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1. ‘Persian Gulf – Alleged fraud by certain parties connected with a native vessel named the “Narrayen Pursaad” while on her voyage from Bombay to Muscat in October 1843 – Vol: 6’
- Description:
- Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, memoranda, resolutions, and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Philip LeGeyt, Senior Magistrate of Police in Bombay; Rubeel bin Uslan [Rūbin bin Aṣlān], British Agent at Muscat; Captain Samuel Hennell, British Resident in the Persian Gulf; Henry Glass, Collector of Customs at Bombay; and Alexander Sutherland, Acting Secretary to the Chamber of Commerce at Bombay. It is the sixth in a series of fifteen items on the Persian Gulf (the others are IOR/F/4/2131/101199, IOR/F/4/2131/101200, IOR/F/4/2131/101201, IOR/F/4/2131/101202, IOR/F/4/2131/101203, IOR/F/4/2131/101205, IOR/F/4/2131/101206, IOR/F/4/2131/101207, IOR/F/4/2131/101208, IOR/F/4/2131/101209, IOR/F/4/2131/101210, IOR/F/4/2131/101211, IOR/F/4/2131/101212 and IOR/F/4/2131/101213).The item concerns:An allegation that fraud was committed by merchants in Bombay by entering goods on the cargo manifest of the Narrayen Pursaad[ Nārayaṇa Parsād], but not transporting them on board the ship, and paying the nakhuda to pretend that he had thrown them overboard on his way to MuscatA quarrel between Seif bin Nubhan, Shaik of Bunder Abbas [Shaikh Sayf bin Nabhān al-Mu‘awali, Shaikh of Bandar-e ʻAbbās] and the Governor of Shiraz, and Seif bin Nubhan’s request for help from Mahomed bin Khuleefa [Shaikh Muḥammed bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, Shaikh of Bahrain].The item contains a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 252/46, P.C. [Previous Communication] 5171, Collection No 25 of No 109’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 616, and terminates at f 638, 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.
2. ‘Persian Gulf. Contemplated blockade of the Persian ports of the Gulf by the Governor of Bunder Abass-’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 31 January 1848. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the fifty-fourth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item contains a letter from Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Government of Bombay, dated 9 September 1847, regarding the ‘hostile’ plans that Shaik Syf bin Nubhan [Shaikh Sayf bin Nabhān al-Ma’walī], Governor of Bunder Abass [Bandar-e ʻAbbas], has for the ports on the Persian [Iranian] coast of the Gulf. Hennell confirms that the Government’s opinion on the situation aligns with that of Her Majesty’s Minister at the Court of Persia.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48, Coll: 2, Vol: 54’, ‘Collection No. 10 of No. 21’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’. The title page also contains a note that relevant correspondence can be found in Collection No. 7 accompanying despatch from the Government of Bombay, 30 September No. 118 of 1847.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 591, and terminates at f 594, 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. Contemplated blockade of the Persian Ports of the Gulf by the Governor of Bunder Abbass’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 30 September 1847. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the twenty-sixth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to correspondence between Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, and Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, Her Majesty’s Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia [Iran], in August 1847. The correspondence relates to:The potential motives behind Sheik Syf ben Nubhan’s [Shaikh Sayf bin Nabhān al-Ma’walī’s], Governor of Bender Abbass [Bandar-e ʻAbbas], proposal to launch a blockade against Persian ports of the GulfTheir doubts about Sheik Syf ben Nubhan’s allegations against Hoossein Khan [Ḥusayn Khān], Governor of FarsThe status of Bender Abbass as a port coming under the jurisdiction of the Imam of Muscat whilst remaining within the territory of the Shah of Persia, and the potential complications of thisPotential arguments Hennell and Sheil could use for justifying British intervention to discourage or prevent Sheik Syf ben Nubhan from going through with the blockade.Bender Abbass is also rendered in the text as Bunderabass.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48’, ‘Collection No. 2 of No. 118, Vol: 26.’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 389, and terminates at f 395, 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. ‘Persian Gulf. Report of the Resident’s visit to Bunder Abass and his proceedings there.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 16 June 1847. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the fourth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to a report from Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, on his visit to Bunder Abass [Bandar-e ʻAbbas, also rendered in text as Bunder Abbass] and meetings with the Governor of that place, Shaik Syf bin Nubhan [Shaikh Sayf bin Nabhān al-Ma’walī], in April 1847. In particular, he reports on a complaint by Shaik Syf about the duties levied at Bunder Abass by His Highness Syed Soweeynee [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Governor of Muscat, and the negative impact of this on the trade in the area. Hennell also reports on Shaik Syf’s intention to attack ports on the Persian [Iranian] coast following a dispute with Houssein Khan [Ḥusayn Khān], Governor of Fars, as well as Hennell’s response to this.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48’, ‘Collection No. 2 of No. 78, Vol: 4.’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 233, and terminates at f 243, 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.
