Abstract: The item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Governments of Bengal and Bombay. It concerns reports of piracy carried out by the Joasmee [Qawasim], and the deliberations of the governments of Bombay and Bengal over the appropriate response to this issue.The primary subjects are:Reports of attacks on British shipping in the Gulf by the Joasmee, including the capture of the
SylphThe expansion of Wahabee [Wahhabi] influence in the Gulf, and the increase in piracy this has allegedly causedDivisions among the Joasmee, including reports that Sheikh Sultan Ben Suggur [Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi], the ruler of Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah, has abandoned their causeRelations between Britain and the Joasmee, including a copy of a treaty made on 6 February 1806 (folios 74 recto to 75 recto)Reports of Joasmee attacks on shipping off the coast of India (including: a petition from merchants in Bombay requesting greater British protection (folios 92 recto to 93 recto); a report into four dows [dhows] which had arrived at Surat (folio 105 verso); extracts from two letters from Sunderjee Sewjee, a merchant from Bombay, reporting Joasmee activity in the Gulf of Kutch (folios 109 recto to 109 verso; and folios 113 verso to 114 recto); and two letters from Mutur bin Ruhmu bin Rashid Casimee [Matar bin Rahma bin Rashid al-Qasimi], the cousin of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, to his brother Rashid Bin Ruhmu Rashid Casimee [Rashid bin Rahma bin Rashid al-Qasimi] at Bhownuggur [Bhavnagar] (folios 147 recto to 151 verso))The relations of Muscat with the Joasmee and the Wahabees, and a request from the Imam of Muscat for British help in resisting themA request from the Uttoobee [Bani Utbah] for British supportReports on the expansion of Wahabee influence in south Arabia and of attacks on shipping off the southern Arabian coast (including: an extract from a memoir by Mohumud Ibrahim Purkar [Ibrahim Purkar, also referred to as Mohummud Hajee Ibrahim and Moohummud Ibrahim Purkar Makhooda] (folios 131 verso to 136 verso), and a letter from the Dola [Governor] of Mocha (folios 137 recto to 138 verso))Plans for an expedition against the Joasmee, in cooperation with Muscat.The primary correspondents are: William Money, Superintendent of the Bombay Marine; David Seton, Resident at Muscat; Brigadier General John Malcolm; and Neil Benjamin Edmonstone, Chief Secretary to Government, Fort William.The title page (f 65) of the item contains the following references: ‘Political No. 12, Season 1809/10, Draft 186’; and ‘Examiner’s Office, October and December 1809’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 65, and terminates at f 164, 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.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay and the Government of Bengal. The item is chiefly concerned with proceedings against Captain Nicolo Chiefala of the Greek vessel
Hellas, who is suspected of carrying out 'piratical' acts in the Red Sea by detaining and plundering several vessels which were under multiple foreign flags. In particular, the item relates to:Enquiries, mostly at Mocha and Bombay, into Chiefala's activities by a committee composed of the Superintendent of Marine, the Advocate General and the Senior Magistrate of PoliceEnquiries into claims that British subjects were employed on the
Hellasand that multiple English vessels provided assistance and provisions to her, including the English ship
Trois FrèresChiefala's claims that he had appropriate authorisations from the Greek and Mauritius Governments to purchase and arm a vessel for the purpose of molesting ships under Turkish control in the Red SeaAccounts and petitions from individuals whose ships were detained by Chiefala and individuals associated with the
Hellas, such as the Commander of the
Trois FrèresThe Government of Bombay's correspondence with multiple Governments in the Red Sea requesting further information and assistance in detaining Chiefala and his associates, Sailing Captain Samuel Lingard and Lieutenant DenhamA proclamation by the Government of Bombay forbidding British subjects from serving under foreign flags who intend to attack Turkish vessels; the Advocate General's opinions on the legality of this proclamation as well as the authority of the Government to make such a proclamation.Correspondents include: Governments of Bombay, Bengal and Madras; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Marine, Bombay; Anthony Hammond, Advocate General, Bombay; J D Devitre [James D De Vitre], Senior Magistrate of Police; the Governments of Goa, Mocha, Mauritius and Demaum [Ad-Dammān]; the Imaum [Imam] of Senna [Sana'a]; Residents at Cutch [Kutch], Mocha and in the Persian Gulf; the Native Agent at Mocha; Jean-François Hodoul, Commander of the
