Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 116 of 1846, dated 12 October 1846. The enclosures, numbered 3-6 and dated 12 May to 15 July 1846, relate to Persian [Iranian] affairs.Enclosure No. 3 is a letter from HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Justin Sheil, to the Secretary to the Governor-General of India, forwarding a copy of a despatch from HM Consul at Tabreez [Tabriz], Keith Edward Abbott, addressed to HM Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Earl of Aberdeen, relating to the campaign of the Russian Army in Daghestan [Dagestan] in 1845.Enclosure Nos. 4-6 consist of letters from Sheil to Secretary to the Government of Bombay, forwarding under flying seals letters to the Secretary to the Government of India, enclosing copies of despatches addressed by Sheil to the Earl of Aberdeen, and to HM Ambassador at the Porte [the Sublime Porte, or Government of the Ottoman Empire], Sir Stratford Canning. The despatches concern matters including:Issues in relation to the conclusion of the Treaty of Erzeroom [Erzurum] between Persia and Turkey [the Ottoman Empire], including: Sheil’s efforts to obtain from the Persian Government adequate powers to enable the Persian Plenipotentiary at Ezeroom to conclude the treaty; Sheil complaining that he does not receive ‘proper or fair assistance’ from the Russian Minister to Persia in conducting the negotiations between Persia and Turkey; differences between the Persian and Turkish drafts of the treaty, on points including a tariff, and the possession of the Pass of Kerrind [Kerend-e Gharb] by Persia (this correspondence includes an enclosed copy of a document comparing a joint note by Sir Stratford Canning and the Russian ambassador at Constantinople [Istanbul], Monsieur Titow [Vladimir Pavlovich Titov], to the instructions issued to the Turkish Plenipotentiary, which is in English and French)Sheil reporting that ‘a respectable Afghan merchant’ who has lately arrived in Tehran from Khiva claims that an English man and an English woman are being held captive in KhivaSheil requesting HM Consul at Tabreez to remonstrate with the Prince of Tabreez about an infraction of a firman against torture, following a ‘Mussulman’ [Muslim] inhabitant of the city confessing to murdering and robbing property from the house of an Armenian women, and this man being imprisoned and tortured to force him to confess how he had disposed of the property, before it was ‘satisfactorily proved’ that he had falsely admitted to the crime. Sheil stating that he had obtained a pledge from the Prince that there should be no repetition of such scenes within his Government, and Sheil explaining that he had not complained to the Persian Ministers about the matter because the firman was issued by the Persian Prime Minister, Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājī Mīrzā (ʿAbbās Īravānī) Āqāsī], during the Shah’s illness without his knowledgeSheil’s unsuccessful attempts to ascertain the fate of Mr Wyburd [William Henry Wybard], from sources including: the Khaleefa [Khalifah] or Chief Priest of Merve [Merv] (from whom there are two enclosed letters); ‘Reuben’, ‘a Jew at Bokhara’; and the Asefood dowleh [Āṣaf al-Dawlah, also spelled Asofood-dowleh in this item], the Governor of Khorassan [Khorasan], who had sent Meerza Hassan [Mīrzā Ḥasan] to Bokhara [the Emirate of Bukhara] in search of Wyburd, with Meerza Hassan stating that he had been treated with distinction by the Ameer [Amīr] until the latter discovered that he was searching for an Englishman, at which point he ‘became exceedingly irritated’ and told him to leave Bokhara the next day, and also told Meerza Hassan that he was wholly ignorant of Mr WyburdSheil’s concerns about Russian influence, including: Sheil enclosing a copy of William Taylour Thomson’s report of his journey to the coast of the Caspian Sea, with Sheil highlighting the inferences which can be drawn from it on the present state of affairs in Asterabad [Gorgan] and the position of Russia there, including the Russian establishment at Ashor Ada [Ashuradeh], which Sheil states is essentially a military occupation; and the Russian Government resolving to place a permanent Consul in AsterabadNews received that the ‘Chief’ [Khan] of Khiva, Reheem Kolee Khan [Muḥammad Raḥim Qulī Khān], is dead and has been succeeded by his brother Baber Jan Khan [Abū al-Ghāzī Muḥammad Amīn Bahādur Khān], and Sheil’s suggestion that since the Chiefs of Khiva are ‘favourably disposed’ towards the ‘English’ Government, he could encourage this feeling by sending someone to offer congratulations on Baber Jan Khan’s accession and give a few presents to himReports that the Asofood-dowleh was engaged in collecting troops, for an unknown purpose, but had then unexpectedly countermanded his preparations for this and dispersed the forces he had assembledNejeeb Pasha [Gürcü Mehmet Necip Pasha, or Muḥammad Najīb Pāshā, Wali or Governor of Baghdad] complaining of the intention of the Persian Government to build forts on the frontier with Turkey at Mohummera [Khorramshahr, also spelled Mohemmera in this item] and Zohab [Sarpol-e Zahab]; the Persian Government sending engineers towards Bayazeed [Doğubayazıt], Zohab and Mohemmera for that purpose; and the engineers being withdrawn from the frontier following remonstrance from Sheil and the Russian Minister to Persia, Prince Dolgorouki [Prince Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorukov]Nejeeb Pasha receiving instructions from the Porte to establish passport regulations and to levy a sum of six Piastres from Persian pilgrimsCommodore Hawkins having succeeded in obtaining from the ‘Chief’ or Governor of Kenn [Kish Island] the value of the British property which had been plundered from the wreck of the Company’s schooner