5. ‘Affairs in Persia’
- Description:
- Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-7 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 9 March 1848. The enclosures are dated 8 November 1847-6 March 1848. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Persia [Iran] and Bokhara [Emirate of Bokhara], including:Attempts to secure the release of three British officers from imprisonment in BokharaThe intention of Bahman Meerza [Bahman Mirza Qajar] to return to the post of Governor of Azerbijan [Iranian Azerbaijan]A complaint from Sheikh Syf, Governor of Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas], about hostile activities in the area by Fayl Alee Khan [Fazl Ali Khan], Governor of KermanThe occupation of Ghaz [Bandar-e Gaz] by Russian forcesComplaints from the Government of the Ottoman Empire about the conduct of Persian frontier authoritiesA request by Mills & Co, a British company based in Shiraz, to import muskets for the Persian Government.The primary correspondents are the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, the Prime Minister of Persia, and the Government of India. The item contains a single folio in French, f 437, a letter from the Envoy to his Russian counterpart.Physical description: 1 item (28 folios)
6. ‘Muscat. Intelligence.’
- 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 Heskeal bin Yusoof [Khawājah Ḥizqīl bin Yūsuf], Acting Native Agent at Muscat.The item contains intelligence reports sent by Heskeal bin Yusoof. Topics covered include:The communications of Syud Thooenee [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd] with Jubur bin Mahomed bin Nasir [Jabr bin Muḥammad bin Nāṣir], the Chief of Zukee [Izki], and the visit of the shaikhs of the Hijreeyan [al-Ḥijrīyūn], Hooboos [al-Ḥubūs] and al Wubela [Āl Wahībah] tribes to MuscatReports that Syud Hamood bin Uzan [Sayyid Ḥammūd bin ‘Azzān al-Būsa‘īdī] has placed the forts at Rustak [Rustaq] and Khabooru [Al Khaburah] under the charge of the Mootavas [Muṭawwa‘īn] and plans to do the same for other forts to the west of Sohar, and Syud Thooenee’s attempts to arrange a meeting with Syud Humood bin UzanCommunications received from Captain Saunders at Museera [Masirah]The threats received by Shaikh Suif bin Nubhan [Shaikh Sayf bin Nabhān al-Ma‘walī], Chief of Bunder Abbass [Bandar-e ʻAbbas] from the Governor of Shiraz, and the support provided to Shaikh Suif bin Nubhan by Syud Thooenee.The item contains a table of contents (ff 443-444), and the title page (f 442) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 5507, Coll. 7, Vol. 20’, ‘D/t 197/47’, ‘Collection No. 8 of No. 53’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 442 and terminates at f 451, 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.
