Abstract: This file consists mostly of translations of letters received by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, Major David Wilson, from a number of East India Company native agents. The letters concern developments on both sides of the Gulf. The most prominent correspondents are the following: Goolab [Gulab Anandadas], Native Agent at Muscat; Mirza Ally Akbar [Mirza Ali Akbar], Native Agent at Shiraz; and Moollah Houssein [Mullah Husain], Native Agent at Sharjah. In addition, there are letters from native representatives at Bahrein [Bahrain], Lingah [Bandar-e Lengeh] and Isfahan. Aside from the aforementioned correspondence, this file contains a small number of translations of letters addressed to the Resident (and in the case of two letters, to Captain William Sowden Collinson and William Bentick, Governor General of India, respectively) from local rulers, including the following: His Highness the Imam of Muscat [Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Sultan of Muscat and Oman]; Sooltan bin Suggur [Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Ra's al-Khaymah and Sharjah]; Shaik Abdool Russool Khan [Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rasūl Khān, Governor of Bushire]; Shaik Tahnoon [Tahnun bin Shakhbut Āl Nahyān, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi]; Shaik Abdoollah bin Ahmed [Shaikh Abdullah ibn Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah, Shaikh of Bahrain]; His Royal Highness the Shah of Persia [Fatḥ ʿAlī Shāh Qajar]; and His Royal Highness the Prince of Shiraz [Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mīrzā]. These letters appear either as attachments to the native agents' letters, or as singular items.Recurring themes found throughout the letters from the various native agents include relations between local rulers (both friendly and hostile) and the numerous visits undertaken by those rulers. The letters also discuss topics which are specific to the agent's region or location: agents writing from the ports of the Gulf report on the arrival and departure of ships (including French brigs); the Acting Agent at Bahrein provides updates on the pearl diving season; Mirza Ally Akbar [Mirza Ali Akbar], writing from Shiraz, relays information on the effects of the cholera outbreak in Tabreez [Tabrīz] and discusses relations between the Prince of Shiraz and the Russians.Physical description: Pagination: There is a pagination sequence which is written in ink, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio and in the top left corner of the verso of each recto.Foliation: There is a foliation sequence, which is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. This sequence begins on the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 79. This is the sequence used by this catalogue to reference items within the file.Condition: Some of the folios in this file have been damaged at the edges; as a result, some of the text has been lost.
Abstract: The volume contains correspondence relating to the employment and activities of British Agents responsible to the Persian Gulf Residency at Bushire. The correspondents include: Felix Jones, British Resident at Bushire; the Government of Bombay; Captain Christopher Palmer Rigby, British Consul and Agent at Zanzibar; Syed Thuweynee [Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Sultan of Muscat; the British Agency at Muscat; Commanders of the Persian Gulf Naval Squadron; the British Agency at Sharjah; the British Agency at Shiraz; Prince Tahmasp, Governor of Fars; Charles Murray (later Charles Alison), British Minister at Tehran; and Lieutenant R W Whish, Commander of the
Mahi.The volume is organised into sections, each relating to a different topic, as follows:Subject 1: Relates to the British Agent at Muscat, covering the following matters:the dismissal of Heskael bin Yusuf as Agent due to lack of communication and inefficiency;the appointment by Jones of Henry Chester as Agent, and his subsequent removal because of the need for officers of his rank in the navy;the argument, put forward by Jones, for the need for a British-born agent at Muscat because of the sensitive political situation (the political split between Zanzibar and Muscat), a new telegraph station at Muscat that requires the expertise to operate, the slave traffic in Oman, and the growing influence of foreign powers (France) in the country;the appointment of William Pengelley as Political Agent at Muscat.The section contains (folios 24-32) detailed instructions for new agents at Muscat and a discussion of the protection to be given to banyans (Indian traders) in the region and the extent of British jurisdiction.Subject 2: relates to friction