« Previous |
1 - 12 of 35
|
Next »
Number of results to display per page
Search Results
1. 'Report by Major Wilson, Resident at Bushire, dated 11th September 1830, with observations on the Political condition of the Dourannee & neighbouring states by Mr. C. Masson. Vol: 4'
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of a copy of a covering letter from David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Government of Bombay, with enclosures. It is the fourth in a series of four items on general affairs in the Persian Gulf (the others are: IOR/F/4/1398/55440, IOR/F/4/1398/55441 and IOR/F/4/1399/55442).The enclosures to Wilson's letter consist of copies of observations made by Charles Masson, an individual who presented himself at the Residency in Bushire [Būshehr]. Between 1827 and 1830, Masson had travelled extensively throughout the Dourannee [Durrani] states (parts of modern day Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan), before arriving at Bushire via Muscat, Kishmee [Qeshm] and Bassadore [Bāsa'īdū]. Masson's observations relate to the political status, culture, languages and religions of numerous states, provinces and tribes, and the routes taken during his travels. They include details on: people encountered; caravan entourages; landscapes; climate; agriculture; and villages and fortresses along the routes. Particular attention is paid to Ranjeet Sing [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire] and 'the Seicks' [Sikhs]. Masson's observations are arranged under the following headings:'Observations on the political condition of the Doorannee states and of the neighbouring ones''Memorandum on Herat [Herāt]''Adventures from Kandahar to Serkarpore [Shikarpur]''Notice on the countries West of the Indus from the city of Deyrah Ghazie Khan [Dera Ghāzi Khān] to Kolleebat [Kālābāgh]''Adventures in a journey from Tak [Tank] to Peshawer [Peshawar] through the unfrequented countries of Muriout [Marwat, tribe] and Bunnoo [Bannu], the valleys of Angoo [Hangu], and Kwort [Kohat]''Notice on the Province of Jellalabad [Jalalabad] and on the Secapash [Siah-Posh Kafirs, tribe]''Passage through the Pass of Khybur [Khyber Pass] and notice on the countries, west of the Indus from Deyrah Ghazee Khan to Kollebah or Kolybah [Kālābāgh]. Passed through Khyber in July. Was in the countries west of the Indus from Christmas I suspect to April''Discovery of the sites of the ancient cities of Bucephalia and the presumed tomb of Bucephalus the charger of Alexander the Great''Memorandum on Lahore, the Seicks and their Kingdom and dependencies''Lahore via Mooltan [Multan], Ooch [Uch-i-Sharif], Kirepore [Khairpur], Hydrabad [Hyderabad] and Patta [Thatta] to Kerychee [Karachi] and the Ocean'.'Muriout' is also spelled 'Murwut' in the item.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Dept.', 'P.C. [Previous Communication] 1230, Draft' and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 229, and terminates at f 500, 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.