7. Persian Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 96 of 1847, dated 13 November 1847. The enclosure is numbered 3 and is dated 14 September 1847. The enclosure consists of a letter from HM Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, forwarding under flying seals copies of despatches addressed by him to HM Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Viscount Palmerston, and letters to HM Minister Plenipotentiary to the Ottoman Empire, Lord Cowley, dated 12 August to 4 September 1847.These despatches and letters concern matters including:The Treaty of Erzeroom [Erzurum] between Persia and the Ottoman Empire, including: Sheil’s attempts to persuade the Persian Prime Minister Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājī Mīrzā (ʿAbbās Īravānī) Āqāsī] of the expediency of Persia establishing a tariff with Turkey; Sheil's efforts to persuade the Persian ministers to accompany the ratification of the treaty with a confirmation of the explanations of certain points given by the representatives of the mediating powers, including the explanation relating to the construction of fortifications on the opposite banks of the Shatt-Ool-Arab [Shatt al Arab]; and ‘the breach of promise contemplated’ by Nejeeb Pasha [Gürcü Mehmet Necip Pasha, or Muḥammad Najīb Pāshā, Wali or Governor of Baghdad] in relation to the removal of war ships from the vicinity of Mohemmera [Khorramshahr]The ‘spirit of insubordination’ amongst the Persian troops, and the revolt in Khorassan [Khorasan], including: an incident in which a ‘considerable body of troops’ had forced their way into Hajee Meerza Aghassee’s house and demanded their pay, and another incident in which a body of troops had surrounded his house and not allowed him to leave; the troops refusing to march without payment of their arrears, and the ‘great disorganisation’ in their ranks; Hajee Meerza Aghassee extracting 70,000 tomans left in the treasury by the late Shah to pay the soldiers; 4,000 Persian infantry and six guns marching towards Khorassan, with about 1,500 being expected to be despatched in the next few days, to join the previous detachment at Bestam [Bastam]; news that the 2,000 troops sent in advance to Bestam had made a forward movement to Kalpoosh [Kalpush], where ‘an action’ had taken place, resulting in the troops of Jaffer Koolee Khan [Jaʿfar Qulī Khān] retreating, and the opposing troops taking possession of his position; Hajee Meerza Aghassee and the Shah’s rejections of Sheil’s proposal to intervene between the Government and the Salar [Moḥammad-Ḥasan Khān Sālār] and Jaffer Koolee Khan, in an attempt to settle the revoltSheil’s success in settling with the Persian ministers the claim of Hajee Nooroodeen [Ḥājī Nūr al-Dīn], a British subject, against the Persian Government, with the Governor of Fars agreeing to pay Hajee Nooroodeen 8,000 tomans in instalmentsThe Resident in the Persian Gulf, Major Samuel Hennell, informing Sheil that he had learnt that it was the intention of the Governor of Bender Abbas [Bandar ‘Abbas], Shaikh Syd [Shaikh Saʿīd] (an official of the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat, with the latter renting the port and the adjoining district from Persia), to blockade the Persian ports of the Persian Gulf, ‘under the pretext of retaliating injuries suffered by him from the Governor of Fars, but in reality for various frivolous [and] insufficient reasons’ Sheil asserts, and Sheil’s recommendation to Hennell that he should use every legitimate means in his power to prevent this from happeningSheil’s report that further to his despatch No. 67 of 29 June regarding the ‘misconduct’ of the Governor of Asterabad [Gorgan], Suleiman Khan [Sulaymān Khān], the latter had been brought to Tehran and apologised to Sheil for his treatment of the Khan of Khiva’s servant and admitted stealing his property; that Hennell had received 350 tomans from the Persian Government on this account which he had paid to the servant; and that despite his very negative opinion of Suleiman Khan, Hennell had yielded to the appeals of the Persian Government and signified to the latter that he would not oppose the resumption of Suleiman Khan’s GovernmentSheil’s lack of success in his attempts to persuade the Shah to abolish the ‘traffic’ in enslaved African people by sea through the Persian ports of the Persian Gulf.Enclosure No. 3 includes enclosed correspondence between Sheil and Hajee Meerza Aghassee.The enclosure also includes a letter from Sheil to the Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General (dated 14 September 1847), requesting to be informed as to what privileges or protection the Governor-General considers a Persian, or other foreign vessel, carrying English colours [a British flag] should be entitled to claim.Physical description: 1 item (39 folios)
