1. 'Précis of correspondence, &c., relating to affairs in Central Asia, Biluchistan, Persia, &c. 1875-77. With appendices.'

Description:

Abstract: A compilation of correspondence, reports, memoranda, gazetteer extracts, dispatches and statistics, prepared by Trevor Chichele Plowden, the Officiating Under-Secretary to the Government of India Foreign Department. Printed in Calcutta, by the Foreign Department Press, 1878.The volume contains:'Chapter I. Correspondence relating to the establishment of a friendly understanding between England and Russia as to the general policy of the two Governments in Central Asia, with special reference to Afghanistan.''Chapter II. The Turkomans of the Attrek [Etrek], Akhal [Ahal], and Merv [Mary], and their relations with Russia, Persia, Afghanistan, and England.''Chapter III. Relations of the British Government with Biluchistan [Balochistān].''Chapter IV. Relations between the British Government, Cashmere [Kashmīr], and the Frontier States of Chitral [Chitrāl], Yassin [Yāsīn] and Dir [Dīr].''Chapter V. Events in Kashgar [Kāshgar] during 1875-1877. ''Chapter VI. Events in the Khanate of Kokand during 1875-1877.''Chapter VII. Events in the Khanate of Khiva during 1875-1877.''Chapter VIII. Events in the Khanate of Bokhara [Bukhara] during 1875-1877.''Chapter IX. Miscellaneous.'Appendices.The volume includes two fold-out maps: one stored in a pocket inside the front board; and one at folio 207.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 279; 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 printed pagination sequence.

2. Persian Affairs

Description:

Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 16 of 1844, dated 18 February 1844. The enclosures are dated 15 December 1843-12 January 1844.The enclosures comprise copies of despatches addressed by Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Chargé d’Affaires at Tehran, to the Earl of Aberdeen [George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen], Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, (being copies of Sheil’s despatches to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, and the Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General), with related enclosures which notably include letters from: Sheil; Meerza Abul Hassan Khan [Mīrzā Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Shīrāzī, Īlchī Kabīr], Persian [Iranian] Foreign Minister; Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Farrant in Bagdad [Baghdad]; Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; and Keith Edward Abbott, British representative at Tabreez [Tabriz].The subjects covered notably include:British and Russian efforts to avert a war between Persia and Ottoman Turkey following the capture of Kerbela [Karbala] in January 1843 by Turkish forces under Nejib Pacha [Muḥammad Najīb Pāshā, Governor of Baghdad] resulting in the deaths of 5000 Persians, including extract of a letter from Count Nesselrode [Karl Robert Nesselrode], Russian Foreign Minister, to Count Medem [Aleksandr Ivanovich Medem], Russian Minister Plenipotentiary at Tehran (ff 6-8)Rivalry between the Khan of Khiva and Khan of Bokhara [Bukhara] and their agents in Tehran, and the attempts by the Persian Government to obtain the release of captives at Khiva and BokharaSheil’s desire to find out news of Colonel Charles Stoddart and Captain Arthur Conolly and to confirm the veracity of conflicting accounts of their purported captivity or death at Bokhara, including copy of an account by a resident of Herat who has come to Tehran (ff 23-30), and a letter from the Shah of Persia to the Ameer [Amir] of Bokhara requiring Stoddart and Conolly to be surrendered if they are alive (ff 80-83)The Shah’s concern about Russian encroachment and expanding influence on the Toorkoman [Turkoman] coast (eastern shores of the Caspian Sea), notably over tribes inhabiting the mouth of the Atrek River in the region of Asterabad [Gorgan, formerly Astarabad]Sheil’s concern about the growing influence of Count Medem over the Persian Prime Minister Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājjī Mīrzā Āqāsī, Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam], following the ‘Instructions’ (ff 87-92) issued to the Governor of Asterabad by the Prime Minister with the cognizanceof Medem, which Sheil considers may: establish Russian authority over the Toorkemans [Turkomans] of the Atrek and adjacent coast; establish the right of the Russian squadron to punish all Toorkemans committing ‘piracy’; and lead to a Russian military take-over of the areaAgreement (ff 33-38) concluded by Count Medem with the Persian Prime Minister to facilitate the recovery of pecuniary claims of Russian subjects from subjects of Persia and for preventing fraudulent bankruptcy declarations by Persian subjects, and the possible implications for British subjectsReport by Abbott of his intelligence gathering visit to the Caspian Sea at Astara, detailing Persian and Russian influence in the vicinity (ff 95-97)Sheil’s correspondence notably with Meerza Abul Hassan Khan, Persian Foreign Minister, on various matters relating to Bushire [Bushehr] and the Gulf Residency, notably whether British goods bound for another (foreign) destination which stop at Bushire for transshipment of cargo should be liable to a landing duty, and the Foreign Minister’s complaint about the person in charge of the coal depository maintained by the British at the island of Karrak [Kharg]The question of the right of natives of Sinde [Sindh] and Shikarpour [Shikarpur] to British protection, in light of the case of Hindoo [Hindu] merchant Khajeh ‘Tilla’ (a British subject) being forcibly brought to Tehran on the Persian Prime Minister’s orders to answer a claim made on him by a Russian subject.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-4, on folio 1. These numbers are repeated for reference on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure.