and disagreement between Jones and Hormuzd Rassam, appointed temporarily as British Agent at Muscat, caused by the former communicating directly with the Sultan of Muscat and the latter considering himself under the authority of the Residency at Aden, not Bushire.Subject 3: relates to Hajee Yacoob [Ḥājī Ya‘qūb], British Agent at Shargah [Sharjah], including praise and reward for his good service, and compensation paid to the family of Hajee el-Mir [Ḥājī al-Mīr], a munshi who drowned off Sharjah and was employed at the Agency.Subject 4: also relates to Ḥājī Ya‘qūb, specifically the transferral of a boat in store at Bassadore [Bāsaʻīdū] to Sharjah for the use of the Agent.Subject 5: relates to the position of British Agent at Shiraz after the Anglo-Persian War. Matters covered include:the re-appointment of Meerza Mahomed Hussun Khan [Mīrza Moḥamad Ḥasan Khān] as agent by Jones and his subsequent dismissal in favour of Hajee Mahomed Khuleel [Ḥājī Moḥamad Khalīl], who had been appointed by Charles Augustus Murray, British Minister at Tehran;the disagreement between Jones and Murray following these events;the routes of communication with India to be used and whether, if Shiraz is bypassed, to retain an agent there.Subject 6: relates to the resignation of Ḥājī Moḥamad Khalīl as agent at Shiraz and a cholera epidemic affecting the city.Subject 7: relates to the appointment of E N Castelli as British Agent at Shiraz, his retirement shortly afterwards, and the re-appointment of Moḥamad Ḥasan Khān. Also briefly covers Charles Murray's return to Europe on sick leave.Subject 8: consists of correspondence between the Resident at Bushire and Castelli, Agent at Shiraz, on miscellaneous topics, including the case of a Persian merchant in Bombay, naturalised as a British subject, seeking legal protection in Persia, and the death of Mirza Mahomed Ali Khan [Mīrza Moḥamad ‘Ali Khān] Nawabi Hindi.Subject 9: relates to the work of several munshis employed by the British Government, including:interpreter Meerza Mahomed Jawad [Mīrza Moḥamad Jawād] joins a mission to Muskat [Muscat];praise for the work of Abdool Kurrem [‘Abdul Karīm];Abdool Cassim [‘Abdul Qāsim] transferred from the
Cliveto the
Aucklandto be appointed the Commodore's munshi.Subject 10: relates to a claim by Khulfan Rattonsee on the estate of the deceased brother of Moolla Ahmed [Mullā Aḥmad], British Agent at Lingah and complaints made about former Muscat Agent, Hezkiel.Subject 11: relates to leave granted to Khodadad bin Mahomed [Khudādād bin Moḥamad], Slave Agent at Bāsaʻīdū, in order to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.Physical description: Foliation is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio of writing, on number 2, and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 303. There are the following irregularities: f 55 is followed by f 55A; f 90 is followed by f 90A; f 106 is followed by ff 106A-B; f 158 is followed by f 158A; f 162 is followed by f 162A; f 195 is followed f 195A; f 207 is followed by f 207A; f 218 is followed by f 218A; f 237 is followed by f 237A; f 238 is followed by f 238A; f 255 is followed by f 255A; f 267 is followed by f 267A; f 278 is followed by f 278A; f 280 is followed by f 280A; f 286 is followed by f 286A.
Abstract: This volume is the Diary and Consultation Book of William Henry Draper, 'Cheif for Affairs of the British Nation in the Gulph of Persia'. The volume contains diary entries and consultations at Gombroon [Bandar-e ‘Abbas], including: the appointment of John Fothringham to take 'Charge of the Warehouse', and William May as Steward, who will also assist St George Pack with the 'Secretary's business'; a remonstrance by the President of Bombay to the Bashaw of Bussorah [Pasha of Basra], and a letter from the Factory at Gombroon to the Court of Directors, delivered by Captain Martin French, on his way to Bussorah; the departure of the Supravisor Thomas Waters for Bombay [Mumbai], and the appointment of Draper as Chief Agent; a letter from John Courtney recommending two 'Mogull' passengers travelling with the
Sallamat Rust, and requesting a convoy between 'Kishmish' [Qeshm] and Bussorah; a report that 'the Arabs [are] fitting out two Large Shipps w[i]th a Design to Cruize'; the instructions of Captain French to levy a duty on 'all Pepper imported at Bussarah'; the return of the Frigate
Britanniaafter escorting the Supravisor to Jasques [Jask]; the letters to Owen Phillipps and the English Factory in Spahaun [Eşfahān], informing them of ‘the Supravisors Departure and the orders he had left behind’, and the Presidency's disapproval of their slackness in securing the release of the personnel at Spahaun; the orders to the commander of the