8. Affairs in Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-3 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay, dated 25 September 1844. The enclosures are dated 22 May-13 July 1844.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Persia [Iran], including:Reported fighting and disturbances in Sheeraz [Shiraz] and other parts of Fars, and the intention of the Prime Minister of Persia to recall the GovernorPlans by the Governor of Kerman, reportedly on the orders of the Prime Minister, to attack Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas], claiming the Omani Governor has ‘failed to pay the usual rent’A report from German missionary Dr Joseph Wolff that he is about to depart Bokhara [Emirate of Bukhara] with ten Persian and ten Russian prisoners whom he has ransomed, and that the Ameer [Emir] has despatched an Ambassador to England with gifts for Queen VictoriaA later report from Dr Wolff that he has not been allowed to depart and has instead been imprisoned by the AmeerReports of Russian naval activities at Ashooradeh [Ashuradeh] on the Caspian SeaThe expulsion from Persia of two French clergymen accused of proselytisingBorder negotiations at Erzeroom [Erzurum] between Persia and the Ottoman EmpireThe Prime Minister’s intention to ‘prove the right of Persia to the possession’ of Bahrein [Bahrain].The primary correspondent is HM Chargé d’Affaires, Tehran. Other correspondents include: the Prime Minister of Persia; the British Consul, Tabriz; the Russian Minister in Tehran; the French Minister in Constantinople [Istanbul]; and Dr Wolff.Physical description: 1 item (31 folios)
9. Affairs in Persia and Herat
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 26 of 1853, dated 31 March 1853. The enclosure is numbered 3 and is dated 12 February 1853.The enclosure is a letter from HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Tehran, Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, forwarding under a flying seal, to the address of the Secretary to the Government of India, copies of thirteen despatches addressed to HM Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Earl of Malmesbury, dated 8 January to 4 February 1853.Sheil’s despatches to the Earl of Malmesbury consist of the following:No. 7, dated 8 January 1853: reporting that the Persian [Iranian] officer deputed to assume charge of the Government of Bender Abass [Bandar Abbas], pending the arrival of Mahomed Raheem Khan [(Haji) Muḥammad Rahīm Khān (Shirazī, Malik al-Tujjar)], the Governor nominated by the Shah, had been refused admission into that town by the authorities of the Imam of MuscatNo. 8, dated 10 January 1853: reporting the death of Futtee Mahomed Khan [Fath' Muḥammad Khān], the Herat chief who had been in confinement at Beerjend [Birjand]. Sheil states that though a report has been spread that he committed suicide, there can be no doubt that he was killed on the orders of the Persian GovernmentNo. 12, dated 13 January 1853: in which Sheil states that it will be clear from the accompanying correspondence (some of which is in French) between the Sedr Azim [Sadr-i A'zam], his Russian colleague Prince Dolgorouki [Prince Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorukov, Russian Minister to Persia], and himself, that his and Dolgorouki’s efforts to dissuade the Persian Government from collecting a large army at Sultaneyah [Soltaniyeh, also spelled Sultaniah in this item] in the ensuing Spring have been unsuccessfulNo. 13, dated 15 January 1853: enclosing a translated copy of letter from the Sedr Azim demanding that Great Britain should abstain from interfering in the affairs of Herat, and subsequent correspondence between Sheil and the Sedr Azim. Sheil expresses his opinion that if the British Government wishes to maintain influence and control over Herat, then this can be achieved only by excluding Persia altogether from Afghanistan and resisting the despatch of Persian troops to Herat on any pretext. Sheil suggests that the Persian Government could be urged to accept these conditions through British occupation of the island or Kharg (or Karrack)No. 14, dated 14 January 1853, reporting news including: the Sedr Azim informing Sheil that Syd Mahomed Khan [Sayyid Muḥammad Siddiq Khān Alakuzā'ī], the Ruler of Herat, has made an urgent appeal to the Prince Governor of Khorassan [Khorasan] for troops to aid in repelling Khohendil Khan [Kuhandil Khān Muḥammadzā'ī], who was advancing to the relief of Ferrah [Farah, also spelled Ferra in this item] (a letter from Syd Mahomed Khan to the Prince Governor is enclosed); that the Herat khans who had been brought under custody from Meshed [Mashhad] to Tehran, have been liberated, at least nominally; the Mission Agent at Meshed reporting that Syd Mahomed Khan continues to instigate the Toorkomans [Turkmen people] to make plundering expeditions into Candahar [Kandahar] and carry away numbers of Afghans into slaveryNo. 