Abstract: This file concerns the disputed Hashtadan lands, on the Perso-Afghan frontier. It begins with a confidential letter, dated 24 May 1885, from Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, Assistant Commissioner in charge, Afghan Boundary Commission, Camp Sinjao, to Earl Granville [Granville George Leveson-Gower, 2nd Earl Granville], Foreign Secretary, London.In his letter, Ridgeway summarises the current dispute, which began in March 1885, when the Persian authorities took steps to cultivate the disputed land, which had reportedly remained uncultivated for two generations. Ridgeway reports that on 12 April the Afghans responded by sending twenty irregular infantry with orders to stop the work. On 15 April, the Governor of Karaz (also spelled in the file as 'Karez') [Kārīz, Iran] arrived at Hashtadan with thirty Persian troopers. Ridgeway states that the matter was only temporarily resolved by William Rudolph Henry Merk, political officer on special duty with the Afghan boundary commission, who arranged that, pending inquiry, the Afghans should retire to Kafir Kala [Islām Qal‘ah, Afghanistan] and the Persians to Karaz.Ridgeway includes with his letter a series of enclosures which document the ongoing dispute. The enclosures are as follows:No. 1 Letter from Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan, agent of Abdur Rahman Khan, Amir [Emir] of Afghanistan, to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, member of the Council of India and Afghan boundary commissioner, dated 23 March 1885No. 2 Letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, Tirpul [Tir Pol, Afghanistan], to Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan, dated 26 March 1885No. 3 Telegram from Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson, Her Britannic Majesty's Minister, Teheran [Tehran], to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, no. 42, dated 2 April 1885No. 4 Letter from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs (unnamed) to Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson (no date)No. 5 Letter from William Rudolph Henry Merk, Hashtadan, to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 16 April 1885No. 6 Letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden to Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan, dated 17 April 1885No. 7 Letter from Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 18 April 1885No. 8 Letter from William Rudolph Henry Merk to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 27 April 1885No. 9 Letter from William Rudolph Henry Merk to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 1 May 1885No. 10 Telegram from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden to Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson, dated 2 May 1885No. 11 Letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden to the Governor General of Khorassan [Khorasan], dated 2 May 1885No. 12 Letter from the Governor General of Khorassan to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 5 May 1885No. 13 Extract from a report of Khan Baba Khan, Native Agent, to Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, Assistant Commissioner in charge, Afghan Boundary Commission, dated 6 May 1885No. 14 Telegram from Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 7 May 1885No. 15 Extract from a demi-official letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, Mashad [Mashhad], to Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, dated 11 May 1885No. 16 Telegram from Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway to the Government of India, no. 549, dated 13 May 1885No. 17 Telegram from Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway to the Government of India, no. 557, dated 14 May 1885No. 18 Letter from Captain Albert Frederick de Laessoe to Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, dated 22 May 1885In his letter Ridgeway makes special reference to the final enclosure, Captain Albert Frederick de Laessoe's letter, which concludes in favour of the Persian claim. Ridgeway suggests that, if possible, the matter regarding Hashtadan should be deferred until the question of the Perso-Afghan frontier can be resolved outright, preferably by one officer.It should be noted that the list of enclosures which follows Ridgeway's letter incorrectly states that item no. 10 is from Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, whereas in fact the telegram is from Lumsden to Thomson.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence for this description commences at f 192, and terminates at f 197, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 5-206; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This file consists of a report written by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Edward Stewart, Bengal Staff Corps, in which he describes his journeys to and around Mashad, Herat and Merv in the vicinity of the Perso-Afghan frontier, and provides detailed intelligence regarding topography, settlements, communications, vegetation and agriculture. He also describes local populations, tribes and chiefs, and their present and historical actions and allegiances.The author records his opinion that due to a general fear of Torcoman raids, and a positive attitude towards Russia, the region of Khurasan [Khorāsān] could willingly fall under Russian sway; he therefore urges the instalment of an English officer on the Perso-Afghan frontier to maintain a British influence there.The report is written in twelve chapters, and is followed by five appendices giving detailed descriptions of routes travelled, with mileages.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 123 and terminates at the last folio with 162, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 123-162; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The volume is titled
