea and the ports, anchorages and other notable places along the coastline, written by Lieutenant James Raymond Wellsted [written as Welsted or Welstead] of the East India Company ship
Palinurus, as part of a survey under the command of Captain Thomas Elwon of the East India Company ship
Benares. A description of the ‘inhabitants to the Northward of Juddah’ [Jeddah] is included on folios 460-473‘Lieutenant Wybard's Journal of an Excursion into Arabia 1832’ (folios 497-534), containing a description of a journey into Arabia by Lieutenant J W Wybard in September-December 1832. Folios 499-509 contain Wybard’s journal describing his journey from Bushire to Bussora [Basra] on the East India Company ship
William IV, from Bussora to Bahrein [Bahrain] and then to Ajeer [Uqair] on various Arabian vessels, overland from Ajeer to Ehiasa [Hofuf], and an aborted attempt to reach Readth [Riyadh] before returning by the same route. Folios 509-513 contain descriptions of Ehiasa and Bahrein. Folios 517-532 contain a description of ‘the Arab Tribes on the Banks of the Euphrates and Tigris’. Folios 533-534 contain ‘A Map of the Oases of El Hasa’ [El Ahsa] [IOR/L/MAR/C/587, ff 533v-534].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 538; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 193-534; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.The foliation sequence does not include the front cover, nor does it include the leading flyleaves.
Abstract: The volume contains a variety of papers relating to trade in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulph [Gulf]. The volume is organised into four parts, with contents summarised on folio 4:Papers relating to trade with Suez, 1773-78: proceedings, letters, representations and answers (ff 5-57)Trade with Arabia and Persia: report of the Resident at Bushehr [Bushire, also written in the volume as Busheer] and the Resident and joint factors at Bussora [Basra, also written as Busshorah], 1790-91 (ff 55-139)Survey of the Abyssenian [Abyssinian] and Nubian Coast by Lieutenants Court and Maxfield, 22 July to 3 August 1825 (ff 140-154)Memoir by Captain Sealy of the Gulph of Persia, 1813 (ff 155-196).The papers in the volume cover the period 1773-1813, with the exception of one item dated 1825.The first part, dated 1773-78, regards attempts by the East India Company to set up trade in Suez, and the opposition of the Ottoman Government. The matter is discussed in letters, memoranda, reports and extracts of Bengal Public Consultations. The principal correspondents are: officials of the East India Company; the Ottoman Porte [Sublime Porte, Government of the Ottoman Empire]; Robert Ainslie, British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire; and Mehmed Pasha, Grand Vizir [Meḥmed Pāshā, Grand Vizier].The second part of the file consists of a report relating to the commerce of Arabia and Persia by the Resident at Bushire and the Resident and joint factors at Bussora. The report was signed at Bussora on 15 August 1790 by Samuel Manesty and Harford Jones. The report is preceded by an extract of a Bombay commercial consultation dated 25 February 1791 (f 58) and a list of different goods brought to Bushire from different parts of Hindoostan [India] (ff 58-62), as well as a letter by C Watkins.The third section consists of two letters to the Bombay Marine Board from Lieutenant Mayfield, describing his visit to the Abyssenian and Nubian coasts with Lieutenant Court. This is followed by letters from the Superintendent of the Marine. The fourth part is a memoir of a chart of the Gulph by Captain Henry William Sealy. In this memoir are recorded descriptions of places and cities (i.e. Persian coast, Muscat, and Bushire); also mentioned are remarkable objects, the longitude of the coast, ships and harbours sighted, and other remarks.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 199; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of correspondence regarding the capture and plundering of a British ship, the
Hector, by the Shaikh of Nuckholoo [Nokhaylo], also referred to as the Shaikh of Busheab [Lavan]. The correspondence is particularly concerned with the potential for assistance from the Government of Persia [Iran] in the recovery of the plundered property, particularly after the death of the Shaikh. It also covers a lawsuit against the owner of the
Hectorand the disappearance of the ship’s master and mate.The correspondence consists of letters between the Government of Bombay and the Resident at Bushire.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 226, and terminates at f 254, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-23 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 30 November 1841. The enclosures are dated 11 July-27 November 1841. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to the trade in enslaved persons in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, including:Reports that ships belonging to the Imam of Muscat and members of his family have been taking enslaved persons from the east coast of Africa to Bombay [Mumbai], Dewul [Diu] and Kurratchee [Karachi], and enslaved Hindu women from Bombay to Muscat and Zanzibar, with an insistence that the Imam is unaware of such use of his shipsMethods used to disguise the trade in enslaved persons, including recording enslaved persons as crew members and their wives, disguising enslaved women as men in order to pass them off as crew members, and the use of bribesReports that a ship under British colours carried enslaved persons from Mocha to MuscatReports of enslaved persons being carried from Burbarah [Berbera] to Shargah [Sharjah].The primary correspondents are: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Native Agent, Muscat; the Collector of Customs, Bombay; and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (52 folios)
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of Political Consultations and Political Letters sent to and from the Government of Bombay.The item relates to attacks on merchant ships by the Joasamee [Āl Qāsimī] and the numerous counterefforts made by the East India Company and others over several years to curb the power of the Joasamee 'pirates'. In particular the item is concerned with:Accounts of the attack on the Company ships
Macaulayand
DuncanThe armament and dispatch of three Company cruizers to the Gulph [Gulf] of Persia for the purpose of protecting trade in the region against the Joasamee piratesThe order to inform the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat and the English Broker at Muscat of the above expedition so that they might offer aid and assistance to the commanding officersThe prohibition of the sale of timber, teakwood and planks at British ports to Arabs as it has been discovered that some of these items are then sent to the Coast of Malabar where the Joasamee are able to source the material to repair their shipsThe successful attack on Rasul Khyma [Ra's al-Khaymah], the principal port of the Joasamee, by Captain Wainwright of His Majesty's ship