15, dated 14 January 1853: reporting that Meerza Saeed Khan [Mirzā Sa'īd Khān Ansarī], hitherto Persian Superintendent of Foreign Affairs, has been appointed Minister for Foreign AffairsA letter from Sheil to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, dated 15 January 1853, transmitting under a flying seal a copy of a despatch to the Earl of Malmesbury (No. 17, dated 15 January 1853) regarding a practice which is reportedly being carried out at Bombay of granting licences to Persian vessels to carry an ‘English’ flag, which they hoist in their own national ports (the despatch includes enclosed correspondence between Sheil and the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain Arnold Burrowes Kemball, and correspondence between the Resident and the Governor of Bushire [Bushehr], Mirza Hassan Ally Khan [Mīrzā Ḥasan ʿAlī Khān]). Sheil requests any information on the subject from the Government of Bombay that would be useful for Lord MalmesburyNo. 18, dated 15 January 1853: enclosing a copy of a despatch received from the Resident at Bushire, relating to certain proceedings of the Governor of Bushire, which Sheil fears may lead to ‘disorder’ in the Persian Gulf, and a translation a of letter which Sheil has addressed in consequence to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. Sheil reports that a ship from the Persian port of Aseeloo [Asaluyah] had touched at Bushire, and the Governor of Bushire, Mirza Hassan Alee Khan, seized the Master and fined him twelve tomans, and also carried off a free Abyssinian [Ethiopian] sailor who was on board. Sheil states that the Chief (Governor) of Aseeloo, Sheikh Ahmed ben Kulfan [Shaikh Aḥmad bin Khalfān (Al Haram)], has threatened revenge against this aggression, and Sheil has intimated to the Persian Minister that private war cannot be carried out in the Persian Gulf (the despatch includes enclosed copies of Kemball’s correspondence with Sheikh Ahmed ben Kulfan and Mirza Hassan Alee Khan)No. 20, dated 19 January 1853: reporting that the Sedr Azim, instead of concluding the arrangement that had recently been reached regarding Herat, has sent Sheil another document which includes a clause stating that if Great Britain interfered at all in the affairs of Herat then the agreement would be annulled. Sheil states that he has rejected the proposed arrangements. (The despatch includes enclosed correspondence between Sheil and the Sedr Azim)No. 21, dated 22 January 1853: stating that a party of three khans of Herat who had been in confinement at Meshed had that day arrived at Tehran under restraint, but will probably be released soon, that one other khan had been murdered on the road by the Persian authorities, and that three other khans were still in confinement at MeshedNo. 22, dated 30 January 1853: reporting news from the Agent at Meshed that Kohendil Khan, the Ruler of Candahar, had passed Ferra with 1,500 men and twelve guns, to proceed against Herat, and that Syd Mahomed Khan had sent a most urgent demand for aid to the Governor of KhorassanNo. 23, dated 30 January 1853: enclosing further correspondence between Sheil and the Persian Prime Minister (Sedr Azim) regarding Herat, including: translated copies of an arrangement sealed by the Sedr Azim; a letter from the Sedr Azim to Syd Mahomed Khan notifying him of this arrangement; and a 'ferman' [firman] from the Shah to Syd Mahomed Khan ratifying the arrangementNo. 25, dated 4 February 1853: enclosing a translation of a letter from Sheil to the Ruler of Herat, transmitting to him a copy of the arrangement made by the Persian Cabinet concerning its future connection with his Government.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-3, on folios 553-554. The number 3 is repeated for reference on the verso of the last folio of the enclosure.
10. Diary and Consultations of Mr Alexander Douglas, Agent of the East India Company at Gombroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] in the Persian Gulf, commencing 2 December 1761 and ending 7 February 1763.