Report on the Working of the Line of Communication and on the Withdrawal of the British Military Mission in East Persia, General Staff India. The volume is marked confidential and was printed in Delhi by Superintendent Government Printing, India, in 1921.The report is from the General Officer Commanding, Baluchistan District to the Chief of the General Staff; the report contains preliminary remarks on 'The withdrawal of the troops of the British Military Mission at and beyond Meshed, and of the Lines of Communication'. There follows the substantive report from the Inspector-General of Communications, East Persia, Duzdap to the General Staff, Baluchistan District, Quetta. This report is divided into two parts:Part I - 'A brief report on the working and organization of the Line of Communications, East Persia, in April 1920'Part II - 'The withdrawal' which has the following sub-sections: general; supply and transport services (including some special points for consideration); medical; ordnance; works; posts and telegraphs; vetinary.The report is accompanied by nine maps:'APPENDIX 1. SKETCH MAP SHOWING POSITION OF POST AND COMBINED OFFICES IN EAST PERSIA' (folio 10)'APPENDIX 1. L. OF C.E.P. INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM' (folio 12)'APPENDIX 2. AREA ON THE EAST PERSIA L. OF C. COMMON TO RAIDING (folio 15)'APPENDIX 1. GRAPHIC MAP ILLUSTRATING THE NORMAL SOURCES FROM WHICH THE TROOPS IN EAST PERSIA WERE SUPPLIED AND THE CONTINUOUS MOVEMENTS BY WHICH THE SUPPLIES WERE NORMALLY DISTRIBUTED TO THE FORCE AT MESHED AND TO THE GARRISONS OF POSTS ON L. OF C.' (folio 18)'APPENDIX 1. LINES OF COMMUNICATION EAST PERSIA' (folio 33)'APPENDIX 3. DIAGRAM SHOWING POSITIONS OF TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH AND COMBINED OFFICES IN EAST PERSIA' (folio 35)'COLUMNS AND CONVOYS WOKRING IN CONNECTION WITH WITHDRAWAL FROM EAST PERSIA' (folio 55)'DAYS AFTER ZERO' (folio 62)'PLAN showing ORGANIZATION OF LINE OF COMMUNICATIONS (ADMINISTRATIVE AND DEFENCE TROOPS) (folio 77)Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 78; 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 printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Report by Khan Bahadur Maula Bakhsh on his journey from Meshed to Quetta in 1898. The report starts with a description of the circumstances that gave rise to the journey and the preparations before departure (folios 12-17). The main body of the report consists of his account of the journey, written in diary form (folios 17-66). The last part of the report is formed of tables of data gathered during the journey (folios 67-72). The report contains information on distances, water, supplies, trade, human and physical geography, road conditions, and revenues.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 76; 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.
Abstract: Military report on the Khurasan [Khurāsān] and Seistan [Sīstān] regions of Persia [Iran], with maps and illustrations. Produced by the General Staff, India, and published in Calcutta [Kolkata] by the Government of India Press, 1931. Marked for official use only.The report includes chapters on:a history of Khurasan and Seistanthe geography of Khurasan and Seistan (mountains, rivers, deserts, an alphabetical listing of towns) and climate (including assessments of the health risks associated with both regions)population (religion, tribes)resources (including crops, grazing, fuel, transport, and a note on horses and mules in Khurasan)armed forces (including a description of the Eastern Division of the Persian military, an Order of Battle, organisation, armaments, equipment, clothing, rations, training)aviation (detailing the organisation, personnel, equipment, aerodromes, etc., of the Persian Air Force)administration (municipal, police, justice, department of public instruction, revenue, roads and communications, census, post and telegraphs, sanitation)communications (railways, roads, types of motor transport in use, principal routes used by travellers from Meshed [Mashad] to Russian territory, telegraphs, telephones, wireless)An appendix includes a veterinary note on conditions in Khurasan and Seistan. The volume also includes four colour plates illustrating different badges associated with Persian army and police officers, and a number of maps and diagrammatic maps.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 75; 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.