Trois Frères.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department No. 4', 'P.C. 980, Draft. 38. 1832' and 'Examiner's Offi-'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 157, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of correspondence regarding the capture and plundering of a British ship, the
Hector, by the Shaikh of Nuckholoo [Nokhaylo], also referred to as the Shaikh of Busheab [Lavan]. The correspondence is particularly concerned with the potential for assistance from the Government of Persia [Iran] in the recovery of the plundered property, particularly after the death of the Shaikh. It also covers a lawsuit against the owner of the
Hectorand the disappearance of the ship’s master and mate.The correspondence consists of letters between the Government of Bombay and the Resident at Bushire.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 226, and terminates at f 254, 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of Political Consultations and Political Letters sent to and from the Government of Bombay.The item relates to attacks on merchant ships by the Joasamee [Āl Qāsimī] and the numerous counterefforts made by the East India Company and others over several years to curb the power of the Joasamee 'pirates'. In particular the item is concerned with:Accounts of the attack on the Company ships
Macaulayand
DuncanThe armament and dispatch of three Company cruizers to the Gulph [Gulf] of Persia for the purpose of protecting trade in the region against the Joasamee piratesThe order to inform the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat and the English Broker at Muscat of the above expedition so that they might offer aid and assistance to the commanding officersThe prohibition of the sale of timber, teakwood and planks at British ports to Arabs as it has been discovered that some of these items are then sent to the Coast of Malabar where the Joasamee are able to source the material to repair their shipsThe successful attack on Rasul Khyma [Ra's al-Khaymah], the principal port of the Joasamee, by Captain Wainwright of His Majesty's ship
La Chiffonneand Lieutenant-Colonel Smith of His Majesty's 65th RegimentIntelligence that a fleet of 18 'piratical' vessels based at Rasul Khyma are preparing to intercept merchant ships on their journey from Bussora [Basra] to IndiaInstructions to commanding officers including orders in the event of conciliatory proposals on the part of the Joasamee and orders to avoid 'all undue constraint or detriment towards the interior commerce of the Gulph'Reports of a battle between the fleet of Rehma bin Janber [Rahmah bin Jābir al-Jalhami] and the Uttobies [ʿUtūb] of Bahrein [Bahrain] in which three of Rehma's ships have been blown up and Rehma has reportedly been killed.The item also includes a note on the number of ships destroyed and men killed or wounded in the attack on Rasul Khyma (f 59 verso).Correspondents: Government of Bombay; East India Company Court of Directors; J Babington, Deputy Secretary to Government of Bombay; W J Hamilton, Secretary in the Government of Bombay Marine Department; Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to Government of Bombay; Alexander Bell, Conservator of the Forests in Malabar [Kochi]; Captain Charles Sealy, Commander of the Company's cruizer
Benares; Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government; Captain Prior of His Majesty's ship
Hesper; William Bruce, Acting Resident at Bushire.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 9, Season 1814/15, Draft 20' and 'Examiner's Office November 1812-November 1813'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 52, and terminates at f 80, 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the governments of Bombay [Mumbai] and Bengal. It is the seventh in a series of eight items on the subject of the alleged piracy of the Joasmee [al-Qawasim, also referred to as Joassmee] (the others are: IOR/F/4/648/17850, IOR/F/4/649/17851 and 17852, IOR/F/4/650/17853, IOR/F/4/650/17854, IOR/F/4/651/17855, and IOR/F/4/652/17857). The main topics covered are:The military expedition against the Beni Boo Ali [Bani bu ‘Ali, also referred to as Beni Abou Ali and Bunee boo Ulee], a tribe in southern Oman, including:Reports of acts of piracy committed by the Beni Boo Ali tribe, the investigations into these reports, and the decision by Britain and the Imam of Muscat