1. ‘Persian Gulf – Affairs of.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. These political letters appear in IOR/F/4/2174/105546. It is the twenty-fifth in a series of forty-five items on the Persian Gulf.The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Government of India; Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf; John Croft Hawkins, Commodore Commanding Indian Naval Squadron, Persian Gulf; and Syed Soweynee, Prince Regent of Muscat [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Governor of Muscat].The item concerns:The punishment inflicted on Salmin bin Towfeak [Sālmīn bin Tawfīq], a servant of Syed Soweynee, for his ill treatment of Khojah Hiskiall [Khawājah Ḥizqīl bin Yūsuf, also rendered as Khojah Hiskael], Native Agent at MuscatThe interference of Commodore Hawkins in ‘the settlement of the Banian Heerjee [Hīrjī]’s pecuniary transactions with the Muscat authorities’A report that Shaik Sultan ben Suggur [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī of Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah] has broken a promise previously given not to continue constructing a fort between Shargah [Sharjah] and Debaye [Dubai].The item contains a table of contents (ff 492-493), and the title page (f 491) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 5507, Coll. 7, Vol. 25’, ‘D/t 197/47’, ‘Collection No. 1 of No. 75’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: ​Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 491 and terminates at f 504, 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. ‘Persian Gulf. Grounding of Her Majesty’s Ship “Fox” off the Island of Seir Aboneide.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, a political letter from the Government of Bombay.The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf; and John Croft Hawkins, Commodore Commanding Indian Naval Squadron, Persian Gulf.The item concerns the visit to the Gulf of HM squadron under the command of Commodore Sir Henry Martin Blackwood. The following incidents are described, with additional information supplied by Moollah Houssain, Native Agent at Shargah [Mullā Ḥusayn, Native Agent at Sharjah]:The grounding of HM ship Foxoff the island of Seir Aboneide [Sir Bu Nuʽayr], and its return to Bombay for repairThe dispute between Sheik Sultan bin Suggur of Ras ul Khyma [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī of Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah] and Sheik Muktoom bin Buthe of Debaye [Shaikh Maktūm I bin Buṭṭī Āl Bū Falāsah of Dubai] regarding Sheik Sultan bin Suggur’s plan to erect a fort at Khan [Al Khan]The dispute between Syed Soaweynee [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and Sheik Sultan bin Suggur regarding the fort of Cassab [Khasab]The departure of Saad bin Mutluk [Sa‘d bin Muṭlaq al-Muṭayrī] from Brymee [al-Buraymi].The item contains a table of contents (f 425), and the title page (f 424) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 5507, Coll. 7, Vol. 18’, ‘D/t 197/47’, ‘Collection No. 6 of No. 53’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Multiple spellings for various personal and place names are present in the volume.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 424 and terminates at f 435, 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.

3. ‘Persian Gulf. Affairs.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, a political letter from the Government of Bombay.The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay and Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf.The item concerns five letters from Hennell regarding various incidents in the Gulf. These are:A request from Khooshal [Khvushḥāl], a native of Tatta [Thatta] in Sinde [Sindh], for protection for himself and his compatriots residing at Bahrein [Bahrain], who he claims are subject to the exactions of the followers of Mahomed bin Khuleefa [Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah], the Ruler of Bahrein. Included is a ‘list of the Hindoos residing in Bahrein with the place of their birth’A claim from Khooshal for compensation for his cargo which was plundered in Bahrein harbourA dispute between Syed Sooweney [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd, also rendered as Syed Soowenee], the Governor of Muscat, and Shaik Sultan bin Suggur the chief of Ras el Kheymah [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī, Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah] regarding the ownership of the fort of Kussaab [Khasab]A copy of instructions issued by Hennell to Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf, for his forthcoming trip to the Arabian coast of the Gulf. These mostly relate to the conflict that has broken out as a result of the erection by Shaik Sultan bin Suggur of a fort at Khan [Al Khan], contrary to an earlier promise he made to suspend its constructionA report that Houssein Khan [Muḥammad Ḥusayn Khān Muqaddam Marāgha’i], the Governor of Fars, has sent a force to Bunder Abass [Bandar-e ʻAbbas], and that the Governor of Bunder Abass, Shaik Syf [Shaikh Sayf bin Nabhān al-Ma‘walī], has appealed to Syed Soowenee for help.The item contains a table of contents (ff 399-400), and the title page (f 398) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 5507, Coll. 7, Vol. 16’, ‘D/t 197/47’, ‘Collection No. 4 of No. 53’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 398 and terminates at f 412, 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.