Abstract: The memorandum is a report authored by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Edward Stewart, Bengal Staff Corps, dated 4 July 1881. Its purpose being to convey the results of his intelligence gathering mission to the North-Eastern Frontier of Persia.The report largely consists of a narrative detailing Stewart's journey from Tehran to the frontier, which he undertook under the guise of an Armenian horse dealer from Calcutta. The narrative details events that unfolded during the course of his journey, but also includes detailed observations on the landscape and settlements he passes through. This includes general observations on the local economy, fauna, geology, history, and politics. Military matters are also a consideration, and it therefore includes details on Persian armaments, fortifications, garrisons, and how easy an army could be transported through the region.Much discussion is given to raids undertaken against Persia — primarily by the Biluchis and the Turkoman — and efforts by Persian authorities to defend against them. Some attention is therefore given to slave trading in the region, and how recent Russian activities have curbed the opportunities to profit from the practice. It also concerns itself with Russian expansion in the region and the extent that the Persians are willing to assist them.On folio 106 is an extract from the Times (August 1880) concerning the Indian Prince Ram Chunder; Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart claims to have met him during the course of his mission.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 105, and terminates at f 129, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the memorandum also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of a publication concerning the route between Duzdap [Zāhedān] and Meshed [Mashhad] via Shusp [Shūsef], Birjand, Kain, Jumin, and Turbat-i-Haidari [Torbat-e Ḩeydarīyeh]. Produced by the General Staff, India, and published in Simla by the Government Monotype Press, 1919. Marked for official use only.Divided into stages it describes both the camel road and motor road in terms of distance, terrain, and settlements. Comments are included on opportunities for water, fuel, fodder, grazing, camping grounds and supplies. The East Persian Force is noted as the authority for this information.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 13; 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.
Abstract: The memorandum is concerned with the Russian bombardment of the Shrine of Imam Reza in March 1912 at Meshed [Mashhad], and the presence of Russian troops in Khorrassan. It also touches on the desire of the British Government to have the ex-Shah Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar removed from Persia.It also includes copies of two telegrams (folios 50-51) from Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Office, to Sir George Buchanan, HM Minister Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary to Persia, dated 12 and 22 April 1912. They concern British diplomatic representations to Russia in response to the bombardment of the Shrine of Imam Reza.Physical description: 5 folios
Abstract: Order issued by the British Minister at Tehran, Charles Alison, instructing Pelly to return to India overland from Persia through Afghanistan.The letter instructs Pelly on the British Government's preferred route for him through Meshed [Mashhad], Herat and Cabul [Kabul], weather permitting, and encloses fowling pieces and pistols to be presented as gifts Sultan Ahmed Khan [Soltan Ahmad Khan] of Herat and correspondence and friendly assurances to be given on behalf of the British Government to Dost Mahomed Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan] of Cabul.The letter also instructs Pelly to gather reliable information on the Persian expedition to Mero [Marv], and in particular on the state of the Persian Army as well as asking for any practicable information he can obtain on the condition and prospects of Aghanistan as he is passing through it.Alongside the instructions for him when visiting Cabul is a paragraph written in pencil which appears to be a brief outline of the mission order translated into Persian.Physical description: Foliation: This file has been foliated in the front top right hand corner of each page 1-6, with the folio number in pencil enclosed in a circle
