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.
Abstract: Enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 46 of 1846, dated 15 April 1846. The enclosures are dated and contain correspondence relating to subjects not reported separately in other despatches. Contents mainly relate to affairs in the Punjaub [Punjab], including: relations between the British Government of India and the [Sikh] State of Lahore; the recognition of the independence of Maharajah Goolab Sing [Mahārājah Gulāb Singh] as the Ruler of Jammoo [Jammu State]; and fears of the Government of Bombay for the defencelessness of Bombay [Mumbai] harbour. There is a note in red ink on folio 616 indicating despatches 16-19 are missing, dated 29 October 1906. This item commences with an abstract of contents (folios 614-617). Correspondence from the Government of Bombay.Physical description: 1 item (26 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures to Despatch to the Secret Committee No. 15, dated 9 October 1837.The enclosures relate to affairs in Lahore (the Punjab) and Afghanistan, and are dated 24 July - 11 September 1837.The papers cover: correspondence from Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent, Loodeeana [Ludhiana], communicating political intelligence concerning the Punjab and Afghanistan; correspondence from Wade, and Captain Alexander Burnes, concerning the progress of Burnes's commercial mission to Cabool [Kabul]; remarks on Persian influence in Afghanistan; correspondence between the Governor General (Lord Auckland) and Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Punjab], expressing the mutual goodwill of the British Government and the Sikh nation, and a willingness to promote commercial ties; minute by the Governor General on British policy on the frontier of Afghanistan; replies from the Secretary to the Government of India (William Hay Macnaghten); and a letter from the Governor General to Burnes commending his services in Afghanistan.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-14, on folios 230-231. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
Abstract: Enclosures to Despatch to the Secret Committee No. 22, dated 27 December 1837.The enclosures relate to the affairs of Sinde [Sindh], Lahore (the Punjab), and Afghanistan, and are dated 3 June to 25 September 1837.The main correspondents are Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor General for the Affairs of Sindh; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent, Loodiana [Ludhiana]; and the Political Secretary to the Government of India (William Hay Macnaghten).The papers cover: correspondence from Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Commercial Mission to Cabool (Kabul); intelligence from Lahore; correspondence concerning the need for a British Resident in Hyderabad; reports on the conflict between the Sikhs and Afghans over Peshawar; overtures by the Amir of Kabul (Dost Mohomed Khan [Dost Muhammad Khan]) to the King of Persia [Iran] for assistance against the Sikhs; reports by Wade on the attitude of Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh]; reports by Charles Masson on the political situation in Afghanistan; reports by the Native Agent, Hyderabad; correspondence concerning the diplomatic mission of General Jean-Baptiste Ventura to the King of France on behalf of Ranjit Singh; itemised tables showing merchandise exported from Ludhiana, with comparative prices realised, and further information on trade in the region (folios 568-573); and correspondence between the Government of India, John McNeill (HBM's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia), and Burnes, acknowledging receipt of despatches concerning Persia and Afghanistan (the despatches themselves are not included).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-110, on folios 367-378. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
Naʻīm Allāh al-Ḥanafī al-Majdawī Bahrāychī.Lithographed.Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation. December 2002. http:purl.oclc.orgDLFbenchrepro0212 MHIn Persian.
Abstract: Diaries, consultations, and accounts of the East India Company merchants in Persia [Iran], specifically factories at Gambroon [Bandar-e ʿAbbās, Laristan, Iran], written and signed by John Geekie (Agent and Council) and Nathaniel Whitwell (succeeding Agent and Council) respectively, countersigned by various officials, St George Pack (Steward), Walter Ray, John Peirson (Secretary), Henry Savage, John Sewell, William Blandy (Examining Secretary), Hugh Bidwell, John Sherman, and Thomas Grendon. Comprised of multiple dispatches spanning the period 1 August 1737-31 August 1746, with two lacunae covering accounts between August 1738-July 1739 and September 1744-July 1745:Folios 3r-49r. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed by John Geekie (Agent and Council), countersigned by Nathaniel Whitwell, St George Pack, and Walter Ray, covering period 1 August 1737-31 July 1738. Received 29 June 1739, by ship
Onslow. Title page lostFolios 50r-103r. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed by Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council), countersigned by St George Pack and John Peirson, covering period 4 August 1739-31 July 1740. Received 2 August 1742, by ship
Fort St George. Title page lostFolios 104r-165r. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed by Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council), later replaced temporarily by John Geekie (former Agent and Council), countersigned by St George Pack, John Peirson, Henry Savage, and William Blandy, covering period 3 August 1740-31 July 1741. Received 5 August 1743, by ship
Porto Bello, also mentioning
Sallamander Bombketch[bomb ketch]. Title page, ‘Gambroon Diary’ (f 104r)Folios 166r-222r. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed by Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council), countersigned by St George Pack, John Peirson, and John Sewell, covering period 5 August 1741-29 July 1742. Received 13 September 1744, by ship
Salisbury. Title page, ‘Gambroon Diary & Consultations’ (f 165r)Folios 223r-255r. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed by Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council), countersigned by St George Pack and John Peirson, covering period 2 August 1742-27 July 1743. Received 30 December 1745, by ship
King William. Title page, ‘Gambroon Diary, & Consultations’ (f 223r)Folios 256r-307v. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed by Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council), countersigned by St George Pack, John Sherman, and Thomas Grendon, covering period 3 August 1743-31 July 1744. Original dispatch received at Bombay [Mumbai], 9 November 1744, by ship
Nancy Grab. Present copy received 30 December 1745, by ship
King William. Title page, ‘Gambroon Diary & Consultations Book’ (f 256r, see fragment on f 265a)Folios 308r-342v. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed by Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council), countersigned by St George Pack and John Hope, covering period 10 August 1745-31 July 1746. Received 22 August 1748, by ship
Portfield. Title page lost.Accounts cover the movements and changes between EIC officials at Gambroon; movements and changes between EIC officials at Schiraz [Shiraz], Carmenia or Carmania [Kerman], Bagdat [Baghdad], and Lhor [Lahore]; relations and news from EIC ports, presidencies, council and directors (India); English, French, Dutch, Arab and Indian shipping; salaries, financial compensation, banking through financiers (especially Bania communities); copies and translations of letters, treaties, and official documents; monthly and annual accounts; officers’ debts and estates of the deceased; assessments of market trading conditions; trade, valuations, and details on commodities (copper, sulphur, lumber) and processed or manufactured products (English, French, Dutch, Russian, Indian, and Chinese), especially gunpowder, wool, plain and fine textiles, as well as livestock, horses, food and drink (such as rice, China sugar, Java sugar, sugar candy, coffee, and alcohol); dearth of food; illness; swarming insects; weather and sea conditions; observations on festivities and ceremonies (‘Id and Nowruz); gifts; the import of enslaved persons from Africa.Substantial portions of accounts contain reports on the emerging conflict between Persian authorities and troops at Julfar [Ra's al-Khaymah, Asia, UAE], local Arabs, and the new Imaum of Muscatt [Imam of Muscat]; reports from Persia of the extermination of the last Safavid rulers and the military consolidation of Nadir Shaw [Nadir Shah Afshar], his relations with the Ottomans, the invasion of Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Timurid (Mogul [Mughal]) India, returning with looted wealth, impacts on the economy of Persia; Nadir Shah’s intention to establish a diplomatic alliance with England, aborted due to inadequate use of titles in English King’s letter. Several lacunae interrupt these accounts.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 346; 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.