4. 'Sihkuha (Sistan), Looking West'

Description:

Abstract: A line drawing of the hilltop fort of Sihkuha [Se Kohe, Iran]. Below the fort is a cluster of buildings. Beneath the sketch is the following information: 'Exd. J. A. A. March 1894; Topo. Dy. No. 733.; No. 421-I., 94.' The artist is unknown.Physical description: Dimensions: 90 x 270mm

5. 'Castle of Furg (Birjand).'

Description:

Abstract: A line drawing of a fortress on a bare hill. At the foot of the hill is the village of Furg. Beneath the drawing is the following information: 'Exd. J. A. A. March 1894; Topo. Dy. No. 727.; No. 420-I., 94.' The artist is unknown.Physical description: Dimensions: 150 x 305mm

6. 'Nasratabad Fort'

Description:

Abstract: A printed plan of Nasratabad [Zabol] Fort and surrounding buildings. The plan was printed at the Survey of India Office, Calcutta [Kolkata] and is based on a sketch by Surgeon Major George Washington Brazier-Creagh. It includes the printing statement ‘Reg. No. 162. Print., I. - July 98 - 123.’Physical description: Material: Printed on paperDimensions: 479 x 391mm

7. 'Nasirabad.'

Description:

Abstract: An architectural plan of the fort at Nasiribad [Zabol], Sistan Province, Persia [Iran]. Included is a cross-section of the fort's outer defensive structures. Beneath the plan is the following information: Exd. J. A. A. March 1894; Topo. Dy. No. 731.; No. 426-I., 94.'Physical description: Dimensions: 93 x 93mm (fort plan); 120 x 47mm (wall diagram)

8. Political No. 203 of 1873, Forwarding Copies of Correspondence Relating to Egyptian 'Interference' at Berbera

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 21 November 1873 and received by the India Office via Brindisi on 15 December 1873, forwarding copies of correspondence relating to the Egyptian Corvette Arkhaanchoring at Berbera and Egyptian forces landing on shore and allegedly treating the territory as if it belonged to the Egyptians. The enclosures include a report by the Political Resident at Aden and a report by the Officer Commanding HMS Dalhousie, Bombay Marine, who was instructed by the Resident to observe events but refrain from any involvement. The covering letter from the Government of India concludes by referring to a Reuter's telegram, London, 22 October 1873, confirming that 'the Egyptian Government has amicably arranged with the natives to build and occupy a fort at Berbera'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 26, and terminates at f 28a, 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. The sequence contains three foliation anomalies: f 26a, f 27a, and f 28a.

9. Persian Gulf Affairs

Description:

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.

10. Persian Gulf Affairs

Description:

Abstract: This part of the volume consists of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 50 of 1841, dated 17 June 1841. The enclosures are dated 3 May to 15 June 1841.The enclosures consist of:Copies of correspondence between the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby), the Secretary to the Government of India (Thomas Herbert Maddock), and the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell), regarding the views of the Governor-General in Council on various matters related to Persian Gulf affairs, including proposed repairs to the Fort at Karrack [Kharg]A copy of a letter to Willoughby from the Secretary to the Bombay Mint Committee (M T Hays), forwarding a report from the Bombay Mint Assay Master on specimens of gold and silver coins (Mahomed Shah Rupees and Gold Tomans), showing a depreciation in their intrinsic value.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-7, on folio 40. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.