Britannia, Captain Benson, to cruise between Cape Musseldom and Kishmish; the departure of a ship belonging to the Dutch East India Company for Bussorah carrying over 10,000 Tomans [Tumans]; a report about Prince Sultan Mahomed Mirza [Safavi] and 'Rice Jungie [i.e. Ra'is Jangi] the head of the Balooches' [Mir Abd Allah Khan Baluch] marching towards Gombroon to prevent its takeover by the former Shawbunder Mirzah Zaid Ally [Shahbandar Mirza Zahid ‘Ali Lari]; the news of 'Shaik Jeebarrah [Shaikh Jibarah bin Yasir al-Nasuri] declaring for the "Ophgoon interest" [Ghilza’i Afghans] and joining Mirzah Zaid Ally at Lhor [Lar]'; the orders to Captain Benson to prevent a vessel flying English colours from calling at Bassidore [Basa'idu]; a letter from Shaw Thomas [Shah Tahmasb II Safavi] on his siege of Carmania [Kerman] and intention to take Syde Achmat Caun [Sayyid Ahmad Khan Mar’ashi Safavi] prisoner; the instructions to Benson on any ships he encounters in 'Bassidore Road belonging to Cutch [Kutch] [and] Syndee [Sindh]'; the letters of Shaw Ashroph [Shah Ashraf Ghilza’i] to the Governor of Shyrash [Shiraz]; a letter from the Presidency of Bombay demanding payment from Shaikh Rashid and the suppression of trade at Basa'idu; an exchange of messages between Draper and the Governor of Gombroon; a message from Shaikh Rashid to Draper requesting that the
Britanniacease diverting vessels away from Bassidore; the decision for Draper to take charge of the expedition to Bassidore and the preparation of a 'Memorial' to Shaikh Rashid; the conference between the Factory's linguist [interpreter] and the Governor of Gombroon; the letters from Abde’ Rahman Bashaw [Abd al-Rahman Pasha] and the Kyah of Bussorah to the Supravisor; the refusal of the Governor Mahomed Sally Begg [Muhammad Zal Beg] to hand over half of the customs; the relocation of Mirza Zahid ‘Ali to Sullgar 'a Large village near Lhor'; the arrival of the first Caphilah [qafilah, caravan] from Spahaun since 1722; the imprisonment of the merchant Hossein Begg [Husayn Beg]; the arrival of Sultan Muhammad Mirza Safavi's soldiers; the visit of the Governor of Gombroon to the Dutch Factory; a letter from the 'Cawzy' [i.e. Qazi / Qadi, or Judge] of Gombroon on Sultan Muhammad Mirza's reaction to the Bassidore expedition, and his decision to besiege the Factory at Gombroon; the letter from Draper to the 'most Illustrious Prince Sultan Mahomed Mirzah'; the diversion of the
Fatteramania[Fath’-i Rahmani] and two other vessels from Bassidore; the mission of Rice Jungie's son to arrest Muhammad Zal Beg and besiege the Factory; the instructions to Cordeaux on the defence of Gombroon; an order from Sultan Muhammad Mirza to Muhammad Zal Beg to apprehend the merchants from Spahaun; the demands of the Grand Seigniour [Ottoman Sultan Ahmed III] from Shah Ashraf Ghilza’i, calling on him to surrender 'Casbin [Qazvin], Guilpagon [Gulpaygan?], & Sava [Savah]', return the 'Artillery, Money, Tents, & goods' captured from Gürcü Ahmed Pasha, and mint coins in the Sultan's name acknowledging him as the 'Emperour of the Muslemen'; the letters of Shaikh Rashid and the 'Principal Merchants at Bassidore'; a letter dispatched by Mirza Zahid Ali to Draper from Congo [Kong]; a letter from Shaikh Rashid thanking Draper for recalling his ships from Bassidore; the refusal of Captain Benson to comply with Draper's instructions; the arrival of the
Fame,
Fort St George,
Salamanderand a ship belonging to the 'Emamum' [Imam] at Mocha; the advices to the Court of Directors carried by a 'Moors [i.e. Arabs'] Grabb' to Bussorah; the orders to Captain Phillip Peers, Commander of the
Bengall[Bengal] Galley, to proceed to Lhoft [Laft]; the arrival of the Harrison with the Bashaw of Bussorah’s answer to the President's remonstrance; a letter from Sultan Muhammad Mirza to Draper appointing him Shahbandar of Gombroon; a letter from Draper to Abde Rahman Basahaw [Abd al-Rahman Pasha], Governor of Bussorah; the arrival of the
Wakefieldunder the command of Captain Thomas Dixon; the instructions of the Chief Agent to Captain Peers and Captain Benson for a cruise to Bassidore, Asilo [Asaluyah], Charack [Charak], Bunder Bourchier [Bandar-i Bushihr] and other ports; the duel fought between Fotheringham and Draper outside the Factory in Gombroon; the declaration of Draper to Sergeant William Sharp, Sergeant Thomas Boyden and the military; the depositions of Sharp and Boyden concerning the duel and Cordeaux's appeal to the soldiers; the letter from Draper to French in Bussorah, ordering him to return at the 'very first opportunity'; the arrest of Cordeux by a 'file of Musqueteers'; and the breakup of Sultan Muhammad Mirza's camp, and his march to join Mir Abd Allah Khan Baluch.Physical