2. ‘Secret Letters received, by way of Marseilles, Feb:13.1856’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from the Government of Bombay (15-16 January 1856, Numbers 5-8 and 19). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The dispatches cover the following topics: the question as to whether Sirdars from Candahar [Kandahar] should be permitted to enter Sind, the conclusion of a formal peace agreement between the Oulaki and the Sultan of Lahedge [Lahej], measures to be taken against the Foutheli, and the position of the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf following the suspension of diplomatic ties with Persia. It also includes a couple of very brief updates on Turkish Arabia.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
3. ‘Secret Letters received January 1.1856 by way of Marseilles’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the President in Council (22 November 1855, Numbers 61-62) and the Government of Bombay (28 November and 3 December 1855, Numbers 71 and 73-75). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the President in Council (folios 9-16r) focus on news from Afghanistan and developments in the Nepalese-Tibetan War (1855-1856). They also include an acquittal for the conduct of Major-General Clarke and the question as to whether British mediation can be employed in the dispute between Maharaja Gulab Singh of Cashmere [Kashmir] and his nephew Raja Jowahir Singh.The section from Bombay (folios 16v-17) provides brief updates on Aden, Afghanistan, Persia, and the suppression of the East African Slave Trade.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
4. ‘Secret Letters received, by way of Marseilles, Nov.15.1856’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 October 1856, Numbers 46-50) and the Government of Bombay (17 October 1856, Numbers 77-79). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 90-94r) are concerned with Persian progress against Herat and Kelat [Kalat], the return of Futteh Khan from Afghanistan with the ratified Anglo-Afghan Treaty of Friendship (1855), the critical position of Herat and pleas for help from Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister-Regent of Herat].The section from Bombay (folios 94v-99) is also concerned with the critical position of Herat and Dost Mahomed's [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] inability to capitalise on the situation, the evacuation of British staff officers from Bushire, and discussion over objections raised in 1799 to the occupation of Perim Island in the Red Sea.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
5. ‘Secret Letters received, by way of Marseilles, Feb.16.1857’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8-9 January 1857, Numbers 1-5) and the Government of Bombay (16 January 1857, Numbers 7-14). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 31-41r) outline discussions between British officials over the likelihood of a Persian advance against Candahar [Kandahar], the prospects of Dost Mahommed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] retaking Herat from the Persians, and a proposal to raise a British force at Quetta. They also include discussion over the appointment of Sir James Outram as commander of the British Expeditionary Force against Persia, and his endowment with diplomatic powers by HM Government. Sir James Outram's pay and allowances, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacobs' promotion to Brigadier-General are also outlined.The section from Bombay (folios 41v-50) includes the following topics: the appointment of Sir James Outram's staff; a request from Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan (Political Resident, Aden) that Lieutenant Playfair should remain at Aden rather than serve in Persia; details of reinforcements sent to Bushire; Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs' views that the withdrawal of the Sind Horse [14th Prince of Wales's Own Scinde Horse] for service in Persia will leave the Sind frontier vulnerable to Afghan or Persian attacks; the re-occupation of Perim Island; news from Herat; an impending visit by Brigadier Coghlan to Lahedge [Lahej]; and reports from Major-General Foster Stalker on the progress of the British Expeditionary Force in southern Persia and efforts made to solicit the assistance of local chiefs.Physical description: 1 item (20 folios)
6. ‘Secret Letters received, by way of Marseilles, April 2.1856’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 February 1856, Numbers 8-9) and the Government of Bombay (5 March 1856, Number 9). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 85-89) include discussion of a report by Major Allen on the Northern Frontier of Pegu, a report on a visit by the Governor General (James Broun-Ramsey, Marquess of Dalhousie), accounts of Herat and Candahar [Kandahar], and opinions over the policy of Dost Mohamed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan].The section from Bombay (folios 90-91) outlines who should be consulted over the troops that could be sent to Persia in the event of conflict between Britain and Persia.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