to send a joint military force against the tribe, led by Captain Thomas Perronet Thompson, Political Agent at Kishme [Qishm, also referred to as Kishm and Kishmee]Reports of the expedition, leading to the defeat of the joint forcePreparations for a second military expedition, led by Major General Lionel SmithReports on the second expedition, resulting in the victory of the joint force against the Beni Boo Ali, and the subsequent burning of the port of Lashkara [Al Ashkharah, also referred to as El Asharrah]The situation of the Beni Boo Ali prisoners sent to Bombay following the expedition, including the tribe’s two principal sheikhs [shaikhs], Mahomed Ben Ali [Muhammad bin ‘Ali] and his brother Kadhim bin Ali [Kazim bin ‘Ali]Extracts from the proceedings of the courts martial brought against Lieutenant William Morley and Captain Thompson regarding their conduct during the first expedition against the Beni Boo Ali.The development of measures to ensure the maintenance of the settlement reached following the 1819 expedition, including:The question of the extent to which Britain should cooperate with Sultan Ben Suggar [Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi], the Ruler of Shargah, and details of a dispute between Sultan Ben Suggar and Zied Ben Sief [Zayid bin Sayf al-Falahi] of Debaye [Dubai] regarding an alleged act of piracyThe question of whether to retain a British military force at Kishme, the opposition of Persia [Iran] to this, and the sending of Andrew Jukes, Political Agent at Kishme, to attempt to assuage Persian concernsThe instructions issued to the ships tasked with patrolling the waters of the Gulf and enforcing the terms of the General Maritime TreatyA ‘description of the shores of the Persian Gulph [Gulf]’ prepared by Major William Colebrooke, focusing on the navigability of the coastline and with details of the key settlements, including the identities of the resident tribes, the size of the populations, the strengths of their defences, and the quality of their water supplies.The primary correspondents are: Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; Captain Thompson; Major General Smith; Captain Deschamps, Acting Political Agent at Kishm [Political Agent for the Lower Gulf?]; Lieutenant Colonel N P Warren; Captain Charles J Maillard; Lieutenant John Michael Guy, Commander of the
Psyche.The title page (f 5) of the item contains the following references: ‘PC 16, Draft 383, 1821/2’ and ‘Examiner’s Office 1821’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 5 and terminates at f 227, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay. It is the first in a series of 8 items on the subject of the alleged piracy of the Joasmee [Qawasim] (the others are: IOR/F/4/649/17851 and 17852, IOR/F/4/650/17853 and 17854, IOR/F/4/651/17855, and IOR/F/4/652/17856 and 17857). The main subjects are:Reports of piratical activity by the Joasmee along the coast between Bombay and the Persian Gulf between 1815 and 1818, and the measures taken to protect vessels sailing under British colours. The reports include:Details of a consultation between William Bruce, the Resident at Bushire and Hussan bin Rahmah [Ḥasan bin Raḥmah al-Qāsimī], the ruler of Rasul Khyma [Ra's al-Khaymah, also referred to as Ras-ul-Khima and Ras-ool Khyma], and Bruce’s demand for recompense for the alleged Joasmee capture and plunder of three ships belonging to merchants from SuratOffers of assistance to Britain against the Joasmee from the Imam of Muscat and Shaikh Rahmah bin Jauber [Shaikh Raḥmah bin Jābir Āl Jalāhimah], the chief of the Āl Jalāhimah clan, along with an account of the history of this clan and the other clans of the Uttoobee [Banī ʿUtbah] tribe.The expedition against Rasul Khyma carried out in December 1819 under the command of Major General Sir William Grant Keir, including:The instructions issued and preparations made for the expeditionAccounts of the attacks on the port of Rasul Khyma and the fort of Zyah [Dhayah]The articles of a General Treaty intended to bring about the cessation of piracy in the Gulf; and the articles of preliminary treaties with individual tribal rulersPlans for a new station in the Gulf, to be located in Kishm [Qeshm], to ensure that the new treaties are observedThe reaction of Persia [Iran] to the expeditionAn account of the journey of Captain George Forster Sadlier across the Arabian Peninsula on a mission to Ibrahim, son of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Viceroy of Egypt.The expeditions carried out against the Beni-boo Ali [Banī Bū ‘Alī] tribe in 1820 and 1821.The title page (f 