11. Affairs in Sind, Bhawulpoor, Mekran, and Rajpootana

Description:

Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 23 of 1853, dated 29 March 1853. The enclosures are numbered 3-17 and are dated 28 December 1852 to 28 March 1853.The enclosures consist of correspondence, and minutes by the Governor of Bombay concurred in by Board. They concern matters including:Affairs at Bhawulpoor [Bahawalpur, also spelled Bhawulpore in this item], and troops from Upper Sind [Sindh] being held in readiness for service in BhawulpoorAn irregularity in the application of the Commander in Sind for the possible requisition of troops from Upper SindPersian [Iranian] troops occupying Kussurkund [Qasr-e Qand] in Mekran [Makran], and being expected to arrive at Gwadir [Gwadar]The march of the Rajpootana [Rajputana] Field Force from Nusseerabad [Nasirabad] to aid in the capture of the Fort of Narawlee [Narauli? Also spelled Narolee and Narowly in this item], and the surrender of the fort on 12 March 1853An attack by the Murrees [Marri, also spelled Marrees in this item] in the town of Poolajee [Phuleji or Foliji] in the Khelat [Kalat] territoryThe disposal of the money from the sale of certain confiscated gold belonging to Meer Ali Morad [Mīr ʿAlī Murād Khān Tālpūr], and the Commissioner in Sind’s suggestion that it could be spent on building school rooms in Upper Sind.The principle correspondents are as follows: the Commissioner in Sind, Henry Bartle Edward Frere; the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Arthur Malet; the Quarter Master General of the Army, Bombay, Lieutenant-Colonel J Holland; the Adjutant General of the Army, Bombay, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Hancock; and the Officiating Secretary to the Government of India, Charles Allen.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-17, on folios 475-476. These numbers are repeated for reference on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure.

12. Affairs in Aden and Yemen

Description:

Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 17 of 1853, dated 1 March 1853. The enclosures are numbered 3-9. Enclosure numbers 3-6 are dated 3 to 24 February 1853.Enclosure number 3 is a letter from the Political Agent at Aden, Captain Stafford Bettesworth Haines, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Arthur Malet, reporting that he has requisitioned the East India Company’s schooner Mahito proceed to Mussowa [Massawa or Mitsiwa] with despatches for HBM Consul at Abyssinia [the Ethiopian Empire], and requested that its Commander, Lieutenant King, stop at Hodeida [Al Hudaydah] and Mocha on its return and report to Haines on the state of political and commercial affairs at each port. The letter includes an enclosed copy of the requisition letter from Haines to the Senior Naval Officer at Aden. Enclosure number 4 is a minute by the Governor of Bombay concurred in by the Board, approving Haines’s actions.Enclosure number 5 is a letter from Haines to Malet reporting on the state of affairs at Aden and in its vicinity. Haines reports matters including:The intention of the Sultan of Lahedge [Lahej or Lahij], Sultan Ali M Houssain [‘Alī I bin Muḥsin al-‘Abdalī], to build a small fort at Sheik Othman [Ash Shaikh Outhman] to protect the roads leading to Aden, opposition to this from Sultan Hamed Ibn Abdulla Foutheli [Aḥmad bin Abdullāh al-Faḍlī] and Haines informing the Sultan of Lahedge that in his opinion he had the right to erect any building he wished on his territory and to prevent other tribes entering and crossing his territoryThe sea port towns of Mocha, Hodeida and Loheiha [al Luhayyah] being in danger of attack from the Bedouin divisions of the Beni Yam [Banī Yām] tribe‘Mahomed’ Pashah [Kürt Mehmed Pasha] reaching Hodeida with a firman from the Sublime Porte [the Government of the Ottoman Empire] as Supreme Pashah over all the Turkish possessions in Yemen, and that finding on his arrival all the interior roads closed on their seaport towns and the inhabitants in great alarm, he has been collecting together all the Turkish soldiers he can, and that therefore news of a conflict may be expected.Enclosure number 6 is a minute by the Governor of Bombay concurred in by the Board, stating that a copy of Haines’s letter (enclosure No. 5) is to be sent to the Government of India and the Secret Committee.Numbers 7-9, listed in the abstract of contents as copies of overland summaries of the Bombay Times, the Bombay Telegraph & Courier, and the Bombay Gazettenewspapers, dated 1 March 1853, are noted as missing.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)