Emilyby the Governor and inhabitants of the island, but having apparently exceeded the instructions given to him by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Major Samuel Hennell, in demanding an additional sum of 1500 Tomans from the Governor of Kenn on account of treasure belonging to Persian merchants plundered from the vessel.The despatches include additional enclosed correspondence, including correspondence between Sheil and Hajee Meerza Aghassee.Physical description: 1 item (128 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Meerut) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1838, dated 8 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 September 1837-7 February 1838.The primary correspondents are: Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling and other variations also used in this item].Enclosures 3-120 and 126-128 (ff 49-505 and ff 525-532) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this spelling and variations of ‘Ranjit’ also used in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshwar and Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and other political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s critical remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to Wade’s own political analyses. The correspondence takes place amid a rumoured then an actual Persian expedition to conquer Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:British relations with Maharajah Runjeet Singh, including: the issue of the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers of Sinde [Amīrs of Sindh] by Runjeet Singh; intelligence reports by Wade’s munshi [secretary] (ff 52-56, ff 110-115); correspondence regarding a potential meeting between Runjeet Singh and the Governor-General of India; and reports of Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson on affairs on the Peshawar frontier (ff 265-268, ff 272-274, ff 277-289)Relations of Herat with Persia and British policy regarding them, including: news of the arrival in Tehran of an envoy from Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat; and views of Burnes and Wade on the ‘designs’ of Persia on Herat (ff 297-301)British policy towards Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], Ruler of Cabool, including: Burnes’s reports from Cabool on his meetings with Dost Mahomed (ff 134-141, ff 360-369); Burnes’s and Wade’s views on the ambitions of Dost Mahomed regarding branches of his family in Candahar [Kandahar; this spelling is also used in this item] and Peshawar, and his relations with Persia and Russia; British encouragement of Dost Mahomed to seek a reconciliation with their ally Runjeet Singh; Burnes’s and Wade’s assessment of the geo-political situation on the western frontier of British dominions in India and the aim of maintaining a balance of power advantageous to Britain between Cabool, Candahar, Herat, Persia, the Punjab and Sinde and which might avert any alliances with Russia (ff 78-82, ff 345-358)Burnes’s activities with regard to Candahar, and Candahar’s relations with Cabool and Persia, including: Burnes’s efforts to prevent Sirdar Kohin Dil Khan [Sirdār Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son Mahomed Omar Khan [Muḥammad Umar Khān] with an envoy, to conciliate Persia (ff 235-237); Kohin Dil Khan’s and his chief advisor’s letters to Dost Mahomed expressing obedience to the Ameer of Cabool, fear of Persia and the desire to depose the Ruler of Herat who repeatedly threatens to attack Candahar (ff 379-383); and Burnes’s instructions to Lieutenant Robert Leech, whom he deputes to Candahar with an offer of monetary and military support in the event of Persia conquering Herat (ff 471-477)Dost Mahomed Khan’ s relations with Russia and Persia, and British policy regarding them, including: Burnes’s alarm at the arrival in Cabool of a Russian agent, Captain Waitcawitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] (ff 444-449); Wade’s detailed views on the positions of Persia and Russia in connection with Dost Mahomed and Afghanistan and the policy of discouraging the latter’s ‘ambitions’ (ff 415-421); and Macnaghten’s disapproval of Burnes’s promise of troops and pecuniary aid to the rulers of Candahar in the event of the Russian-supported Persian capture of Herat (ff 451-457)The Persian expedition against Herat, including: news of the defeat of Ghurian [Ghuryan, also spelled Ghoorian in this item] and siege of Herat; and Wade’s suggestion that Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger, detained by the Herat authorities, act as a mediator (albeit without authority from the Government of India), provide intelligence, and ensure that Kamran Shah resists Persia.The following matters and documents are also included:Wade’s response to overtures of friendship made to him by Mir Alam Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān], Ruler of Bajour, and Fatah Khan Panjtari, [Fatḥ Khān, Ruler of Panjtar] (ff 124-125)Disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool caused by differences between the Governor of Mooltan [Multan] and the Ruler of Bhawalpoor (ff 132-133, ff 152-153)A report by Lieutenant Leech, Bombay Engineers, entitled ‘Description of the Khyber Pass and of the Tribes inhabiting it’ (ff 143-150)Praise by Wade and Burnes of intelligence provided by Charles Masson in Cabool (ff 180-183)Burnes’s emphasis on conciliating the Lohani [a Pashtun tribe] ‘chiefs’, described by Wade as ‘meritorious merchants’ (f 184)Burnes’s report on the ‘commercial views and prospects of Russia in Central Asia’ (f 203), notably Russia’s relations with the rulers of Bokhara, Khiva [also referred to as ‘Orgunge’] and Kokan (ff 199-207)Burnes’s deputation of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood to Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg] Uzbeck ruler of Koondooz [Uzbek ruler of Kunduz], to treat the eye ailment of Moorad Beg’s brother (ff 251-263), and Macnaghten’s approbation for Burnes’s improvement of British relations with Koondooz.Enclosures 121-125 (ff 506-524) comprise despatches between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde, and Macnaghten, notably regarding the apparent procrastination of the Ameers of Sinde over the establishment of a British Resident in their territory. Also covered is the progress made by Lieutenant Thomas Greer Carless in his survey of the Indus and Kurachee [Karachi] Harbour.Physical description: 1 item (505 folios)
Abstract: Report by Captain John Nicholl Robert Campbell of his mission to the Russian camp at the recently captured fortress of Abbasabad [‘Abbasabad], dated 14 October 1827 to 22 October 1827, during which he communicated the desire of the Persian Government to negotiate a peace agreement in the ongoing war between Persia [Iran] and Russia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. Campbell details his conferences with General D’Obreskoff [Aleksandr Mikhailovich Obreskov], who has been appointed by the Emperor of Russia as the ‘Chief Diplomatic Agent’ empowered to negotiate peace with Persia, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian forces, General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia]. At these meetings the following matters were discussed:That the opportunity for the agreement of a more favourable peace for Persia had been lost following the fall of the fortresses Sirdarabad [Sardari Berd, or Sardar’s Fortress] and AbbasabadThe determination of the Emperor of Russia to ‘avenge’ the invasion of Carabaugh [Karabakh] at the outset of the war, and other perceived slights by Persia to RussiaThe terms Russia will be willing to accept for peace, including territorial cessions north and south of the River Arras [Aras] and reparations for the expenses incurred during the warRussia’s willingness to continue to prosecute the war aggressively should Persia not promptly accede to the terms demanded.The journal also details the arrival of the Governor of Tabreez [Tabriz], Fath Ally Khan [Fatḥ ‘Alī Khān Rashtī] at the camp at Abbasabad, and the negative reaction of the Russians to his arrival. Originally enclosed were copies of correspondence between Captain Campbell and General Paskevitch (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/90).This document was originally enclosed, numbered 5, in dispatch No. 73 of the East India Company Envoy to Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 1 November 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/84).Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: This item contains copies of two letters:1. A letter from Lord Elgin, HM Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, to Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], sent from Bonyakdere [Büyükdere] and dated 21 October 1802. Elgin reports discussions with Ottoman Ministers concerning: the nomination of Ally Pacha [‘Alī Pāshā al-Kahyah] as Governor of Bagdad; relations with Persia [Iran]; proposed accommodation with or actions against the Wa-ha-by [Wahhābī movement]; suspicions regarding the relations of the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat with the Wa-ha-by; and Russian activity in the Caucasus and Caspian Sea.2. A letter from Harford Jones to Lord Elgin, sent from Bagdad and dated 29 November 1802. The letter covers subjects including: a planned Ottoman diplomatic mission to Persia; the need for action against the Wa-ha-bies; a truce between the Imaum of Muscat and the Wa-ha-bies; French activity in Muscat; and Russian activity in the Caucasus.