description: The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 86; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The volumes consist of letters outwards from the British Residency in the Persian Gulf. Most of these letters were originally penned by Samuel Hennell (Resident), with a few towards the end of the second volume penned by Thomas Edmunds (Assistant Resident). Most of these letters are addressed to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay in the Political and Secret Departments; Lestock Robert Reid, Acting Chief Secretary to the Bombay Government; George Barnes Brucks, Commodore of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf; the Secret Committee of the Court of the Directors of the East India Company, London; and Robert Taylor, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Bagdad [Baghdad]. The remaining correspondence is directed towards various officers/officials/servants of the British Government and the East India Company. Some letters also have translations of correspondence to and from various rulers in and around the Persian Gulf enclosed.Much of the correspondence concerns the conquest of Nedgd [Najd] by Khorshed Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā], Commander of Egyptian Forces in Central Arabia, and the establishment of Ameer Khalid [Amīr Khālid] — also known as Khaled ben Saood — as ruler of that province. Much of the correspondence therefore concerns itself with Khorshed Pasha's efforts to extend Egyptian influence throughout the rest of the Arabian Peninsula and therefore extend the power of its ruler Mahomed Ally Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā]; the British are specifically concerned about Bahrein [Bahrain], Bagdad, Bussora [Basra], Koweit, and the various rulers of Oman submitting to becoming vassals of Egypt. Much of the subject matter therefore relates to the Resident trying to check the advancement of Egyptian power in order to maintain Britain's dominant position, its reputation, and prestige in the Persian Gulf. A specific example being the removal of Sued ben Mootluk, an Agent to Khorshid Pasha operating in Oman; the agent was claiming to have been empowered to rule Oman on Khorshid Pasha's behalf.Another major topic concerns political relations between Britain and Persia. A diplomatic rupture between the two states takes place, and all communications between the Resident and the Government of Fars is therefore suspended. The correspondence covers events in Southern Persia leading up to — and following — the removal of the British Residency from Bushire on 29 March 1839 to Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye]; a diary of events leading up to the removal of the Residency is enclosed. The correspondence also concerns itself with the British force stationed — without the permission of the Persian Government — on the island of Karrack, along with subsequent reports of disturbances surrounding Shiraz and Bushire.Other matters featured in the volumes include a visit to the Persian Gulf by Sir Frederick Maitland, Commander-in-Chief of the East Indies and China, aboard HMS
Wellesley; efforts by the British to prevent the abduction of Africans for sale as slaves in the Persian Gulf; and discussions relating to the deployment of the ships of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf.It also contains material of a routine nature such as the transmission of letters, packets, and parcels; and the issuing of disbursements.The volumes appear to have been subjected to a degree of weeding, as evidenced by the gaps present in the original pagination. As a result, some letters are only present as fragments (i.e. only the opening or ends of some letters remain).Physical description: Condition: The volumes are by and large in good condition, though on a small number of folios the ink has faded; in consequence, the text is therefore difficult to read on these folios. A very small number of folios have also suffered physical damage at the edges, and therefore a small proportion of the text has been lost.Foliation: The foliation sequence runs through two physical volumes. This sequence commences at the first folio of the volume one and terminates at the back cover of volume two; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The volumes contain the following foliation corrections; f. 111, and ff. 111A-F.Pagination: There is an original pagination sequence, which is written in ink, that is also present in the volumes between ff. 1-220; these numbers are located in the top outermost corner of each page. There are a large number of gaps in this sequence, indicating that a degree of weeding has been undertaken at some point in the past.