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume is in the form of a diary, which contains records of consultations at the Gombroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] Factory. The Chief Agent, Alexander Douglas, and the Factory's Council member Dymoke Lyster headed the consultations. They recorded the daily activities, the administrative decisions made, and letters sent and received. Records of significant political and military operations in the region are also preserved. Folios 2-4 are mistakenly dated 2-3 December 1762, considering how the diary is dated from folio 5 onward, the correct date of folios 2-4 should have been 2-3 December 1761.The diary contains records of letters, sundry interrogatories and testimonies between the Factory and the Bussorah [Basra] Residency Staff members regarding the following: the dismissal of William Shaw and Robert Garden from the charge of the Residency; the delivering over the charge of the Residency and all 'merchandize' books, papers and cash belonging to the Company; the case of the contract between Mr Shaw and a contractor called Hadjee Eusuph [Haji Yusuf]; the state of affairs at Bussorah; the Company's packets to be sent via Bagdat [Baghdad] to Aleppo; the woollen goods supplied to Bussorah market; the trade with the Turks; the status of the roads and the activities of the Arab tribes between Bagdat and Aleppo; managing the estates of the late Bussorah Residents Martin French and James Stuart, respectively; the activities of the Turkish governors in the region; and relations with local merchants.The diary includes records of letters exchanged with the Court of Directors for Affairs of the East India Company at Bombay [Mumbai], and sundry paragraphs received from Bombay and details of their contents including: news of the death of King George II, in October 1760, and the proclamation of George III as the King of Great Britain, France and Ireland; news of the formation of a Presidency at Fort Marlborough, and the names of its Council members; notes on the prohibition of ophium [opium] import upon the west coast of Summatra [Sumatra] and Gombroon; the case of wounded soldiers from Bengall [Bengal]; records of the names and positions of dismissed and appointed staff at the Company's councils; discussing accounts books received from Gombroon; and records of the cash accounts and balance.The diary also includes records of the state of affairs and military operations in a number of provinces in Persia including: Carmenia [Kerman], Assehannon [probably al-Sana south of Būshehr, also written as Aschannon, and Acchannon], Schyrash [Shiraz], Tairun [Tehran, also written as Tarroun], Spahaun [Eṣfahān], Yazd, Kaderabaud [Qaderabad and Qadirabad], Taberez [Tabriz], and Carazoon [Khorāsān]. Among the governors and families involved in the operations are: Carem Caun [Karīm Khān Zand, Vakil of Persia, also written as Carim], Sadduek Caun [Sadiq Khān Zand, Governor of Shiraz, and brother of Karīm Khān], Ahmet Shaw [Ahmad Shah Afghan Dorrani, known as Ahmad Shah Abdali r 1747-1772], Fatally Caun [Fath Ali Khān Afshar, Persian Military General], Moolah Ally Shaw [Mulla Ali Shah], Nassir Caun [Nāsir Khān Āl Mazkūr, Shaikh of Būshehr, ruled 1162-1203/c 1749-1788], Jaffer Caun [Ja‘afar Khān Āl Mazkūr, Governor of Gombroon and brother of Nāsir Khān], the Julfar Arabs [Julfār, in what is now Ra's al Khaymah], Benimines [Banu Mu‘in] of Bunderick [i.e. Bandar-e Rīg] and Ormuse [Jazīreh-ye Hormoz, Hormuz, Ormuz] and the Charrack Arabs [Al-‘Ali, based at Charrack, modern Bandar-e Chārak].Among other issues and news recorded in the diary are: the activities of Dutch and French vessels; the shipment of wool from Carmenia; letters exchanged with commanders of the Company's ships along with sailing orders; indent of woollen goods proper for the Persian market including the type of cloth, amount and colours required; accounts of damaged goods delivered out of the Company's warehouse; list of account salaries due to the Company's staff at Gombroon; news of the sudden death of Bussorah Resident James Stuart on 21 July 1762; and the appointment of Dymoke Lyster as the new Resident at Bussorah.The diary includes records of the arrival and departure of ships, including the Swallow, the Drake, the Earl of Elgin, the Speedwell, the Dadely, the Berkshire Snow, the Monmouth, and the Fanny Snow.Ships sailed mainly to and from Gombroon, Bombay, Bussorah, Bengall, Muscat, Charrack, Madrass [Madras, i.e. Chennai], China, the Malabar Coast, Ormuse, Bushire, and Batavia [Jakarta].In addition, the diary includes abstracts of the standard account disbursements for each month. These cover the following: garrison charges, hospital charges, stable charges, merchandised charges, the Afseen [Afsin] Garden, extraordinary charges, servants' wages, house rent, house repairs, house expense, and ships' charges.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 104; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading flyleaf.Pagination: the file also contains an original pagination sequence.
11. Diary and Consultations of Mr Alexander Douglas, Agent of the East India Company at Gombroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] in the Persian Gulf, commencing 4 August 1756 and ending 31 July 1757.