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: This item contains translations of four letters from Persia [Iran] received by Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], on 2 October 1802:1. A letter from Meerza Reza Kooli [Mīrzā Rezā Qulī Navā’ī Munshī al-Mamālik, Principal Secretary to the Shah of Persia], to Harford Jones. The letter concerns a possible Persian expedition against the Wa-ha-bies [Wahhābī movement]. Meerza Reza Kooli states that he has not passed on Jones’s suggestion of an expedition via the Persian Gulf to the King [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia], claiming that a decisive Persian expedition against the Wa-ha-bies will take place unless the Pasha [Governor] of Bagdad moves against them.2. A letter from Meerza Bozurg [Mīrzā ‘Īsá Khān Farāhānī, Vizier to the Crown Prince of Persia] to Harford Jones. The letter reports the reaction at the Court of Persia to the death of the Pasha of Bagdad [Büyük Sulaymān Pāshā], expressing hope for continued good relations between Bagdad and Persia and stressing the need for the new Pasha [‘Alī Pāshā al-Kahyah] to organise repairs and defences in Kerbelai [Karbala] after the recent Wa-ha-by attack. Meerza Bozurg also states that no decision has been taken regarding an expedition against the Wa-ha-bies and that French overtures to Persia will be rebuffed.3. A letter from Meerza Bozurg to Harford Jones. The letter concerns communication between the Government of Bagdad and the Court of Persia. Meerza Bozurg suggests that the Government of Bagdad establish communication with the Prince Royal [‘Abbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia].4. A letter from Mohammed Reza Khan [Muḥammad Rezā Khān], Persian representative in Kerbelai. Mohammed Reza Khan states that he has been granted permission to travel to Tehran, reports on the campaign of the King in Khorasan and relations with Afghan princes, and reports that an envoy, Aga Baba Khan Afshar [Āghā Bābā Khān Afshār], has been sent to Bagdad to address the issue of the Wa-ha-bies.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Translations of two letters from Meerza Bozurg [Mīrzā ‘Īsá Khān Farāhānī, Vizier to the Crown Prince of Persia] to Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad].The first letter states that Meerza Bozurg will monitor French overtures to Persia [Iran] and discusses a proposed Persian campaign against the Wa-ha-bies [Wahhābī movement]. The second letter concerns relations between the Pasha [Governor] of Bagdad and the Court of Persia, suggesting that the Pasha establish communication with the Crown Prince [‘Abbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia].These translations were originally enclosed in the letter from Jones to Alexander Stratton, HM Minister Plenipotentiary to the Ottoman Empire, dated 23 September 1802 (IOR/L/PS/9/76/276).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Letter from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in camp at Ahar, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company, of 6 September 1826, which was received on 25 November 1826. In the letter Macdonald Kinneir reports his arrival at the camp of the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār], and details his views regarding the war between Russia and Persia over territory in the Caucasus [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], including:The ill-preparedness of the Persian armed forces and its commanders for war with RussiaThe reluctance of the Shah to wage the war and Macdonald Kinneir’s belief that he would avail himself of any opportunity to negotiate for peaceHis belief that the outbreak of the war represents an end to any possible conquest of Persia by Russia, and the attendant threat to IndiaAn appraisal of the role played by the former rulers of the provinces ceded by Persia to Russia in the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813 in opposing Russia and contributing to the military successes enjoyed by the Persians, including Alexander Meerza [Alexander Mirza] of Georgia, Mehdee Khouli Khan [Mahdi Quli Khan Javanshir] of Carabaugh [Karabakh], Meer Hussun Khan [Mir Hassan Khan] of Talish [Talysh] and Mustapha Khan [Mustafa Khan] of Shirivan [Shirvan]The territorial dispute over the frontier at Kapan and the lake of Goucha [Lake Sevan] that led to the outbreak of the war.The letter also originally enclosed copies of dispatches from HM Chargé d'Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock, to HM Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, George Canning (not included in this item), and copies of Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatches to the Government of India (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/70/132). Also originally enclosed were translations of letters from members of the Persian Government among themselves and to Macdonald Kinneir (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/70/133-143).Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)
Abstract: Letter from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in camp at Oojan [Ujan], to the Secret Committee of the East India Company, of 22 June 1827, which was received from the Foreign Office on 29 August 1827. The letter originally enclosed copies of Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 49 to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, and its enclosures, and six other enclosures numbered 1-6 (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/2-10, and IOR/L/PS/9/71/11-16). The letter concerns the ongoing war between Russia and Persia in the Caucasus [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], including:A Persian victory over Russian troops in battle near Erivan [Yerevan], and the movements of Russian and Persian forcesPeace overtures by the Prince Royal, Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār], and the respective circumstances under which Russia and Persia would settle for peaceThe possibility of Persia being successful in the war by pursuing a ‘war of detail’, and Macdonald Kinneir’s fear that Abbas Meerza might risk open battle against RussiaThe peace deal agreed between the Chief of Karabaug, Mehdi Khouli Khan [Governor of Qarabagh or Karabakh, Mahdī Qulī Khān Javānshīr], and Russia, and similar offers made to other ‘disaffected Chiefs’.The letter also refers to the appointment of Meerza Saleh [Mīrzā Ṣāliḥ Shīrāzī] as Chargé d'Affaires to the Sublime Porte [Ottoman Empire], and the return to Europe of the former Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Ephriam Gerrish Stannus.Physical description: 1 item (5 folios)