Abstract: This volume contains correspondence sent to and from the East India Company Factory at Bussora [Basra] between 6 December 1775 and 4 October 1779 including the following:The correspondence between the East India Company agents at Bussora, William Digges Latouche and George Abraham and Soliman Aga the Mussaleem of Bussora [Haji Sulayman Agha, Mutasallim of Basra], Carim Caun [Karim Khan Zand, Vakil of Persia], Mirza Jaffir [Mirza Muhammad Ja’far Isfahani, Vizier of Persia] and Shaik Nassir of Bushire [Shaikh Nasir Al Mazkur, Hakim of Bushehr]The fleet sent by the Imaum of Muscat [Imam of Muscat] to assist in the defence of BussoraThe apparent expansion of the siege of Bussora, by Sadoo Can [Sadiq Khan Zand], into a full blockadeThe reports from Latouche and Abraham to the Court of Directors of the East India CompanyThe correspondence between the British Consul at Aleppo John Abbott, British Agent at Bussora residing in Bushire Henry Moore, and British Agent at Constantinople [Istanbul], Anthony Hayes regarding BussoraThe abstracts of the ‘charges general’ from the Bussora General Books listing expendituresA packet dispatched from Cairo to George Abbott in Constantinople and forwarded to the DirectorsThe surrender of the Mussaleem Soliman Aga to the Persian general Sadoo Can and the fall of BussoraThe advices on ‘some interesting points’ sent to the Presidency of Bombay through Aleppo, and in duplicate through Alexandria and Cairo to be forwarded by the Consul George BaldwinThe negotiations between Abraham and the ruler of Persia Carim Caun at Schyraz [Shiraz]The Phirmaund [Firman] of Carim Caun to Latouche, received by Abraham on 23 August 1776The ‘translates [i.e. translations] of sundry Phirmaunds’ from Carim Caun received on 16 June 1777The correspondence of Latouche and Abraham with Sir Robert Ainslie, His Majesty’s ‘Embassador at the Porte’ [HM Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire]The expenses incurred by Captain Francis McKenny in conveying a packet to Bussora for the CompanyThe commercial transactions of Latouche and Abraham with Coja Ezra bin Yacoob [Khwaja ‘Uzayr bin Ya’qub], Coja Ezekiel bin Ibrahim [Hizqiyal bin Ibrahim] and Coja Yacoob Aaron [Ya’qub Harun]The translation of another ‘Phirmaund’ from Carim Caun received at Bussora on 17th June 1778A letter from Colonel James Capper to the Secretary of the East India Company Peter MitchellThe correspondence between Latouche and Abraham and the French emissary Captain Borel du BourgA letter from Luke Pocock and Charles Mordaunt to the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and Members of the Secret Committee, andThe correspondence of Latouche and Abraham with P D Bonnevaux and George Banks.Physical description: 1 volume (183 folios)
Abstract: This volume contains correspondence sent to and from the East India Company Factory at Bussora [Basra] between 27 April 1779 and 1 December 1783 including:The correspondence of William Digges Latouche and George Abraham, agents at the English factory in Bussora, with the Court of Directors of the East India Company in LondonThe expedition of Shaik Tamar [Shaikh Thamir bin Sa’dun al-Kabir] of the Montificks [Muntafiq Tribe] against the Khesaal [Khaza’il] ArabsThe Government of the Mussaleem [Mutasallim] of Bussora, Soliman Aga [Sulayman Agha]The imprisonment by Sadoo Caun [Muhammad Sadiq Khan Zand] of his nephew Abdul Fatty Caun [Abu’l-Fath’ Khan Zand], the eldest son of the Vakeel [Karim Khan Zand]The capture of Bushire [Bushehr] by Reis Baackir Caun [Ra’is Baqir Khan] of the Tanksoors [Tangsiris]The victory of Ally Morat Caun [‘Ali Murad Khan Zand] against Zolfacker Caun [Dhu’lfaqar Khan Afshar] and his preparations to march against Sadoo Caun at Schyras [Shiraz]The defeat of Mahomet Bey [Muhammad Bey] and Mahomet Khaleel Oghly [Muhammad Khalil-oghli’s] Turkish and Persian forces outside Bagdat [Baghdad]The correspondence of Latouche with Sir Robert Ainslie, British Ambassador at Constantinople [Istanbul]The expulsion of Jaffer Caun [Ja’far Khan Zand], and departure of the armies of Ally Nacquy Caun [‘Ali Naqi Khan Zand] and Ackba Caun [Akbar Khan Zand] from SchyrasThe letters of John Beaumont, Resident at Bushire to the Chairman of the Court of DirectorsThe correspondence of Captain Richard Scott from Bussora with the Secretary of the East India Company Peter MitchellThe arrival of the new Mussaleem Ismael Aga [Isma’il Agha] from BagdatThe appointment of Edward Galley to succeed John Beaumont as Resident at BushireThe clashes between Ally Nacquy Caun and Ally Morad Caun over possession of Ispahan [Isfahan]The arrival of Samuel Manesty for the ‘assistance of the settlement’ at BussoraThe correspondence of Latouche with the Secret Committee of the East India CompanyThe accounts of profits and losses