3. Persian Affairs

Description:

Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 116 of 1846, dated 12 October 1846. The enclosures, numbered 3-6 and dated 12 May to 15 July 1846, relate to Persian [Iranian] affairs.Enclosure No. 3 is a letter from HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Justin Sheil, to the Secretary to the Governor-General of India, forwarding a copy of a despatch from HM Consul at Tabreez [Tabriz], Keith Edward Abbott, addressed to HM Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Earl of Aberdeen, relating to the campaign of the Russian Army in Daghestan [Dagestan] in 1845.Enclosure Nos. 4-6 consist of letters from Sheil to Secretary to the Government of Bombay, forwarding under flying seals letters to the Secretary to the Government of India, enclosing copies of despatches addressed by Sheil to the Earl of Aberdeen, and to HM Ambassador at the Porte [the Sublime Porte, or Government of the Ottoman Empire], Sir Stratford Canning. The despatches concern matters including:Issues in relation to the conclusion of the Treaty of Erzeroom [Erzurum] between Persia and Turkey [the Ottoman Empire], including: Sheil’s efforts to obtain from the Persian Government adequate powers to enable the Persian Plenipotentiary at Ezeroom to conclude the treaty; Sheil complaining that he does not receive ‘proper or fair assistance’ from the Russian Minister to Persia in conducting the negotiations between Persia and Turkey; differences between the Persian and Turkish drafts of the treaty, on points including a tariff, and the possession of the Pass of Kerrind [Kerend-e Gharb] by Persia (this correspondence includes an enclosed copy of a document comparing a joint note by Sir Stratford Canning and the Russian ambassador at Constantinople [Istanbul], Monsieur Titow [Vladimir Pavlovich Titov], to the instructions issued to the Turkish Plenipotentiary, which is in English and French)Sheil reporting that ‘a respectable Afghan merchant’ who has lately arrived in Tehran from Khiva claims that an English man and an English woman are being held captive in KhivaSheil requesting HM Consul at Tabreez to remonstrate with the Prince of Tabreez about an infraction of a firman against torture, following a ‘Mussulman’ [Muslim] inhabitant of the city confessing to murdering and robbing property from the house of an Armenian women, and this man being imprisoned and tortured to force him to confess how he had disposed of the property, before it was ‘satisfactorily proved’ that he had falsely admitted to the crime. Sheil stating that he had obtained a pledge from the Prince that there should be no repetition of such scenes within his Government, and Sheil explaining that he had not complained to the Persian Ministers about the matter because the firman was issued by the Persian Prime Minister, Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājī Mīrzā (ʿAbbās Īravānī) Āqāsī], during the Shah’s illness without his knowledgeSheil’s unsuccessful attempts to ascertain the fate of Mr Wyburd [William Henry Wybard], from sources including: the Khaleefa [Khalifah] or Chief Priest of Merve [Merv] (from whom there are two enclosed