Abstract: A letter from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Secret Committee of the East India Company, of 21 April 1827, which was received from the Foreign Office on 9 July 1827. The letter concerns the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], and announces the return of the Persian envoy Meerza Mohomed Ali [Mīrzā Muḥammad ʿAlī Khān Shirāzī] from negotiations at Tiflis [Tbilisi]. Macdonald Kinneir also reports that the Governor-General of Georgia, General Yermoloff [General Aleksey Petrovich Yermolov], plans to invade Persia imminently, and his belief that the capture of Erivan [Yerevan] will be a key Russian objective. He details the plans of Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mirza Qājār] to resist the invasion, and indicates that he has received little assistance in his efforts from the Shah.The letter also originally enclosed the following documents:The transcript of a secret dispatch to the Governor-General of India [Lord Amherst]A letter from Meerza Mohomed Ali to the Kaim Mukam [Mirza Abū al-Qāsim Farāhānī, Qāʾim-Maqām]A letter from General Yermoloff to Abbas MeerzaA letter from General Yermoloff to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Meerza Abool Hassan Khan [Mirza Abū al-Ḥasan Khan Shīrāzī]A confidential communication from Abbas Meerza to the Sir-e Ashker [Serasker, Governor] of Erzeroon [Erzurum], acquired by Macdonald Kinneir’s secret informants.These documents are now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/70/215-219.Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)
Abstract: Letter from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Secret Committee of the East India Company, of 10 May 1827, which was received from the Foreign Office on 9 July 1827. The letter originally enclosed a copy of Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 46 to the Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government of India, George Swinton (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/70/226). In the letter, Macdonald Kinneir reports that Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] has separated his armed forces to deploy them along the River Aras, and details the gathering of the Shah of Persia’s army, in preparation for the advance of the Russian army [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. Macdonald Kinneir includes estimates of the size of the armies of Abbas Meerza and the Shah, giving a breakdown of the composition of their forcesPhysical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], to Alexander Stratton, HM Minister Plenipotentiary to the Ottoman Empire, sent from Bagdad and dated 30 August 1802. The letter forwards reports from Persia [Iran] of military preparations believed to be related to a campaign against the Wahabies [Wahhābī movement] and urges Stratton to press the Porte [Government of the Ottoman Empire] to assert its authority in Bagdad.Attached are:1. A letter from an informant of Harford Jones, sent from Erzeroum [Erzurum] and dated 26 May 1802. The letter forwards reports of Russian troop build-ups and military preparations in the Caucasus and the planned Russian annexation of Erivan [Yerevan].2. A ‘Bulletin from Persia’ written in French, dated Bagdad, 19 August 1802. The Bulletin reports developments in the campaign of Fet Ali Shah [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] in Corrassan [Khorasan] and planned campaigns against Merve [Mary/Merv] and the Vhabies [Wahhābī movement]. The bulletin also reports on events in Afghanistan, describing campaigns to secure Kandahar and Herat by the forces of Mahmud Chah [Mahmūd Shāh Durrānī], and suggesting that Fet Ali Shah has no designs in this direction.3. A copy of a letter from John Barker, Proconsul in Aleppo, to Harford Jones, sent from Aleppo and dated 21 August 1802. The letter forwards reports from Egypt that the evacuation of British forces has been delayed and that reinforcements are heading for the country. Attached are extracts of related letters from Antonio Vondiziano, Vice-Consul in Larnaca (in French), and an informant of John Barker in Rosetta [Rashid] dated 8 July 1802.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], to Lord Elgin, HM Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, sent from Bagdad and dated 7 October 1802.Jones reports a meeting with Aga Baba Khan Afshar [Āghā Bābā Khān Afshār], Persian [Iranian] Envoy to Baghdad, who claims that the Shah [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] has abandoned the idea of a campaign against the Wahabies [Wahhābī movement] via Bagdad. Jones also stresses the ongoing threat to Bagdad and Bussora [Basra] from the Wahabies and the need for the Porte [Government of the Ottoman Empire] to act against them.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)