7. ‘Secret Letters received, by way of Marseilles, March 3.1856’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 January 1856, Numbers 1-4) and the Government of Bombay (31 January and 2 February 1856, Numbers 10-13). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 37-55) cover a number of topics: the status of the French adventurer General Maha d'Orgoni, the conclusion of the Government of India's diplomatic mission to the Court of Ava, raids by tribes across the Punjab Frontier of British India, a debate over the effectiveness of military expeditions in suppressing tribes, the resignation of Major Coke as Deputy Commissioner of Kohat, the acquisition of Candahar [Kandahar] by Dost Mohammad Khan (Amir of Afghanistan), and discussion over the possibility of the Amir marching against Herat.The section from Bombay (folios 56-58) is mainly concerned with the line to be taken by the British authorities on applications to enter Sind from Candahar [Kandahar] Sirdars, and the despatch of British naval vessels to Bushire for possible action against Persia.Physical description: 1 item (22 folios)
8. ‘Secret Letters received, by way of Marseilles, June 30.1856’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from the Governor General of India (17 May 1856 Number 20 and 21 May 1856 Number 17).The despatches largely consist of updates on the situation at Candahar [Kandahar] and Herat. They also include an update related to the construction of the new town of Dalhousie.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
9. ‘Secret Letters received Feb:4.1856 by way of Marseilles’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from the Government of Bombay (1-2 January 1856, Numbers 1-4). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches are concerned with reports of the capture of Candahar [Kandahar] by Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan, and Persia's response. It also covers the state of relations between the British at Aden and the Foutheli, and contains brief reports of unrest at Mecca.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
10. ‘Secret Letters received June 2.1856’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 April 1856, Numbers 15-17) and the Government of Bombay (28 April 1856, Numbers 31-33). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 1-6r) include updates on the Karen people living on the border between British India and Burma, the failure of the Neringee village to hand over two of their members as demanded by the British authorities, a request from the Maharaja of Kashmir for the British to acknowledge his heir, the refusal of the Candahar [Kandahar] Sirdars to submit to Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan], murders alleged to have been committed by the village of Sungo against the Boneyr, and an attempt on the life of Khyber Khan (British Agent) while returning from Cabool [Kabul].The section from Bombay (folios 6v-8) contains a letter from Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan] of Herat requesting British assistance against Persia. It also discusses the arrival of Ali Moorad at Bombay and the opposition of the British authorities to his request to travel to England.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
11. ‘Secret Letters received from India, by way of Marseilles, Oct.4.1856’
- Description:
- Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (21-22 August 1856, Numbers 32-34) and the Government of Bombay (28-29 August 1856, Numbers 61-65). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 3-26r) include the following: a report on an expedition to the Upper Meerauzie and preparations for a second; reports of developments at Candahar [Kandahar] and Herat; a debate over whether – as a result of Persian encroachment on Herat – the Government of India should provide, or guarantee under certain conditions, assistance to Dost Mahomed Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan]; details of arms, ammunition, and finance to be supplied to Dost Mahomed following authorisation by the Secret Committee; details of the peace treaty signed between Nepal and Thibet [Tibet]; and news of the resignation of Jung Bahadoor [Jang Bahadur Kunwar Rana] as both Prime Minister of Nepal and Commander in Chief, and designation of his successor Bum Bahadoor [Bam Bahadur Kunwar Rana]. The despatches include a translation of a letter from Dost Mahomed to the Governor General (folio 8v-9), and a translation of a letter from Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister Regent of Herat] to Dost Mahomed (folio 9).The section from Bombay (folios 26v-35) considers the question of providing aid to the Khan of Kelat [Kalat] against Persia, arrangements for the suppression of slavery in the Persian Gulf; measures for enforcing Britain's treaties with the maritime chiefs of the Arabian Coast; and dissatisfaction in Arabia, Persia, and the Persian Gulf over British intervention in the slave trade.Physical description: 1 item (34 folios)
12. 'Enclosures to Secret Letters from India', Vol 58
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial statements and some local newsletters, relating to diplomatic, military and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 931-1264, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret Department, and Secret and Separate Department, 26 November 1838-21 July 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from January to April 1839 but the volume includes some from November and December 1838 and May 1839. Copy letters end on folio 810. Folios 811-838 contain: ‘List of Packets to the Hon’ble [Honourable] the Secret Committee of the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Per "Water Witch"’. The list includes dates and correspondents only.