letters); ‘Reuben’, ‘a Jew at Bokhara’; and the Asefood dowleh [Āṣaf al-Dawlah, also spelled Asofood-dowleh in this item], the Governor of Khorassan [Khorasan], who had sent Meerza Hassan [Mīrzā Ḥasan] to Bokhara [the Emirate of Bukhara] in search of Wyburd, with Meerza Hassan stating that he had been treated with distinction by the Ameer [Amīr] until the latter discovered that he was searching for an Englishman, at which point he ‘became exceedingly irritated’ and told him to leave Bokhara the next day, and also told Meerza Hassan that he was wholly ignorant of Mr WyburdSheil’s concerns about Russian influence, including: Sheil enclosing a copy of William Taylour Thomson’s report of his journey to the coast of the Caspian Sea, with Sheil highlighting the inferences which can be drawn from it on the present state of affairs in Asterabad [Gorgan] and the position of Russia there, including the Russian establishment at Ashor Ada [Ashuradeh], which Sheil states is essentially a military occupation; and the Russian Government resolving to place a permanent Consul in AsterabadNews received that the ‘Chief’ [Khan] of Khiva, Reheem Kolee Khan [Muḥammad Raḥim Qulī Khān], is dead and has been succeeded by his brother Baber Jan Khan [Abū al-Ghāzī Muḥammad Amīn Bahādur Khān], and Sheil’s suggestion that since the Chiefs of Khiva are ‘favourably disposed’ towards the ‘English’ Government, he could encourage this feeling by sending someone to offer congratulations on Baber Jan Khan’s accession and give a few presents to himReports that the Asofood-dowleh was engaged in collecting troops, for an unknown purpose, but had then unexpectedly countermanded his preparations for this and dispersed the forces he had assembledNejeeb Pasha [Gürcü Mehmet Necip Pasha, or Muḥammad Najīb Pāshā, Wali or Governor of Baghdad] complaining of the intention of the Persian Government to build forts on the frontier with Turkey at Mohummera [Khorramshahr, also spelled Mohemmera in this item] and Zohab [Sarpol-e Zahab]; the Persian Government sending engineers towards Bayazeed [Doğubayazıt], Zohab and Mohemmera for that purpose; and the engineers being withdrawn from the frontier following remonstrance from Sheil and the Russian Minister to Persia, Prince Dolgorouki [Prince Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorukov]Nejeeb Pasha receiving instructions from the Porte to establish passport regulations and to levy a sum of six Piastres from Persian pilgrimsCommodore Hawkins having succeeded in obtaining from the ‘Chief’ or Governor of Kenn [Kish Island] the value of the British property which had been plundered from the wreck of the Company’s schooner Emilyby the Governor and inhabitants of the island, but having apparently exceeded the instructions given to him by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Major Samuel Hennell, in demanding an additional sum of 1500 Tomans from the Governor of Kenn on account of treasure belonging to Persian merchants plundered from the vessel.The despatches include additional enclosed correspondence, including correspondence between Sheil and Hajee Meerza Aghassee.Physical description: 1 item (128 folios)