Abstract: The file contains a letter to the British Consulate General for Khorasan from Ghulam Haidar, British Indian, claiming for compensation for damage to his motor car by the Iranian military authorities, in Meshed. Further correspondence between the British Legation in Tehran, the Foreign Office, and the Government of India, External Affairs Department, follows, which explores means of compensating Ghulam Haidar.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 14; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Two volumes in one slipcase containing a collection of letters and enclosures dispatched from Gombroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbas] Factory to ‘the Court of Directors for affairs of the United Company of Merchants of England Trading to the East Indies’. Almost every letter includes the date it was received overland via Aleppo and Marseilles. At some point these letters were assigned numbers from 2386 to 2486, in red (turned to purplish) ink. Any missing numbers in between indicate that the letter is missing. The letters cover a variety of issues and topics including:Accounts received from the East India Company (EIC)’s Factories at Spahaun [Esfahan, also written as Spahaune] and Carmenia [Kerman also written as Carmania], and checked at GombroonRecords of
rogoms[raqams or ruqums: royal grants confirming specific trading privileges], and
talligaws[ta‘liqas: official orders] granted or to be granted to the EIC’s establishments in Persia [Iran]. Examples of authentic translated copies of
rogomscan be found in folios 25, 28, 89, 182 and 188Records of the EIC’s servants in Persia covering their names, stations, positions, date of commencing in the service, salaries, death, misbehaviours, complaints, and investigationsProposal to settle a Factory at Mushat [Mashhad]The activities of local Arab, Armenian, Ballooches [Baluch] and Persian merchants in the regionRecords of Dutch, French, Portuguese and Russian [written as muscovite] activities in the regionThe status of the wool trade at CarmeniaLists of woollen goods proper for Persian marketLists of commodities traded with including: broadcloth, sugar candy, spices, copper, iron, cotton, nuts, dates, coffee, silk, and riceThe rebellion of the Arabs and the agwaans [Afghans?] led by ‘the noted pyrate’ Shaik Ahmud Medannah [Shaikh Aḥmad Madanī, also written as Medanna]The Ophgoon [Afghan]-Persian warsThe Persian-Ottoman [Turks] warsBritish-Persian relationsBritish-Ottoman relationsDispute between the Arabs and the Bashaw of Bussorah [Pāshā of Basra]Reports of the Arabs plundering British shipsRecords of the accession of, three months old, Abbas III after the imprisonment of his father by Tahmasp Qoli Khan [Ṭahmāsb Qulī Khān, i.e. Nādir Shāh, Shāh of Persia 1732-1747]Dutch seizing the vessels of Shaik Russhett [Shaikh Rāshid al-Qāsimī, also written as Rachid] at Bassidore [Basidu, also written as Bassidoore]Persian navy assisting the Hoveyza Arabs [Huwayza Arabs of Khuzistan, also written as Havizah] in their siege of BussorahNews of the Hoola [Hawala/ Huwala] Arabs revolting against the PersianThe Imaum of Muscat [Imam of Muscat, also written as Muscatt] asking for Persian help against his rebellious subjectsNādir Shāh claiming himself the master of Muscat and Julfar [also written as Julphar]Nādir Shāh's invasion of the Mogull Empire [Mughal]Detailed accounts of the state of affairs and inland military operations in a number of provinces in Persia and the names of local governors and generals involved.The volumes contain records of letters from the Resident at Bussorah covering: the relations with Ottoman officials, letters from the British Consul at Aleppo, the state of affairs in the region, and the status of the EIC’s trade at Bussorah.The volumes include detailed reports of the state of the Company’s trade in Persia covering the following: shipping; goods from Europe or India; investments; the Factory’s accounts and charges; customs and revenues; the trade in Persia in general and any transactions with the Persian Government; buildings and fortifications; and the EIC’s covenant servants, soldiers, and their accounts.The volumes also include lists recording the arrival and departure of ships, their names, staff, tons, guns, from where, when sailed, and where bound. Among the recorded ships are the
Victoria, the
Success, the
Tellicherry, the
Fame, the
Prince George, the
Queen Carolina, the
Britannia[also written as
Brittania], the
Drake, the
Robert, the
Prince of Wales, the
Richmond, the
Jenny, and the
Wilmington. Ships sailed mainly to and from Gombroon, Bombay [Mumbai], Surat [also written as Suratt], Bengall [Bengal], Bassidore, Bussorah, Boucheir [Bushehr], Mocha, Mallabar Coast [Malabar], Madrass [Madras, i.e. Chennai], Muscat, and China.The volumes include some duplications, and some faded letters/enclosures.Physical description: Foliation: This file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at f 1 of volume one (ff 1-153) and terminates at f 284 of volume two (ff 154-284); these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.