La Chiffonneand Lieutenant-Colonel Smith of His Majesty's 65th RegimentIntelligence that a fleet of 18 'piratical' vessels based at Rasul Khyma are preparing to intercept merchant ships on their journey from Bussora [Basra] to IndiaInstructions to commanding officers including orders in the event of conciliatory proposals on the part of the Joasamee and orders to avoid 'all undue constraint or detriment towards the interior commerce of the Gulph'Reports of a battle between the fleet of Rehma bin Janber [Rahmah bin Jābir al-Jalhami] and the Uttobies [ʿUtūb] of Bahrein [Bahrain] in which three of Rehma's ships have been blown up and Rehma has reportedly been killed.The item also includes a note on the number of ships destroyed and men killed or wounded in the attack on Rasul Khyma (f 59 verso).Correspondents: Government of Bombay; East India Company Court of Directors; J Babington, Deputy Secretary to Government of Bombay; W J Hamilton, Secretary in the Government of Bombay Marine Department; Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to Government of Bombay; Alexander Bell, Conservator of the Forests in Malabar [Kochi]; Captain Charles Sealy, Commander of the Company's cruizer
Benares; Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government; Captain Prior of His Majesty's ship
Hesper; William Bruce, Acting Resident at Bushire.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 9, Season 1814/15, Draft 20' and 'Examiner's Office November 1812-November 1813'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 52, and terminates at f 80, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay, the Government of Bengal and the Court of Directors of the East India Company. The item relates to the appointment of a successor to Major David Wilson as Resident in the Persian Gulf and general considerations of the position and allowances of the Resident. In particular, the item concerns:The initial appointment of Dr John McNeill, Surgeon to the British Embassy at the Court of Persia, as Wilson's successor and the appointment of Dr James Pringle Riach as McNeill's successorDiscussions by the Board of the Government of Bombay regarding how to reduce the expenditure of the Residency at Bushire [Būshehr], with suggestions to lower the Table Allowance, reduce the Resident's budget for gifts, and condense the number of staffThe Court of Directors' criticism that a Military Servant, rather than a Civil Servant, has been appointed Resident in the Persian GulfThe subsequent cancellation of McNeill's appointment as Resident and the appointment of David Anderson Blane in his placeA memorandum sent to the Government of Bombay by McNeill which: asserts his unique talents that are required for the Resident position due to uncertain times in Persia; complains of his treatment; and requests a new position that would be equal in status and benefits to that of the Resident.The memorandum sent by McNeill also contains a number of copies and extracts of letters from his immediate superiors and officials from the Court of Persia as proof of the high esteem in which he is held. Amongst these letters are: a note by Mirza Abdul Hassan Khan [Mīrzā Abdul Hassan Khan], His Persian Majesty's Minister for Foreign Affairs; a firmun by the Shah of Persia [Fath-Ali Qājār]; and a ruckum addressed by His Royal Highness Abbas Mirza ['Abbās Mīrzā Nāyib al-Salṭana Qājār], Prince of Persia.The principal correspondents of the item are: the Court of Directors; McNeill; numerous secretaries heading departments within the governments of Bombay and Bengal, along with the respective governors of Bombay and Bengal. Other correspondents include: Sir John Nicoll Robert Campbell, Envoy to Persia; Wilson; Riach; and Lieutenant Samuel Hennell, Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf.The titles of ‘Resident in the Persian Gulf’ and ‘Resident at Bushire’ are used interchangeably.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department No.1’, ‘P.C. 1181, Draft 427, 1833' and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 49, and terminates at f 156, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Enclosures nos. 2, 3, 7-10, 12, 13, 16-20, 22-24, 27-30, 32-39, 42, 43 and 45 to dispatch no. 108 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 31 December 1841. The enclosures are dated 28 October-28 December 1841.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to instances of confirmed, alleged or suspected enslavement and trade in enslaved persons in the Persian Gulf, and efforts for the suppression of that trade.The primary correspondents are the Political Resident, Persian Gulf, and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (70 folios)
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. It is the second in a series of three items about a negotiation by William Bruce (the others are IOR/F/4/894/23288 and IOR/F/4/895/23290). The principal correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Government of Bengal; William Bruce, former Political Agent in the Persian Gulf; Lieutenant [John] Macleod, Political Agent in the Persian Gulf; Major [George] Willock, in charge of the British Mission in Persia.The item concerns:An explanation by William Bruce about his conduct in negotiating an unauthorised treaty with Hoossain Ali Mirza [Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mirzā Farmānfarmā, Prince-Governor of Fārs]The results of the treaty, including the evacuation of Kishm [Qeshm] and the effect on stability in the GulfThe appointment of Captain Faithfull as Commanding Officer in the Persian GulfHow to enforce the General Treaty of Maritime Peace of 1819, negotiated by William Keir GrantJohn Macleod’s tour of the Gulf and discussions with the Imaum of Muscat [Imam of Muscat, Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and other chiefs in the Gulf who were signatories to the General Treaty of Maritime Peace in 1819Analysis of the balance of power in the Gulf and particularly Shaikh Sooltan Bin Sugger [Shaikh Sulṭān bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī]How to eliminate the slave tradeThe reaction of the King of Persia [Fath-Ali Shah Qājār] to the treaty.The item includes a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘[Political] No. 2, Draft 293, P.C. 362, [Season] 26/7’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 227, and terminates at f 328, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original pagination sequence.