4. Persian Affairs and Persian Gulf Affairs

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Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 8 dated 16 January 1856. The enclosures are dated 3-22 December 1855.The item comprises copies of despatches, with relevant enclosures, from Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy in Persia [Iran], to the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, forwarded to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, and from Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Acting Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay.Murray’s despatches relate to his suspension of diplomatic relations between the British Mission in Tehran and the Persian Government in connection with: the opposition of the Sadr Azim [Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam, Persian Prime Minister, spelled in various ways in this item] to Murray’s appointment of Meerza Hashem Khan [Mīrzā Hāshim Khān] to the British Agency at Sheeraz [Shiraz]; the Sadr Azim’s imprisonment of Meerza Hashem Khan’s wife; and the ‘insults’ and ‘calumnies’ circulated by the Persian Government against Murray and other British officials in Tehran. Notably covered are:Murray’s assertion of the Sadr Azim’s excessive influence over the ShahThe purported feud between the families of Meerza Hashem Khan and the Sadr AzimThe Sadr Azim’s contention that there has never been a British Agent at Shiraz and that Meerza Hashem Khan was in the pay of the Persian Government and therefore ineligible for employment by the BritishAttempts by Nicolas Prosper Bourée, French Consul at Tehran, to mediate between Murray and the Persian GovernmentMurray’s decision to haul down the flag of the British Mission in TehranMurray’s vehement denial of Persian claims that both he and William Taylour Thomson, the former Chargé d’Affaires at the Court of Persia, had affairs with the wife of Meerza Hashem Khan (see ff 101-102, 103-106 and 116-117) and that Thomson originally took Meerza Hashem Khan under the protection and employment of the British Mission for this reasonMurray’s refusal to rehoist the flag unless the Meerza’s wife is released and an apology is received from the Sadr Azim for the ‘gross and groundless’ ‘calumnies’ (f 98)Murray’s arrangements for the withdrawal the British Mission to Turkish [Ottoman] Territory, and (despite the opposition of the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs) for HM Consul, Richard Stevens, to remain in TehranThe Persian Government’s insistence on its continued friendship with the British Government.The despatches include copies of Murray’s correspondence with the Sadr Azim and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and copies of notes written by the Shah.Also covered in Murray’s despatches are:Rumours of the death of Dost Mahomed Khan [Emir Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy]Reports of the seizure of Herat by Prince Mahomed Yoosuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf Khān, Regent of Herat] and the apparent state of ‘civil war’ in Afghanistan (f 67)Intelligence from the British Agent at Meshed [Mashhad] relating the story of Hassan Ali Khan [Ḥasan ‘Alī Khān] in Bokhara [Bukhara] concerning his encounters with a man he suspects is a European [‘Perhaps Ferguson’ is noted in the left hand margin of folio 64]Russian incursions into the territory of the Khan of Khokand [Muḥammad Khudāyār Khān, Khān of Kokand]The Imam of Muscat’s letter asking Murray to mediate in his dispute with the Persian Government concerning ownership of Bender Abbass [Bandar Abbas].Jones’s despatches cover his reaction to the news of the suspension of diplomatic relations between Britain and Persia, including his: concerns about the defences of Bushire [Bushehr] and a potential conflict there with Persia; communications with Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commanding the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, with regard to strengthening the squadron in the Bushire Roads to protect British subjects; and measures to establish good communications with Murray. Also included is a copy of a ruckum [raqam] from HRH Prince Tamasp Meerza Prince Governor of Fars [Shāhzādah Ṭahmāsp/Ṭahmāsb Mīrzā Muʾayyid al-Dawlah], to the News Writer and Agent for Foreign Affairs, Bushire, intimating he has no quarrel with the Resident.Physical description: 1 item (76 folios)

