1. 'Proceedings of Captain Chiefalla, of the Greek Privateer "Hellas" – Proclamation issued, forbidding British subjects from serving under any foreign flag against the Turks in India or the Red Sea'

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay and the Government of Bengal. The item is chiefly concerned with proceedings against Captain Nicolo Chiefala of the Greek vessel Hellas, who is suspected of carrying out 'piratical' acts in the Red Sea by detaining and plundering several vessels which were under multiple foreign flags. In particular, the item relates to:Enquiries, mostly at Mocha and Bombay, into Chiefala's activities by a committee composed of the Superintendent of Marine, the Advocate General and the Senior Magistrate of PoliceEnquiries into claims that British subjects were employed on the Hellasand that multiple English vessels provided assistance and provisions to her, including the English ship Trois FrèresChiefala's claims that he had appropriate authorisations from the Greek and Mauritius Governments to purchase and arm a vessel for the purpose of molesting ships under Turkish control in the Red SeaAccounts and petitions from individuals whose ships were detained by Chiefala and individuals associated with the Hellas, such as the Commander of the Trois FrèresThe Government of Bombay's correspondence with multiple Governments in the Red Sea requesting further information and assistance in detaining Chiefala and his associates, Sailing Captain Samuel Lingard and Lieutenant DenhamA proclamation by the Government of Bombay forbidding British subjects from serving under foreign flags who intend to attack Turkish vessels; the Advocate General's opinions on the legality of this proclamation as well as the authority of the Government to make such a proclamation.Correspondents include: Governments of Bombay, Bengal and Madras; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Marine, Bombay; Anthony Hammond, Advocate General, Bombay; J D Devitre [James D De Vitre], Senior Magistrate of Police; the Governments of Goa, Mocha, Mauritius and Demaum [Ad-Dammān]; the Imaum [Imam] of Senna [Sana'a]; Residents at Cutch [Kutch], Mocha and in the Persian Gulf; the Native Agent at Mocha; Jean-François Hodoul, Commander of the Trois Frères.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department No. 4', 'P.C. 980, Draft. 38. 1832' and 'Examiner's Offi-'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 157, 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.

2. ‘Abolition of the Mocha Residency’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay. It concerns the abolition of the Residency at Mocha.The primary subjects are:Preparations for the management of British interests in Mocha following the abolition of the residency, including the appointment of Shaik Tayub Ibramjee [Shaikh Tayyib Ibrāhīm Ji] as Native AgentArrangements for tying up the affairs of the residency, including an application from the residency accountant J D Luadras for salary arrears and a gratuity in consequence of his dischargeThe provision to be made for M E Bagnold, the Resident at Mocha, following the abolition of the residency, including his appointment as Commandant of the Garrison of Asseerghur [Asirgarh].The main correspondents are: Captain (later Major) M E Bagnold, Resident at Mocha (also called the Political Agent at Mocha in the item); William Newnham, Chief Secretary, Government of Bombay; John Wedderburn, Civil Auditor, Government of Bombay; and John Bax, Secretary to the Government of Bombay.The item also contains a contents page (f 62) listing the collected documents and giving their page numbers within the item.The title page (f 61) of the item contains the following references: ‘P. C. 783’, ‘Draft 477’, ‘Collection No. 6’, and ‘Examiner’s Office, 1830’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at 61, and terminates at 105, 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.

3. 'Captain Rudland deputed to the Gulph [Gulf] of Arabia on a political and commercial Mission, assisted by Mr. Benzoni an Italian.'

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay and the Government of Bengal. The item relates to the decision to re-establish a Resident or Agent of the East India Company at Mocha in order to pursue commercial and political objects in the 'Arabian Gulph' – comprised of the Red Sea, Egypt and Abyssinia [Ethiopia]. In particular the item is concerned with:The principal objects of the position, namely: the extension of trade in the Arabian Gulph; the procurement of intelligence on the activities of the French in the area; and the establishing of communication routes with Europe via Egypt and MaltaDiscussions of the likelihood of success of the above objects and the validity of the mission, including consultation with the Superintendent of Marine for the Government of Bombay on the channels of conveyance for packetsThe appointments of Captain Henry Rudland as Resident at Mocha and John Benzoni as his Assistant, including consultation with the Auditor of Civil Accounts regarding their allowancesReports by Rudland, Benzoni and the Custom Master at Bombay on the trading of goods in the Arabian Gulph, particularly in Abyssinia.Correspondents include: Court of Directors of the East India Company; Government of Bombay; Government of Bengal; Dr J Pringle, [Previous] Resident at Mocha; William Taylor Money, Superintendent of Marine, Government of Bombay; Mr Petrucy, Swedish Consul General to Alexandria; William Smith, Acting Commissary of Stores, Bombay; Rudland; Benzoni; Peter Paré Travers, Custom Master, Bombay; John Elphinstone, Auditor of Civil Accounts.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 27, Season 1809/10, Draft 186' and 'Examiner's Office November 1809'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 50, and terminates at f 109, 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.