Abstract: Two volumes containing a collection of letters and enclosures dispatched from Gombroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] Factory to ‘the Court of Directors for affairs of the United Company of Merchants of England Trading to the East Indies’. Each letter has the date it was received overland, and the date it was read in Court noted at the end of it. At some point these letters were assigned numbers from 2487-2604, in red (turned to purplish) ink. Any missing numbers in between indicate that the letter is missing.The letters cover variety of issues and topics including:The state of affairs and military operations in a number of provinces in Persia [Iran] including, Mashad [Mashhad, also written as Mashat, Mushat, Mushatt and Musshat], Carmenia [Kerman], Gombroon, Yazd, and Spahaun [Eṣfahān]. Among the rulers involved in the operations were Shawrook Shaw [Shāhrokh Shāh Afshar, or Shāhrokh Mīrzā Afshār, c 1734-1796, also written as Sarook, Sharrook, Shawrooke, Sharooke and Shawroke], Carem Caun [Karīm Khān Zand, Vakil of Persia, also written as Carreemm], Ally Mardin Caun [‘Ali Mardan Khan Bakhtiyari, Ilkhani of the Bakhtiyari Tribe], Ahzad Caun [Āzād Khān Ghilza'ī, d 1782, Beglerbeg of Azarbāijān], Ahmed Shaw Afgoon [Ahmad Shah Afghan Durrani, known as Ahmad Shah Abdali r 1747-1772, also written as Ahmet Shaw Aphgoon] and Nasseir Caun [Nāsir Khān Āl Mazkūr, r 1162-1203/c 1749-1788]Indent of woollen goods proper for the Persian market including: the type of cloth, amount by piece, colours required, and their prices. On some occasions patterns of coloured woollen goods were attached to the list as in folios 4, 195 and 214Indent of iron, lead and tin proper for the Persian market and the amount in tonsAbstract of general expenditures at GombroonRecords of the Company’s cash balanceThe activities of the Dutch and the Russians in the regionReports on the activities of local Persian and Armenian merchants in the regionNews of Nadir Shaw [Nadir Shah, Shah of Persia 1732-1747] being killed by his own people in 1747A list of twenty-three rogoms [raqams or ruqums, also written as rogomms: royal grants confirming specific trading privileges] granted to the Company by Nadir ShawSuggestions to set up a Company house at the Island of Bhareen [Bahrain, also written Bahreen and Barren] or at the Island of Kishmish [Qishm]Reports on the status of the wool trade at CarmeniaNews of the deaths of Factory members Danvers Graves and Robert WentNews of Nasseir Caun appointing Moola Ally Shaw [Mulla ‘Ali Shah] to the Government of GombroonNews of the war between the Hoola Arabs [Hawala] and Nasseir Caun at BahreenLists of the Company’s servants in the Gulph [Gulf] of Persia containing their names, ages, stations, places, and salaries.The volumes include enclosures of letters exchanged with the Factory Warehouse Keeper, Danvers Graves, who took the place of the late Resident at Spahaun, John Pierson [also written as Peirsons]. Mr Graves was instructed to clear the Company’s debt at Spahaun, sort the outstanding bills, settle the affairs of the Carmenia bill, and provide a detailed account of Mr Peirson’s fraud accounts and his transactions with local merchants, particularly with Hodjee Ibrahim Bozoork [Haji Ibrahim Buzurg] and Mirza Boggher [Mirza Baqer, also written as Bagher]. The volumes also include records of the examinations of John Pierson before the Agent and Council at Gombroon, and remarks on his conduct and management of affairs at Spahaun.The volumes contain enclosures of letters from the Resident at Bussorah [Basra], William Shaw, to the Court of Directors for affairs at Bombay [Mumbai] reporting on the state of affairs in the region, ships sailing and arriving, the activities of the Aleppo traders, letters dispatched to Aleppo, and the Turks’ activities in the region.The letters in the volumes include records of the arrival and departure of ships, including the
Rose Galley, the
Welcome, the
Godolphin, the
Swallow, the
Heathcote, the
Fort William, the
Fort St. George, the
Jenney, the
Nancy, the
Prince of Orange, the
Drake, the
Oxford, the
Shaftesbury, the Boscawen, the
Man of War, the
Prince Henry, the
Hector, the
Guardian, the
Fezeraboony[
Fayz Rabbani], and the
Prince of Wales. Ships sailed mainly to and from Gombroon, Bombay, Bussorah, Surat, Bengall [Bengal], Boutchier [Būshehr, also written as Boucheir, Busshire], Madrass [Madras, i.e. Chennai], the Island of Socrata [Socotra Island], Batavia [Jakarta], Judda [Jeddah], China, Mocha, Muscat and England.Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at f 1 of volume one (ff 1-130) and terminates at f 247 of volume two (ff 131-247); 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. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.