5. Affairs in the Punjab and the Countries Beyond the Indus, notably Afghanistan and Persia

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Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Meerut) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1838, dated 8 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 September 1837-7 February 1838.The primary correspondents are: Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling and other variations also used in this item].Enclosures 3-120 and 126-128 (ff 49-505 and ff 525-532) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this spelling and variations of ‘Ranjit’ also used in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshwar and Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and other political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s critical remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to Wade’s own political analyses. The correspondence takes place amid a rumoured then an actual Persian expedition to conquer Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:British relations with Maharajah Runjeet Singh, including: the issue of the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers of Sinde [Amīrs of Sindh] by Runjeet Singh; intelligence reports by Wade’s munshi [secretary] (ff 52-56, ff 110-115); correspondence regarding a potential meeting between Runjeet Singh and the Governor-General of India; and reports of Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson on affairs on the Peshawar frontier (ff 265-268, ff 272-274, ff 277-289)Relations of Herat with Persia and British policy regarding them, including: news of the arrival in Tehran of an envoy from Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat; and views of Burnes and Wade on the ‘designs’ of Persia on Herat (ff 297-301)British policy towards Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], Ruler of Cabool, including: Burnes’s reports from Cabool on his meetings with Dost Mahomed (ff 134-141, ff 360-369); Burnes’s and Wade’s views on the ambitions of Dost Mahomed regarding branches of his family in Candahar [Kandahar; this spelling is also used in this item] and Peshawar, and his relations with Persia and Russia; British encouragement of Dost Mahomed to seek a reconciliation with their ally Runjeet Singh; Burnes’s and Wade’s assessment of the geo-political situation on the western frontier of British dominions in India and the aim of maintaining a balance of power advantageous to Britain between Cabool, Candahar, Herat, Persia, the Punjab and Sinde and which might avert any alliances with Russia (ff 78-82, ff 345-358)Burnes’s activities with regard to Candahar, and Candahar’s relations with Cabool and Persia, including: Burnes’s efforts to prevent Sirdar Kohin Dil Khan [Sirdār Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son Mahomed Omar Khan [Muḥammad Umar Khān] with an envoy, to conciliate Persia (ff 235-237); Kohin Dil Khan’s and his chief advisor’s letters to Dost Mahomed expressing obedience to the Ameer of Cabool, fear of Persia and the desire to depose the Ruler of Herat who repeatedly threatens to attack Candahar (ff 379-383); and Burnes’s instructions to Lieutenant Robert Leech, whom he deputes to Candahar with an offer of monetary and military support in the event of Persia conquering Herat (ff 471-477)Dost Mahomed Khan’ s relations with Russia and Persia, and British policy regarding them, including: Burnes’s alarm at the arrival in Cabool of a Russian agent, Captain Waitcawitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] (ff 444-449); Wade’s detailed views on the positions of Persia and Russia in connection with Dost Mahomed and Afghanistan and the policy of discouraging the latter’s ‘ambitions’ (ff 415-421); and Macnaghten’s disapproval of Burnes’s promise of troops and pecuniary aid to the rulers of Candahar in the event of the Russian-supported Persian capture of Herat (ff 451-457)The Persian expedition against Herat, including: news of the defeat of Ghurian [Ghuryan, also spelled Ghoorian in this item] and siege of Herat; and Wade’s suggestion that Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger, detained by the Herat authorities, act as a mediator (albeit without authority from the Government of India), provide intelligence, and ensure that Kamran Shah resists Persia.The following matters and documents are also included:Wade’s response to overtures of friendship made to him by Mir Alam Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān], Ruler of Bajour, and Fatah Khan Panjtari, [Fatḥ Khān, Ruler of Panjtar] (ff 124-125)Disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool caused by differences between the Governor of Mooltan [Multan] and the Ruler of Bhawalpoor (ff 132-133, ff 152-153)A report by Lieutenant Leech, Bombay Engineers, entitled ‘Description of the Khyber Pass and of the Tribes inhabiting it’ (ff 143-150)Praise by Wade and Burnes of intelligence provided by Charles Masson in Cabool (ff 180-183)Burnes’s emphasis on conciliating the Lohani [a Pashtun tribe] ‘chiefs’, described by Wade as ‘meritorious merchants’ (f 184)Burnes’s report on the ‘commercial views and prospects of Russia in Central Asia’ (f 203), notably Russia’s relations with the rulers of Bokhara, Khiva [also referred to as ‘Orgunge’] and Kokan (ff 199-207)Burnes’s deputation of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood to Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg] Uzbeck ruler of Koondooz [Uzbek ruler of Kunduz], to treat the eye ailment of Moorad Beg’s brother (ff 251-263), and Macnaghten’s approbation for Burnes’s improvement of British relations with Koondooz.Enclosures 121-125 (ff 506-524) comprise despatches between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde, and Macnaghten, notably regarding the apparent procrastination of the Ameers of Sinde over the establishment of a British Resident in their territory. Also covered is the progress made by Lieutenant Thomas Greer Carless in his survey of the Indus and Kurachee [Karachi] Harbour.Physical description: 1 item (505 folios)