114) of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political No. 12', 'PC [Previous Communication] 16, Draft 383', and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at 114, and terminates at 323, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. It is the third in a series of three items about a negotiation by William Bruce (the others are IOR/F/4/894/23288 and 23289). The principal correspondents are the Government of Bombay and Lieutenant John McLeod, Resident in the Persian Gulf.The item concerns the following subjects:The potential hostilities between Muscat and PersiaMuscat’s capture of Meerza Baukir Auhee [Mirza Baqir Ahi], a minister of the Prince-Governor of Fārs, and the governors of Bunder Abbass ['Bandar-e ʻAbbās] and MinanThe enforcement of the General Treaty of Maritime Peace of 1819, particularly the system of registers and the difficulty of distinguishing piracy from maritime warfareComplaints of Sooltan bin Suggur [Shaikh Sulṭān bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī], ruler of Ra's al-Khaymah and Sharjah, at having to destroy his fortificationsNegotiations between Persia and Muscat over leasing Bunder Abbass and attacking Bahrein [Bahrain] in conjunction with bin SuggurMoving the rendezvous for cruisers from Moghoo Bay [Moghūyeh] to Bassedar [Bāsaʻīdū]The deaths of McLeod, Dr Edward Milward, Captain John F Soilleux and Mr Sturmey, and the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Gerrish Stannus to succeed McLeod, R C Money’s appointment as his assistant, and J P Rich’s appointment as surgeon to the Residency, succeeding Milward.The item includes a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘[Political] No. 2, Draft 293, P.C. 362, [Season] 26/7’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 60, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of different extracts of the Bombay Public Consultations, regarding an act of piracy and murder that was reportedly committed by the native crew of the country ship
Alert. The
Alertwas bound for Bengal port laden with dispatches principally belonging to the East India Company. The letters report that part of her native crew seized the ship, murdered the European Captain and officers, and sailed the ship to the port of Mockulla [Mukalla] on the coast of Arabia.The item contains a description of the act of piracy on the
Alertship and its aftermath, including the following: measures taken by the Company to secure the return of the ship; negotiations with the Hakim regarding the restitution of the
Alertand her cargo; reports from the Customs Master at Bombay; the involvement of the
Princess Augustacruiser; the appointment of a commissioner, Samuel Sparks, to start negotiations with Hakim on the restitution of the
Alertand its cargo; a memorandum on the
Alert'scargo.Notable correspondents include the following: James Augustus Grant, Secretary to the Government of Bombay; Jonathan Duncan, Governor of Bombay; Forbes & Co; Virja Nanjis Searkrun; the East India Company's Broker in Mocha; Sir John Malcolm; Samuel Sparks, Commissioner; the Phoenix Assurance Company; John Pringle, Resident at Mocha.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 94, and terminates at f 125, 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 file also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: A printed memorandum written and compiled by Adolphus Warburton Moore for the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, and dated 2 December 1881.The document is a continuation of 'Persian Gulf - Turkish jurisdiction along the Arabian coast (Part II)' (IOR/L/PS/18/B19/2) and broadly addresses the same issues, namely, how to respond toTurkish claims to sovereignty along the southern coast of the Gulf that could potentially impinge on Britain's commitments with local rulers (in Bahrain and the Trucial Coast) and their security responsibilities at sea (the suppression of piracy).The document summarises correspondence from the previous two years (1879-1881) that had dealt with the matter, beginning with an outline of the opinions of officials from the main departments and institutions involved: the Foreign Office, the Government of India, and the India Office (whose opinion Warburton represents). Other correspondents include officials from the Residencies and Agencies in both the Persian Gulf and Turkish Arabia, as well as the Ambassador at Constantinople.The documents cover several topics, including:The threat to Bahrain from the Beni Hajir tribe and Ottoman ambitions to extend their sovereignty to the island, including the Turkish plan to build a coal depot on the island as a pretext to further political involvement;Questions of how to police the waters under Turkish authority;How Britain should deal with Shaikh Jasim [Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thāni] of El Bidaa [Doha];Turkish claims to parts of the coast of Guttur [Qatar].The document concludes with the perceived outcomes of the discussions, including closer ties with the ruler of Bahrain, who, in December 1880, agreed not to open relations with any foreign power other than Britain.