4. ‘Arabian Gulf. Piracy by the Mahara Arabs in 1836 of a Native vessel called the “Bhowany Pursad”.’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, an extract from a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 31 December 1845.The item relates to the fate of the Bhowany Pursad[ Bhavani Parsad], a ‘native’ [non-European] vessel which sailed under British colours and was seized by the Mahara [Al-Mahrah] tribe of Wadee [Wadi] in 1836. The item consists of correspondence between the Government of Bombay, the Court of Directors, and Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Political Agent at Aden. They discuss what has happened to the vessel since its capture, in particular:The effects of failed attempts to recapture the vesselClaims for compensation made by the firm Dhurmsey Luckmeedass [Dharmse Lakhmidas], who own the vesselThe sale of vessel at MochaThe perceived waste of money spent maintaining the vessel before its sale.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5191, Draft 282/46’, ‘Collection N. 2 of N. 149’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 98, and terminates at f 116, 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 item also contains an original pagination sequence.

5. ‘Persian Gulf - Nedjd - Invasion of - by Sheik Khaled.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] to the East India Company Court of Directors.The item concerns two military campaigns conducted by Egyptian forces in the Arabian Peninsula. The first campaign is in Nedgd [Najd], is led by Sheikh Khaled bin Saud [Shaikh Khālid bin Sa'ūd Āl Sa'ūd], and aims at conquering the territories of Sheik Fysul ben Toorkee [Amīr Fayṣal bin Turkī bin 'Abdullāh Āl Sa'ūd], the Wahabee [Wahhabi] chief [Emir of Najd]. Reports on the progress of this campaign are provided by local sources in the Gulf, in particular by Mirza Mahamed Ally [Mīrzā Muḥammad 'Alī], the Native Agent at Bahrein [Bahrain], and the possible implications for the eastern Arabian coast are discussed.The second campaign, led by Abrahim Pacha [Ibrahim Pasha Kavali] is focused in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. The item contains: reports of the Egyptian conquest of Tauz [Taizz, also referred to as Taas in the item]; the plans of the Imaum of Senna [Imam of Sana’a] with support from the Aseer [Asir] tribe, to launch counter attacks on Tauz and Mocha; the conditions in Mocha; and the suggestion to keep HMS Euphratesstationed in the Red Sea to protect British property and trade in Mocha.The primary correspondents are: Captain Samuel Hennell, Officiating Resident in the Persian Gulf; John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to Government, Bombay; Mirza Mahamed Ally; and Rear Admiral Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy.The item contains a table of contents (f 526), and the title page (f 525) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 2196, No. 10, Draft 573-1838, Collection No. 10 of No. 32’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 525 and terminates at f 562, 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.

6. 'The Ship Essex George Jackson Comm:dr'

Description:

Abstract: The journal of the ship Essexby Captain George Jackson, witnessed by the Secretary of the Court of Directors of the East India Company Robert James, and received on 4 August 1747. The journal contains:The list of officers and seamen belonging to the ship Essex(ff 2-3)The entries made during the ship's voyage from Deptford to Spithead (21 January 1744/45), Plymouth (2 March 1744/45), Land's End (16 April 1745), Madeira (25 April 1745), La Palma (29 April 1745), Cape Agulhas (8 July 1745), the Rocks (31 July 1745), Henrietta Island (4 August 1745), Comoros Island (16 August 1745) and Bombay (13 September 1745) (ff 4-53)The entries made during the voyage from Bombay to Surat (15 November 1745), Mangalore [Mangaluru] (13 February 1745/46), Tellicherry [Thalassery] (19 February 1745/46), Callecut [Kozhikode] (26 February 1745/46), Soccotra [Socotra] (2 April 1746), Mount Felix (4 April 1746) and Mocha (10 April 1746) (ff 53-74)The entries made during the voyage from Mocha to Aden (17 August 1746) and Bombay (1 September 1746) (ff 75-80)The entries made during the return voyage from Bombay to Cape Bona Esperança [Cape of Good Hope] (27 November 1746), Table Bay (30 November 1746), Table Land (22 December 1746), Ascension Island (16 January 1746/47), Scattrey [Scattery Island] (28 March 1747), Fines (5 May 1747), Cape Clear (19 June 1747), Kinsale (20 June 1747), Plymouth (23 June 1747), Westcott Bay (28 June 1747), and Deptford (21 July 1747) (ff 80-129).The journal entries made during the above-mentioned four voyages cover the period between 14 October 1744 and 31 July 1747. The entries are double-dated, providing the dates in both Julian and Gregorian calendars.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at 1, and terminates at 131; it is part of a larger physical volume of different shelfmarks in which this shelfmark has been given its own separate foliation sequence, i.e. non-consecutive; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.