6. Affairs in Sinde, Lahore and Afghanistan

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Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Fort William) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 4 of 1838, dated 21 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 7 August-25 November 1837.The primary correspondents are: Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde [Sindh]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling also used in the item and other variations].Enclosures 3-23 (ff 544-615) comprise despatches between Pottinger and Macnaghten. The despatches concern: British relations with the Ameers [Amīrs] of Sinde and negotiations for the establishment of a British Residency at Hyderabad [also spelled Hydrabad in this item]; relations and disputes between the Ameers of Sinde; relations between the Ameers of Sinde and the Government of Lahore [also spelled Lahor in this item]; and general political and military affairs in Sinde.The papers notably cover:British threats to neither exert influence over Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet [Maharaja Ranjit] Singh for the restoration of the Mazari [also spelled Muzaree in this item] districts to the Ameers nor to discourage the former from attacking Sinde, in response to the Ameers ‘procrastination’ regarding a British Residency in their capitalThe suspension of the Native Agent in Hyderabad for over-reaching his remit in negotiations with the Ameers regarding the Residency, and the appointment of his replacementThe return of Sindhian envoys from negotiations at the court of Runjeet Singh at Lahore, and Wade’s opinion that the Maharajah will not insist on the pecuniary conditions he has apparently imposed for the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers and for the withdrawal of the Sikh garrison at Rajan [Rajanpur or Rojhan?]Enclosures 24-59 (ff 616-766) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with Maharajah Runjeet Singh; the latter two’s relations with each other notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and general political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s disparaging remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to his own political analyses.The papers notably cover and include:Intelligence regarding the political situation in Cabool, Kandahar [also spelled Candahar in this item] and Herat, forwarded by Charles Masson from Afghanistan (ff 617-619, ff 622-623, ff 640-642, ff 646-650)Information concerning Kambar Ali Khan [Qanbar ʿAlī Khān, also spelled Kumbar in this item], the Persian envoy sent to KandaharThe despatch by Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] of an envoy to the Ruler of Kunduz regarding a potential alliance (ff 621-624)Burnes’s arrival at Peshawar and conclusion that Runjeet Singh would privately like to return the territory to the governorship of Sooltan Mahomed Khan [Sulṭān Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], as it is a drain on his Government’s finances (f 632)Burnes’s arrival at Khaibar [Khyber, this spelling also used in this item], and meetings with Kour Kurruck Singh [Kaur Kharak Singh, also spelled Kour Kharak Singh in this item], during which he emphasises the commercial intentions of the British MissionWade’s refutation of Burnes’s assertion that it would be easy to open the road through the Khaibar Pass and develop commerce between Punjab and Afghanistan (ff 687-691)Burnes’s report on the ‘Political Power of the Sikhs Westward of the Indus’ (ff 708-715) with Wade’s observations thereon (ff 693-698), and notes by Wade on the history and military career of Runjeet Singh (ff 693-705)Burnes’s reception in Cabool, conversations with Dost Mahomed, and opinion of the latter’s aggrandizement ambitions at the expense of his ‘brothers’ in Peshawar (f 750)Concerns expressed by Wade and the Government of India that Britain should not overtly mediate between the Sikhs and Afghans regarding control of Peshawar, and that Burnes: does not appear to act on behalf of Dost Mahomed, which could antagonise Britain’s ally Runjeet Singh and the Kandahar Sirdars [Sirdārs, leaders]; encourages Dost Mahomed to reconcile with his brother Sooltan Mahomed Khan and with the Maharajah; and emphasises that Britain will not intervene until Dost Mahomed relinquishes all connection with PersiaBurnes’s reports on the relations of the Kandahar sirdars with Persia and the Russian minister at Tehran, including the possibility of Kohin Dil Khan [Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son with an envoy to Persia (ff 717-726)British policy of averting the extension of Persian and Russian influence over Afghanistan, maintaining the divided distribution of power in Afghanistan, and prioritizing British relations with the Sikh and Sindhian rulersBurnes report that Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat, has acknowledged allegiance to Persia and sent an envoy to Tehran (f 744)Wade’s concern regarding Runjeet Singh’s apparent growing infirmity of mind and ‘misgovernment’ (ff 674-675)The favourable reception at Lahore of a Nepalese Mission (ff 666-669)A rebellion in Kashmir (ff 670-672)A dispute between the rulers of Bhawalpoor [Bahawalpur, also spelled Bahawalpoor in this item] and Mooltan [Multan], causing disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool.Physical description: 1 item (233 folios)