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister with the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Henry Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Thomas Herbert Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde [Sindh]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon, Political Assistant on Duty in the Bhawalpore Territory [Bahawalpur]; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat (late on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul]); Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent, on a Mission to Bhawalpore; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, Commanding Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Eldred Pottinger, British Political agent, Herat; Lieutenant-General John Keane, Commander of the Army of the Indus.Other correspondents include: R Leech, Political Assistant; George Clerk, Political Agent, Umballah [Ambala, North India]; Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, Political Assistant and Military Secretary to the Envoy and Minister; Lieutenant William Joseph Eastwick, Officiating Political Agent of Khyrpore [Khairpur] and Assistant to the Resident in Sinde (Henry Pottinger), also referred to as Political Agent in Shikapore, and later, in April 1839, deputed back to Hyderabad to take over from Henry Pottinger, assisted by Ross Bell); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant Colonel [I] Stuart, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; Major-General E H Simpson, Commanding Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; and various British diplomatic and administrative officials and military personnel.Matters covered notably include:Supplying the Army of the Indus (Bengal and Bombay Divisions and Shah Shoojah’s Force), particularly: obtaining grain, rice, forage, camels and artillery; recruiting non-military personnel, such as camel drivers; problems encountered by British agents in obtaining supplies, notably A C Gordon’s complaints about Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III], Nawab of Bhawalpore, whom he suspects of purposely reneging on treaty promises (contradicted by F Makeson, who considered the Nawab was doing his best despite genuine difficulties)Maintaining cash supplies to finance the expedition, particularly for: purchase of animals and food; payment of salaries; recruitment of suitable soldiers; payment of bribes, for example, to deter desertions; compensation of local famers for loss of animals, crops or infrastructure; purchase of woollen garments for Shah Shoojah’s force; enhancement of the police establishment due to numerous criminal acts committed in Shah Shoojah’s camp. Also covers methods of conveying cash during the advance and arrangements for conveyance of Shah Shoojah’s treasure and bullionProgress of the lines of advance, notably: communications between the two columns of the Army of the Indus; strategies of Keane and Cotton; crossing the river Indus and keeping its navigation open; the dilapidated state of Bukkur Fort; encampment at Shikapore [Shikarpur]; route to the Bolan Pass and Quetta; stationing stores depots and reserve forces along the route; reports of skirmishes, and plundering by Belochee (also spelt Beloochee) [Balochi] tribesmen on the route to Candahar [Kandahar]Relations between Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde, and the four Hyderabad ameers (Meer Noor Mahomed Khan, Meer Nusseer Mahomed Khan, Meer Mohamed Khan, and Meer Sobdar Khan), regarding British policy in the state, notably: British suspicions of the ameers’ perfidy and accusations of withholding ‘promised’ camels and grain for the Army of the Indus; Pottinger’s attempts variously to conciliate, chivvy and threaten the ameers; treaty terms issued to the four after the conquest of Kurachee [Karachi] in February 1839; Pottinger’s temporary retirement from Hyderabad in March 1839 due to stress and his quarrel with Alexander Burnes for allegedly undermining himIntelligence and situation reports notably from R Leech and Alexander Burnes on supposedly anti-British, pro-Persian and pro-Russian intrigues in Candahar and Cabool, activities of Russian envoy Captain Vitkievitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] and Afghan Ruler Dost Mohamed Khan; and affairs in Herat and attempts by Eldred Pottinger, Political Agent, to convert and retain the authorities as friends of the BritishBritish policy of conciliation and occupation with a view to securing the route and maintaining lines of communication and supply through Sinde, the Punjab and into Afghanistan, notably: hostile occupation of the strategic Moonarah [Manora] fort and the port of Kurachee by the British and treaty ‘of surrender’ with the local governor, 3 February 1839; British proclamation issued to the chiefs of Candahar and Cabool exhorting submission to the ‘rightful ruler’ Shah Shoojah; arrangements to keep reserve forces in Vikkur, Kurachee, Tatta (also spelt Tattah) [Thatta], Hyderabad, Khyrpore [Khairpur], the river Indus crossing, Bukkur, Shikapore, Quetta, and other strategic locations; attempts to solicit favour of Mehrab Khan [Mir Mehrab Khan Baloch II], the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], particularly to prevent his collusion with British enemies and to reduce attacks by Beloochee tribesmen on the daks [or dawks, mail service], supply chains and camps during the advance to Candahar (including idea to turn them into allies by employing them).Volume also includes Henry Fane’s views on the Western Frontier of British India (explaining where he thinks all points of the compass frontiers should be and why), dated May 1839, folios 757-764.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 841; 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.
- « Previous
- Next »
- 1 Current Page, Page 1
- 2
- 3