taken from the General Books of the English Factory at BussoraThe accounts of ‘charges general’ listing expenditures, reasons, and the amount of cash in accountThe letters of Commander-in-Chief, India, Sir Eyre Coote to Colonel John Brathwaite, dated 6 July 1781The correspondence of the President of Bombay, William Hornby, with Latouche at BussoraThe ‘dispossession’ of Rajah Chit Sing [Raja Chait Singh] of Benaras [Benares]The clashes between the forces of Hyder [Haydar ‘Ali] and CooteThe death of Taggy Caun [Taqi Khan Zand], entrance of Ally Morat Caun into Schyras, and withdrawal of Sadoo Caun and Abdul Fatty Caun into the citadelThe surrender of the citadel of Schyras to Ally Morat Caun, the blinding of his rival Sadoo Caun, and the latter’s subsequent suicide from opium poisoningThe correspondence of Latouche with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Court of DirectorsThe Bacha of Bagdat and his Montifick allies’ campaign against the Ghesaal [Khaza’il]The correspondence of Rawson Hart Boddam from Surat with Latouche at BussoraThe treaty of alliance between the British and the Maharata [Maratha] statesThe success of General Richard Matthews in taking the fortress of BednoreThe rumours about the death of Bussey [Charles Joseph Patissier, Marquis of Bussy-Castelanu]The death of Hyder and Tippoo [Tipu Sultan’s] joining the army of MysoreA packet of letters from Bussora, received by Ambassador Ainslie at Constantinople, and forwarded by him to Envoy Extraordinary at Vienna, Sir Robert Murray Keith, to be delivered to the Secret CommitteeThe correspondence of Major Thomas Geils from Bagdad with Sir Henry FletcherThe war between Mahomed the son of Shaik Soliman [Shaikh Muhammad bin Sulayman al-Ka’bi] and Shaik Gathban [Shaikh Ghadban al-Ka’bi] of the Chaubs [Banu Ka'b tribe]The request from Latouche to leave the factory in charge of ManestyA rumour about the death of Madjee Scinida [Mahadji Sindhia] near Oude [Awadh]The correspondence of David Hays from Aleppo with Latouche, with the attestations of Vincenzo Ottonelli and Giuseppe Donato about the packets from BussoraThe agreement between the Chaub and Shaik Swiney [Shaikh Thuwayni bin ‘Abd Allah al-Sa’dun], andThe disagreement between Shaik Nasir [Shaikh Nasir Al Mazkur] of Bushire and the Shaik of Julfar [Shaikh Saqar bin Rashid al-Qasimi]Physical description: 1 volume (184 folios)
Abstract: These volumes contain the correspondence of the East India Company Factory at Bussora [Basra] with the Court of Directors and Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the Company in London, as well as occasional correspondence with the Bacha of Bagdat [Pāshā of Baghdad], the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Porte, the Zand rulers of Persia [Iran], and the President and Governor in Council at Bombay [Mumbai].Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of four physical volumes. The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio of volume one (ff 1-201a), through volume two (ff 202-404a), volume three (ff 405-606a), and terminates at the last folio of volume four (ff 607-804); these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves of each volume. The sequence contains three foliation anomalies: f 201a; f 404a; f 606a.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 18 of 1841, dated 26 March 1841. The enclosures are dated 10 August 1840 to 27 March 1841. They mainly consist of copies of correspondence sent and received by the Government of Bombay, relating to the Persian Gulf and Zanzibar.The correspondence is mostly between the following: the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby); the Secretary to the Government of India (Thomas Herbert Maddock); the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Samuel Hennell); the British Agent at Muscat (Captain Atkins Hamerton); the Superintendent of the Indian Navy (Captain Robert Oliver); and Commodore G B Brooks, Commanding the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf of Persia.The correspondence discusses matters including:The claim for compensation by Hajee Mahomed Ally Suffur (also spelled Hajee Mahomed Aly Jaffer) against the Shaikh of Kishm [Qishm, also spelled Kishin] for a quantity of sugar belonging to him, said to have been taken from the wreck of the buggalow
Futeh Ool Ruhman(also spelled