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume is in the form of a diary recorded by Alexander Douglas, Chief Agent of Gombroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] Factory. The Agent recorded the letters sent and received, the daily activities, the administrative decisions made, as well as the significant political and military operations in the region.Among the main details and issues recorded in the diary are the following:Records of the East India Company's (EIC's) cash, staff salaries, and invoicesRecords of letters to commanders of the EIC's ships along with sailing ordersRecords of letters exchanged with William Shaw, Resident at Bussorah [Basra, also written as Bussora] reporting on the situation at Bussorah, Bagdat [Baghdad, also written as Bagdad], and AleppoReports received from the Roman Catholick [Catholic] missionaries at Spahaun [Eṣfahān] about Hossan Caun Cadjar [Moḥammad Ḥasan Khān Qājār] imposing tax on the Christian inhabitants thereNews of Hossan Caun appointing Nasseir Caun [Nāsir Khān Āl Mazkūr, ruled 1162-1203/c 1749-1788] as the Beglerbeggy [Beglerbegi/ Beylerbeyi is Turkish and Azeri for Governor-General] of Farse [Fars]News of Sharroock Caun [Shāhrokh Mīrzā Afshār, c 1734-1796, Governor of Kerman] besieging Hodjeabaud [Haji Abad], marching towards Hamataboud [Ahmadabad], and dispatching officers to regulate financial affairs with Moolah Ally Shaw [Mulla Ali Shah, fl 1740-1760, the Governor of Gombroon]News of Shaik Rama of Julfar's forces [Raḥmah bin Maṭar al-Qāsimī, Shaikh of Julfār] proceeding to Tarree [Bandar Tahiri] to attack Shaik Hattem [Shaikh Hatim bin Jubbarah al-Nasuri]Reports of Ahmed Shaw [Ahmad Shah Afghan Dorrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali ruled 1747-1772] appointing his son as the ruler of Cashemire [Kashmir], Lahor [Lahore] and other places, and demanding that the Mogul Emperor pay him taxReports on the situation at various cities including Shyrash [Shiraz], Tyharroun [Tehhran], and Astrabaud [Astarabad]The enmity between Hossan Caun and Azad Caun [Āzād Khān Ghilza'ī, d 1782, Beglerbeg of Azarbāijān]The arrival of wool from Carmenia [Kerman]Records of letters received from the Linguist (i.e. interpreter) at Carmenia advising on the amount of wool sent and the billsRecords of letters exchanged with Francis Wood, the Resident at Bunderick [Bandar-e-Rīg] reporting on the situation at Bunderick and Carack [also written Carrack, Bandar-e Chārak]News of Moolah Ally Shaw seizing one of the Factory's brokers and sending him to Ormuse [Jazīreh-ye Hormoz, Hormuz, Ormuz]News of Nasseir Caun regaining control of several places that were taken by the ArabsRecords of the activities of French and Dutch vesselsRecords of traded commodities such as coffee, sugar, candy, iron, spices, lead, tin, horse covering, carpets and cushionsNews of Carem Caun [Karīm Khān Zand, Vakil of Persia] marching towards Bushire [Būshehr, also written as Bourchier], Bunderick, and BussorahReports of the state of affairs in Bengal [also written as Bengall]The enmity between Nasseir Caun and Carem CaunNarrative of the loss of the PhoenixsloopReports of the British retaking Calcutta [Kolkata] by forceNews of Sharrook Caun getting married.The diary includes records of letters exchanged between the Factory Agent and the President and Governor-in-Council of Bombay (Richard Bourchier) and the rest of the Council members. These include a copy of sundry paragraphs of the Company's commands on the ship Portfieldrelated to the Factory (folios 39-44); the possibility of making an English settlement at Bahreen [Bahrain]; regulations of trade and customs in China, Mocha, Juddah [Jeddah], Batavia [Jakarta], Malacca, Cylon [Ceylon, i.e. Sri Lanka], Mallabar [Malabar] Coast, Sumatra and other places; the possibility of establishing a charity school at Gombroon; and the situation of affairs between Britain and France.The diary includes records of the arrival and departure of ships, including the Dragon, the Warrenketch, the Success, the Neptunegalley, the Swallow, the Drake, the Hopewell, the Prince George, the Futtee Doulet[Fath al-Dawla], the Fezraboony[Fayz Rabbani], the Pasteronia, the Alli Rooka, the Bridgewater, and the Viper.The ships sailed mainly to and from Gombroon, Bombay [Mumbai], Bussorah, Bunderick, Bengal, Surat, Muscat, Madrass [Madras, i.e. Chennai], Cochin [Kochi], Tellicherry [Thalassery], and England.The diary includes abstracts of the standard account disbursements for each month. These cover the following: table expenses, garrison charges, the Afseen [Afsin] Garden, merchandised charges, extraordinary charges, stable charges, servants' wages, ships' charges, and factory repairs.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 88; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front cover, nor does it include the leading flyleaf.