7. Persian Gulf Affairs

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Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay, Secret Department, to the Secret Committee, Number 82 of 1842, dated 18 July 1842.The enclosed papers, dated between May and July 1842, comprise minutes, correspondence and reports, and concern affairs in the Persian Gulf. The correspondence is between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dundas Robertson, Officiating Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Military Auditor General, Bombay; Captain Atkins Hamerton, British Consul and East India Company Agent in the Dominions of the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat; the Government of Bombay; and the Government of India.The papers cover several matters, including:The British withdrawal from the Island of Karrack [Kharg] and the re-establishment of the Residency at Bushire [Bushehr]The recommendation that Karrack become a sanatarium for sick EuropeansThe question of compensating the Residency Shroff following the attack on his house in Bushire in 1838Relations with the Wahabees [Wahhābīs] of Nedjd [Najd]Affairs of Bahrein [Bahrain]Question of where Captain Hamerton should reside within the Imaum of Muscat’s dominions and his efforts to procure suitable quarters at Zanzibar.A section of the item (ff 251-329) relates to affairs in Persia [Iran] and Central Asia, as well as the Persian Gulf. It consists of copies of despatches sent by Sir John McNeill, Envoy to Persia, to the Earl of Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen], Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The papers cover the following matters:News of the war in Afghanistan, including intelligence from Herat, Cabool [Kabul], and Candahar [Kandahar], and a translated copy of a letter (ff 282-289) from Mahomed Akber Khan [Muḥammad Akbar Khān], Afghan military leader, giving an account of the killing of William Hay Macnaghten, Political Agent at CaboolThe Persian response to the British defeat in AfghanistanRelations between Russia and Persia, particularly along the coast of the Caspian SeaDelivery of the ratified commercial treaty between Britain and Persia to the ShahAffairs in Bokhara [Bukhara], including the suspected execution of the British-employed messenger, Ephrain, suggestions that compensation should be given to his family, and the imprisonment of British officers Colonel Charles Stoddart and Captain Arthur Conolly, including a copy of the latter’s journal (ff 300-313)William Taylour Thomson’s visit to Merve [Merv].Physical description: 1 item (116 folios)

8. Bokhaurau Affairs

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of letters from Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Stoddart at Bokhaurau [Bukhara, also spelled Bokhara in this item], mostly concerning the desire of the Ameer [Emir] of Bokhaurau for a treaty of alliance with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Stoddart also gives his opinion on the disposition of the Shauh of Persia [Shah of Iran] towards the ‘English’. The letters are mainly addressed to Lord Palmerston, HM Minister for Foreign Affairs. There are also extracts of letters from Stoddart to Arthur Conolly, a letter to the Secretary to the Government of India, and a letter from Stoddart addressed to his relations, brothers and sisters. In addition, there is translated copy of a letter from the King of Bokhara [the Amir of Bukhara, Nasrullah Khan] to Queen Victoria, dated 16 March 1841.The letters are dated 17 February to 30 March 1841, and the copies were enclosed in a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 47 of 1841, dated 16 June 1841.Physical description: 1 item (29 folios)