Futteh Ool Rahimanin this part) on the Island of QishmCaptain Hamerton proceeding on a mission to Zanzibar, and a deputation allowance of ten Rupees per day being granted to himThe suggestion of the Resident in the Persian Gulf that some small vessels should be attached to the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf, for the conveyance of important despatches to the Government of Bombay received via the Persian Gulf routeIntelligence received from Shiraz, including an account by the News Writer at Shiraz (Mirza Reza) of the ‘great disturbances’ which had recently taken place in the city, and news from other parts of Persia [Iran], including Kerman [Kirmān],Tehran, and Bushire [Būshehr]The proceedings of the Resident in the Persian Gulf in regard to the piracy stated to have been committed by Jubbur Rugragee (also spelled Jubber Ragragee) upon a boat belonging to Rasel Khyma [Ras Al Khaimah]The measures adopted by the Resident in the Persian Gulf for settling demands made against the Chief of Debaye [Dubai, also spelled Debayee], Shaikh Mookhtoom [Shaikh Maktoum bin Bati ibn Suhayl, also spelled Muckhtoom in this part], on account of the reported infractions of the maritime truce by his subjectsThe proceedings of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian GulfThe commanders and crews of the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat’s ships
Carolineand
Peidmontesebeing rewarded for the assistance they provided to the East India Company’s schooner
Emilyin March 1840, when it was in danger of being shipwrecked in Muscat CoveDr Thomas Mackenzie, the Civil Surgeon of the Residency in the Persian Gulf, being granted permission to proceed to Europe on furlough, and Assistant Surgeon Andrew Weatherhead being appointed to succeed him as Civil Surgeon.This part also includes enclosures relating to Oman, Bahrien [Bahrain, also spelled Bahrein in this part], and the Nejddee Country [Nejd, also spelled Nejdee in this part].Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-40, on folios 391-397. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of Enclosures to a Despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 29 of 1841, dated 26 April 1841. The enclosures are dated 6 February to 26 April 1841, and are mainly letters, relating to the Persian Gulf.The enclosures mostly consist of correspondence between the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby) and the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell) at Karrack [Kharg Island].This part also includes: correspondence between the Government of Bombay and the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; and letters to the Secretary to the Government of India, the Envoy and Minister at Cabool [Kabul], the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, and the Assistant to the Resident in the Persian Gulf.In addition, this part includes: reports from the News Writer at Shiraz (No. 18), a ‘Bushire merchant’ (No. 36), the Agent at Shargah [Sharjah] (Nos. 39 and 44), and the Native Agent at Muskat [Muscat] (Nos. 57-58).Matters discussed in the enclosures include:Repairs and alterations to the Fort at Karrack recommended by the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Nos. 3-5)Whether any alterations in the coinage of Persia [Iran] had been made subsequent to the introduction of the New Mahomed Shah Rupee and Toman, and whether any further appreciation of these coins had taken place (Nos 15-17)The visit of Syed Humood ben Azan [Ḥamūd bin Azan Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Chief of Sohar [Ṣuḥār], to Bombay (Nos. 19-22)The arrival at Karrack of Frederick Brenner, a Carmelite Friar, with the intention of officiating as a Catholic Clergyman to members of the Catholic Church residing on the Island (Nos. 26-28)Letters from Dr James Pringle Riach, attached to HM Mission at the Court of Persia, concerning his intention to travel to Ghorian [Ghōriyān] with an order from the Shah for the evacuation of the Fortress at Ghorian by the Persian troops, and for its immediate restoration to the Government of Herat (Nos. 30-32 and 50-51)The Resident in the Persian Gulf’s actions in relation to the Asseloo [Bandar-e ‘Asalūyeh] boats which had been cruising about for the ostensible purpose of seizing Congoon [Kāngān] boats (Nos. 40-41)The actions of Commodore George Barnes Brucks, Indian Navy, Commanding the Persian Gulf Naval Squadron, in the ‘settlement of claims’ existing against the Shaikhs of Biddah [Al Bidda] and Debaye [Dubai] (Nos. 46-48 and 56)The arrival of the Assistant to the Resident in the Persian Gulf at Paris en route to re-join his station in the Persian Gulf, and his request for permission to proceed to the Presidency after 1 June 1841 (Nos. 52-55)Copies of despatches from HBM Chargé d’Affaires at Persia (Justin Sheil) to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, enclosing translations of correspondence with the Prime Minister to the Shah, letters from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Persian Prince Reza Koolee Mirza, and
firmans[orders] by the Shah (No. 65)The detention of the East India Company’s brig of war
Tigrisin the Persian Gulf by the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Nos. 7-8), the despatch of the Company’s sloop of war