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation for this description commences at folio 4 and terminates at folio 18, 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 folios 4-197; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the bottom right corner of each folio.Pagination: the document also has an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: A memorandum, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, Assistant Secretary of the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, 1 September 1879.The document is a continuation of 'Persian Gulf - Turkish jurisdiction along the Arabian coast (Part I)' (IOR/L/PS/18/B19/1) and broadly addresses the same issues, namely, what to do about Turkish claims to sovereignty along the southern coast of the Gulf that could potentially impinge on Britain's treaty commitments with local rulers and their security responsibilities at sea (the suppression of piracy), and whether to come to some kind of comprehensive arrangement with the Ottoman Government to settle the matter. To support this, the document gives a history of recent affairs in the region, making extensive use of correspondence and memoranda mostly written between 1874 and 1879. The principal correspondents are from the Government of India, the Foreign Office, the India Office, and various political and diplomatic offices in the Persian Gulf, Turkish Arabia, and Constantinople. The matters covered by the document concern events at Bahrein [Bahrain], Guttur [Qatar] - including Zobarah [Al Zubarah], Odeid [al-‘Udaid], and El Bidaa [Doha] - Lahsa [al-Hasa], and the Trucial states.The memorandum concludes by outlining the position of the Foreign Office, the Government of India, and the India Office (represented by the author) on the following four matters:1. The status of Odeid;2. The need to better define areas of responsibility and jurisdiction with the Porte, and whether to hold them responsible for order along the coast under their authority;3. A revision of Britain's treaties with Bahrain, the Trucial chiefs, and Muscat;4. The arrangement of Persian Gulf business between the Bushire Residency and the Baghdad Political Agency.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 148 and terminates at folio 168, 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 main foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the back cover; 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: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, resolutions, and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The main correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Court of Directors of the East India Company; and Jewan Oodhowjee [Jivan Udhoji], Manager of the firm Dhurmasey Luckmedass [Dharmse Lakhmidas].The item concerns the amount of compensation due to Dhurmasey Luckmedass as a result of their ship the
Bhowany Pursad[
Bhavani Parsad] being seized by the Mahara tribe [Al-Mahrah] of Wadi in 1836 en route from Porebunder [Porbandar] to Maculla [Al Mukalla]. This attack was allegedly in revenge for the British liberation of 74 enslaved people from ships which had attempted to sell them in Porebunder.The item includes a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 78, P.C. [Previous Communication] 4624, [Season 18]45’, ‘Collection No 1 of No 2’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 912, and terminates at f 949, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This printed memorandum, compiled on 30 June 1888 by Edmund Neel at the Secret and Political Department of the India Office, contains excerpts of correspondence sent and received by the Government of India and Political Residency in the Persian Gulf between 26 December 1873 and 18 April 1888.The main subject is a Turkish garrison at El Bidaa [al-Bida‘], and Turkish (Ottoman) sovereignty over El Katr or Guttur [Qatar], to fight the increase of piracy along the coast.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 142, and terminates at f 144, 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 5-149; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.