Abstract: Letter informing Pelly that the Government of Bombay concurs with his opinions on the differences betwen the Sultan of Muscat and the Sultan of the Wahabees [Wahhabi] and informing him that he may communicate personally with the Sultan of Muscat on the matter en route to Bombay.Physical description: 1 folio
Abstract: Letter in Arabic, with an English translation on the verso, of a letter from Faysul ibn Torky Al Saood [Faisal ibn Turki Al Sa-ud] sent 2 Ramathan [Ramadhan] 1281 (29 or 30 January 1865) and received by Lewis Pelly 7 February 1865 informing Pelly that he may come on to Riyadh from 'the Sirkar' and that he will be treated with hospitality along the way.The Arabic letter contains an ink seal, most likely belonging to Amir Faisal.A draft copy of the translation to the letter, with corrections, is given on folio eight. This letter is a reply to the letter at folio two.Physical description: The paper contains a watermark.
Abstract: Letter making arrangements for any mail addressed to Pelly to accompany Captain Henry W Warner to Bahrain, and requesting two sowars and mounds of barley and grain.The letter goes on to request that his rooms are cleaned thoroughly during his absence and that Hajee [Haji] Ahmed translate various papers relating to Bahrain; makes arrangements for the care of a little horse that was being sent to Bushire by steamer; and re-affirms the arrangements for sending and receiving mail.Physical description: 1 folio
Abstract: Letter regarding Pelly's departure for Riyath [Riyadh] and providing sailing instructions for Captain Henry W Warner.The letter goes on to provide detailed instructions regarding the cleaning of his rooms in preparation for his return and on the packaging of some pistols which are gifts from the Government of Bombay.The letter also refers to some enclosed letters (no longer there) which need to be produced as fair copies for Bombay and requests additional copies for his own information if there is time.Parts of this letter are very similar to the first few paragraphs of the letter at folio 10.Physical description: Condition: The top of both folios has some minor damage caused by insects.
Abstract: Letter requesting a copy of his demi-official letter to Sir Bartle Frere on proceedings in Russia to be ready on his return to Bushire; regarding the accounts of the Residency Library; and making correspondence arrangements including details of who to write to him via in Koweit [Kuwait] and what to do with mail received for him in his absence.Physical description: 1 folio
Abstract: Letter, in Arabic and English, informing Pelly that the bearer of the letter, Abdool Assis Ben Assass [Abdul Aziz bin Aziz], will be his guide into the interior of Nejd if Pelly is still willing to employ him.Physical description: 1 folio
Abstract: The minute by Sir Bartle Frere summarises the history of the Wahabee [Wahabi] power in Central Asia, checks to their power about forty-five years ago and more recent incidents which are a cause for concern.Frere refers to visits made by William Palgrave and Lewis Pelly to the Wahabee Capital, and potential reasons for their regrowth including the frailties of the ruler of Muscat and the lack of a British naval presence in the Gulf.He goes on to highlight potential threats that the Wahabees could pose to British interests including the reviving of piracy, impeding trade and their interference with telegraphic communications, and to make suggestions on steps the British Government may wish to take, primarily through His Highness the Imaum [Iman] of Muscat rather than through direct interventionsPhysical description: Foliation: The report has been foliated in the front top right corner of each page with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.The report also contains original pagination in the top centre of both sides of each page, numbering 1-3
Abstract: Brief notes written by Lewis Pelly, recording the lack of evidence of any practice of ceremonies based on sun or fire worship but highlighting some of the peoples in the region of Al Yamama [Al Yamāmah] who have names relating to the moon and stars.Enclosed with the notes is a report (folios 50-61) regarding the Selaib [Sebaih] tribe (of Qatif) and containing details of how the tribe got their name; how they commemorate festivals; their lack of ritual in relation to the burial of the dead; and their religious faith and beliefs.Physical description: 14 folios
Abstract: Memorandum regarding the diet of Bedouins in the interior of Nejd [Najd] and contrasting it with that of those in coastal areas.The memorandum focuses primarily on camel's milk, including the Bedouins' dependence on it during spring and its nourishing properties for both horses and goats.The memorandum goes on to discuss the tobaccos and other substances smoked by the Bedouins' where their pipes are purchases from, and the differing reactions to Bedouins smoking depending on where they are from.The memorandum itself is undated, however the information contained within it was most likely acquired by Lewis Pelly during his stay in Kuwait and subsequent visit to Riyadh January to March 1865.Physical description: 1 folio
Abstract: Brief note about Koweit [Kuwait]'s main inland trade being with the Bedouins of Nejd [Najd] and that the trade consists of wood, weapons, coffee, rice, bamboo and piece goods as well as giving details on where these goods are brought from.Below the main note is a line about the climate in the Koweit neighbourhood.Although the note is undated, the information was most likely gathered during Pelly's visit there January to February 1865.Physical description: 1 folio
Abstract: Note about the Mundwee [Mandvi] of Cutch [Kutch] and Occa including their names being derived from Medina and Mecca, and how this is believed to relate to the Prophet's tribe Kereish [Qureish].The memorandum goes on to discuss the family of the founder of the Wahabee [Wahhabi] sect, Abd al-Wahab, and how the spiritual power of the sect is now wholly apart from his family.Physical description: 1 folio
Abstract: Memorandum, written by Lewis Pelly, about Mohammed ibn Saood [Muhammad ibn Sa'ud] who was the first ruler to conquer all of the Nejd [Najd] territory, as well as the provinces of Al Ahsa [Al Hasa], Khatif [Al Qatif] and part of the Omman [Oman] Coast.The memorandum also discusses his successors including his son Abdal al Azeex [Abdul-Aziz bin Muhammad ibn Sa'ud] and grandson Saood [Saud bin Abdul-Aziz bin Muhammad ibn Sa'ud] and the battles fought over the territory.The memorandum is undated, however it contains information most likely compiled by Lewis Pelly during his visit to Riyadh in March 1865.Physical description: 2 folios