Elphinstonefor service in the Persian Gulf (No. 8), the despatch by the Resident of the Company’s schooner
Emilyto Bombay (Nos. 33-35), and its despatch from Bombay to the Persian Gulf (Nos. 66-67).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-67, on folios 422-434. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
Abstract: Consular diaries describing affairs in Shiraz and the surrounding area of Fars Province, Persia [Iran]. The diaries were submitted on a fortnightly basis (monthly from November 1945) by the British Consul at Shiraz. They cover the period of the Second World War, the Anglo-Soviet occupation of Persia (1941-1946) and the increasing political instability and social unrest that unfolded across the country during 1946. Subjects covered in the diaries include: the actions and movements of local Persian officials, both civil and military; internal security, chiefly focusing on raids on the roads into and out of Shiraz by tribal groups; tribes, and in particular the actions and movements of the Qashqai and its leader Naser Khan Qashqai; the economic situation, with particular reference to food prices and food supply; agriculture and irrigation projects; British officials and British military movements; Soviet interests; American [USA] interests; public health; public utilities, including water supplies, medical care, roads; local politics, including elections and a growing focus on the activities of the Tudeh Party of Iran throughout 1946; meteorological observations. The file also includes a report produced by the British Consul entitled ‘Appreciation of local conditions May to November 1944’ (ff 270-277).The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 362; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The first part of the file (ff 322-420) contains copies of various reports on the internal situation in the district of Fars, most of which were prepared by the British Consul at Shiraz between 1932 and 1939. These reports describe security, public order, economic conditions and agricultural productivity in Fars. Included in these reports is a detailed summary of events in Fars for the year 1936 (ff 352-370), and a report on the economic conditions in Fars in July 1937 (ff 334-346). These reports were written by the British Consul at Shiraz, Arnold Edwards Watkinson.The second part of the file contains papers dated from August 1941 to July 1944 (ff 5-320). These papers concern the situation in Fars in the wake of the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, and the two Allied powers’ occupation of Iran during the Second World War. These papers concern: the activities of the Qashgai [Qashqai] peoples and their leading representatives, including Muhammad Nasir Khan Qashgai; the Qashgai’s relations and negotiations with the Iranian and British Governments; the general security situation in the Fars district; reports on the whereabouts and activities of German spies believed to be operating in Fars, thought to be seeking influence with the Qashgai; security and defence of the oil refinery at Abadan. The principal correspondents in this part of the file are: the British Consul at Shiraz, Terence Vincent Brenan; HM’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Tehran, Reader William Bullard; the Foreign Office.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 421; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Papers and reports concerning a rebellion against the Persian Government by the country’s southern tribes (including the Qashqai and Bakhtiari) in the provinces of Isfahan and Fars in August 1946. The papers include: correspondence between the British Ambassador at Tehran, John Haller Le Rougetel, and the Foreign Office in London, reporting on events in Isfahan and Fars; correspondence concerning allegations made by the Persian Government that the British Consul General at Ahwaz [Ahvāz], Alan Charles Trott, was complicit in the rebellion; the British Government’s refutation of the claim; the Persian Government’s demand that the British Government recall Trott; the Persian Government’s eventual acceptance that Trott had no role in the affair; correspondence dated 1947 concerning the proofing and preparation of two reports, entitled
The Tribes of Farsand
Boir Ahamad,both by Lieutenant G F Magee. A draft copy of
The Tribes of Farsconstitutes the contents of the next file in the series: Coll 28/44A ‘Persia; Internal; Fars Affairs; Lt G. F. Magee’s report entitled “The Tribes of Fars”’ (IOR/L/PS/12/3449).The file contains two items written in French: These are statements issued by the Iranian Prime Minister, Ahmad Qavam (ff 139-140).The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 155; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.