7. 'French intrigues in Persia and Attempts of the French to acquire the Island of Cameran in the Red Sea'

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of correspondence and extracts of papers relating to French influence and activities in the Red Sea (often referred to as the ‘Arabian Gulph’) and Persia [Iran], sent to the Chairman of the Court of Directors, Charles Grant, and the Secret Committee.Matters covered include:French efforts to establish a trading and military settlement on the island of Cameran [Kamaran] through the agency of Syed Mahomed Akil [Sayyid Muḥammad ‘Aqīl]The preparations for and progress of an expedition to the Red Sea to counter French activitiesThe plunder and destruction of the American ship Essexby Syed Mahomed Akil and his followersDiscussion of the legality of seizing Syed Mahomed Akil and his shipsAntoine-Alexandre Romieu’s mission to the Court of Persia as an agent of FranceFrench influence in Persia, Bagdad [Baghdad], and AleppoThe impact of any agreement reached between France and Persia on Anglo-Persian relationsA second French embassy to the Court of Persia following Romieu’s death in TehranHajee Mohsen’s [Ḥājī Muḥsin] deputation to Tehran to gather intelligence on French activities and to try and counter their influenceThe proposal of Sir Harford Jones, Resident at Bagdad, that he travel to Persia as British EnvoyThe dispatch of a Persian Embassy to FranceHostilities between Russia and Persia along the latter’s northern frontier.Correspondence regarding the Red Sea comes from the following: the Government of Bombay; Sir Edward Pellew, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station; the Government of Bengal; Lieutenant Charles Court, Commander of the Panther, at Mocha; the Government of Madras; Searkrun/Searkum Kirjee, East India Company Broker at Mocha.Correspondence regarding matters in Persia comes from the following: Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussorah [Basra]; John Barker, Consul General at Aleppo; Harford Jones, Resident at Bagdad, and John Hine, Acting Resident at Bagdad; William Bruce, Acting Resident at Bushire [Bushehr]; Alexander Stratton, Ambassador at Constantinople; Leopold Sebastiani, Prefect of the Catholic Mission in Ispahan [Isfahan]; and Lord Viscount Castlereagh, First Commissioner for the Affairs of India.Physical description: The papers are arranged in rough chronological order, from the left to the right.

8. ‘Vol: VI. Persian Gulph [Gulf]’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, extracts of the Government of Bombay Political Consultations. The item is concerned with multiple issues pertaining to the political situation in the Persian Gulf, in particular:Reports and discussions of the hostilities between the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat and the Chief of Bahrein [Bahrain] in one conflict and between Sultan bin Suggar [Shaikh Sulṭān bin Ṣaqr Āl Qāsimī, Ruler of Ra's al-Khaymah] and Shaikh Tanoon [Shaikh Ṭaḥnūn bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān, Ruler of Abu Dhabi] in anotherAttempts by Major David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to de-escalate the above conflicts; his instructions for several East India Company ships to gather information whilst delivering packets along the Arabian side of the Gulf and their subsequent reportsDubious activities of the Greek vessel Hellasat Mocha; the detaining of the Company's ship Trois Freresby the Dowlah [Dola, Governor] of Mocha due to his suspicion of its involvement with the Hellas; the intervention of the Native Agent at Mocha and Captain Robert Moresby, Captain of the Company ship Thetis, to secure the release of the Trois Freres; the subsequent establishment of a Committee to investigate the character of Nicolo Chiefala, Captain of the HellasReports of piracy on the merchant vessel Carnaticby subjects under the control of the Imaum of MuscatSultan bin Suggar's killing of the 'pirate' Mooslim bin Rashid [Muslim bin Rashīd al-Qāsimī], the capture of his crew, and the debate between the Imaum of Muscat and the Government of Bombay as to whether certain members of the crew should be released.The item also touches on other matters including: the charging of pilotage at Bushire; the financial drain of hosting an Envoy from the Pacha of Bagdad [Baghdad] at Bussorah [Basra]; the introduction of two men to Wilson by the Prince of Sheraz [Shiraz] and his request that Wilson provides them with every assistance; the granting of aid to an esteemed Jewish merchant who wishes to remove his property from Bagdad and settle in Bombay.A section (ff 129 verso - 131 verso) of the item, which pertains to the forced collection of money from the people of Burburra [Berbera] by Captain Frederick W Greer, of the Company ship Elphinstone, has been crossed out with pencil.The item consists mainly of correspondence between Wilson and William Newnham, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay. Other correspondents include: W Clerk, Acting Persian Secretary; Major Robert Taylor, Political Agent at Bussorah; Shaik Syeb Ibraheemjee [Shaikh Sahib Ibrahimji], Native Agent at Mocha; numerous officials of the Marine for the Government of Bombay; Secretaries to the Supreme Government, the Government of Mauritius and the Government at Fort St George; the Imaum of Muscat, the Prince of Shiraz, Sultan bin Suggar, the Dowlah of Mocha and several of their agents.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘P.C. 783, Draft 477, Season 1829/30’ and 'Examiner's Office 1830’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 140, 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.

9. ‘Mocha. Acts of oppression on the part of the authorities at – towards the merchants trading under the British flag to that port.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai].The item concerns complaints of unfair treatment by British subjects trading in Mocha, and in particular the efforts of Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Commander of HMS Palinurus, to seek redress on behalf of these merchants. It includes:A petition from a group of Surat merchants complaining of additional fees being charged at Mocha, something they claim is at odds with an earlier agreementThe investigations of Haines into the duties being charged on goods traded by British subjects in MochaThe alleged interference of the Mocha authorities in the trade in certain goods, in particular coffee, to the detriment of British subjectsAccusations of damage caused to goods while being held in the Custom House in MochaThe correspondence of Haines with Ibrahim Pasha [Ibrahim Pasha Kavali], Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Army in Yemen, and Solyman Aga [Sulaymān Āghā], Governor [Dola] of Mocha, regarding the above complaintsThe representation made by Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Campbell, Consul General in Egypt, to Mehemit Ali [Muḥammad 'Alī Pāshā al-Mas'ūd bin Āghā], Viceroy of Egypt [Wali of Egypt and Sudan].As well as the above, correspondents include: Meeya Shaik Tyeb Ebrahimjee [Mīrzā Shaikh Ṭayyib Ibrāhīmjī], Native Agent at Mocha; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy; Sir Robert Grant, Governor of Bombay; and John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to Government, Bombay.The item contains a table of contents (ff 400r-401v), and the title page (f 399) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 2196, No. 7, Draft 573-1838, Collection No. 6 of No. 32’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 399 and terminates at f 425, 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.

10. ‘Mocha. Compensation for losses sustained by the Native Agent and his clerk at – during the plunder of that place by the Bedowins on the 13th December 1833.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] and the East India Company Court of Directors.The item concerns the claims for compensation made by Sheik Tayb [Mirza Shaikh Tayyib Ibrahimji], Native Agent at Mocha, and his clerk as a result of losses they sustained during an attack on the city which took place in December 1833.As well as the above, correspondents include: Robert Grant, Governor of Bombay; and John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to Government, Bombay.The item contains a table of contents (ff 382r-383r), and the title page (f 381) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 2196, No. 6, Draft 573-1838, Collection No. 5 of No. 32’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 381 and terminates at f 398, 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.

11. ‘Mocha. Claim preferred by the Native Agent at – for losses sustained by himself and Clerk by the plunder of their property during the attack of that town by the Bedowins’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai].The item relates to requests for compensation by Sheik Tayb [Shaikh Tayyib], the Native Agent at Mocha, and his clerk, for losses sustained following an attack on the city by 'bedowins' [Bedouins]. The item includes an account by the Native Agent which explains the background to the attack: Toorkey Bilmuz [Muhammad Agha Turki Bilmaz] was chased into Mokha [Mocha] by Ally Bin Moostul (also written Ally Bin Majittel ['Ali bin Mujathal al-Mughaidi]), whose men subsequently plundered the city. Following discussions by the Government of Bombay as to the duty of government to remunerate the Native Agent and his clerk, the matter is referred to the Government of India, who in turn suggest it should be referred to the Court of Directors of the East India Company.Correspondents include: the Government of Bombay; the Government of India; Sheik Tayb; and Captain Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'P.C. [Previous Communication] 1592, Draft 644, 1835’, ‘Collection N. 10’, ‘Bombay Political Department’ and ‘Rec[eived?] Hero of Malown, 15th May 1835’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 255 and terminates at f 272, 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 item also contains an original pagination sequence.

12. ‘Mocha. Certain Surat merchants request that protection may be afforded to their Agents & merchandize in the Red Sea’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations, cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; merchants from Surat; William Augustus Pelly, Collector of Continental Customs and Excise.The item concerns a petition from the merchants of Surat asking that their agents and merchandise in the Red Sea might be protected; all British subjects are offered help in removing their property from Mocha when it was about to be evacuated by the Egyptian troops.The item includes a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Collection No. 10, Draft 31, P.C. [Previous Communication] 3302, [Season] 1842’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 255 and terminates at f 261, 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 item also contains an original pagination sequence.