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61. ‘Copy of a note from the Envoy to H. Excy. Meerza Abul Hassan Khan’
- Description:
- Abstract: Copy of a note from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to Meerza Abul Hassan Khan [Mīrzā Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Shīrāzī, Foreign Minister of Persia] of 12 February 1828. Macdonald Kinneir acknowledges the receipt of Meerza Abul Hassan Khan’s letters, and reports that Turkomanshahee [Turkamanchay] has been decided as the place for the renewal of the negotiations to sign the peace treaty ending the war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828].This document was originally enclosed, numbered 6 in enclosure No. 7, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 16 March 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/201).Physical description: 1 item (1 folio)
62. Papers of Sir John Malcolm relating to India and Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume chiefly comprises letters to Malcolm during the periods 1796, 1801-02, 1807-15, and 1830-32, when Malcolm served in either a military or administrative capacity for the East India Company in India and on diplomatic missions to Persia [Iran] (1808 and 1810), and when he was in England between 1812 and 1815.The papers stamped 1-98 relate to official business, and personal and private matters (of both the correspondent and Malcolm). Most of the correspondents were employees of the East India Company. The papers notably cover:British diplomatic missions in Persia [Iran], the role of Malcolm, Sir Harford Jones and Sir Gore Ouseley (at various times Envoys on Missions or Ambassadors to the Court of the King of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] in Tehran)The Russo-Persian War (1804-13), campaigns led by Persian Crown Prince Abbas MirzaPersian relations with France and the Napoleonic Wars in EuropeAdministrative and personnel matters relating to the Indian Civil Service and military appointments, including requests (memorials) for Malcolm’s assistance, support, introduction, or recommendation (in career, legal and financial matters)Matters of finance and accounts, including salaries and allowances in the Indian colonial servicesState of affairs and news and events in various parts of India, notably Mysore and Madras [Chennai], including numerous complaints of officers in the Madras Army concerning its management and administration and lack of career progression opportunities (there was a mutiny of British officers of the Madras Army in 1809).The last group of documents, commencing with document stamped number 99, relate to the case of Moro Ragonath, which was the immediate cause of the quarrel between the Government of Bombay, under General Sir John Malcolm, and Sir John Grant, the Chief Justice of HM Supreme Court of Bombay, regarding the Court’s jurisdiction (see The Life and Correspondence of Major-General Sir John Malcolm, GCB... by John William Kaye, Volume II, p 507 et seq.). The documents, dated 18 July-c 30 September 1828, (folios 339-457) comprise:Malcolm’s ‘Notes of what past (sic) regarding the arrest or summons and taking away of Moro Ragonath a Minor Chief of the (left blank) class of the privileged orders in the Deccan’ (document 99)Correspondence between Malcolm, Mr John A Dunlop, Agent for Sirdars at Poona [Pune]; Sir Edward West; Richard Mills, Acting Collector and Magistrate, Poona; John Bax, Secretary with the Governor, Political Department; John Warden, Deputy Agent; Sir Thomas Bradford, Acting Resident; William Newnham, Chief Secretary; James Dewar, Acting Advocate-General; E C Morgan; J P Le Geyt; J W Brown, solicitor; F Leggatt, Deputy Sheriff, Bombay; A C Ferrier (Prothonotary); Thomas Jefferies, solicitor; H Rowe, Clerk of the CrownCopies and extracts of Magistrate’s Court and Supreme Court case documents including depositions, orders and witness statements.The letters stamped 1-98 are listed below in alphabetical order by surname. They are originals and are addressed to Malcolm unless otherwise stated. The ranks and positions of correspondents have been added where they were possible to ascertain. Subject information has been added before folio numbers (in a few cases this has been transcribed from the index at the front of the volume).Peter Abbott, British Consul at Beyrout [Beirut, Lebanon], to John Bedwell, Foreign Office, London, 9 June 1830, enclosing his report for Lord Aberdeen (one of HM’s Principal Secretaries of State), on trade, communications, industry, etc., on the country between Beyrout and the Persian Gulf, notably covering Bagdad [Baghdad], Damascus and Palmyra routes. (Referred to as ‘Report on Asia Minor’ in the index) (ff 298-304)John Adam, administrator, East India Company, 29 March 1809, Persian Missions (ff 111-117)Lieutenant-Colonel David Barr, Bombay Army, 10 April 1831 (ff 316-317)General Brathwaite (the letter is incomplete and lacks the correspondent’s signature. ‘? General Braithwaite’ has been annotated in pencil probably around 1900-1920s), 5 February 1802 (ff 20-21)John Briggs, Board of Commissioners, Government of Mysore, 7 May 1832, anarchical state of affairs in Mysore (ff 329-330)George Buchan, Chief Secretary to the Governor of Madras, 1 May-21 August 1808, Persian Missions (ff 73-78, 85-88, 98-103)M D Cadell, 5 November 1832 (the first page contains an account, written in a different hand, of a mutiny in the Bangalore troops) (ff 335-336)Lieutenant-Colonel John Carfrae (the signature is illegible and the name has been written in pencil adjacent to it probably around 1900-1920s), 15 March 1831, regarding the Court of Directors case against him for alleged financial misdemeanours in past paymaster posts in India (ff 310-314)John Chamier, Fort St George, 23 April and 12 June 1802 (ff 37-39, 46-47)Lieutenant Charles Christie, 16 October 1810-12 October 1812, Russo-Persian War and British military involvement in support of the Persian King, and British diplomatic missions (ff 170-173, 193-196, 235-236) (Christie commanded Persian infantry during the war and died during fighting in Azerbaijan on 31 October 1812)Colonel Barry Close (later General), East India Company, 1 April 1809-12 March 1810, recall of Malcolm’s Mission to Tehran, trouble with officers at Haiderabad [Hyderabad], operations against ‘Meer Chan’ [Amir Khan] near Nagpur (ff 119-120, 141-144, 151-160)Arthur Henry Cole, East India Company (later Resident in Mysore 1812-27), 23 March 1808 (ff 71-72)Dr John Cormick, British physician to Crown Prince Abbas Mirza of Persia, 24 September 1811-3 December 1814, news from Europe on war with Napoleon; Persian affairs, Russo-Persian War including accounts of military actions (ff 237-244), intelligence on Sir Harford Jones’s and Sir Gore Ouseley’s movements, news relating to Napoleon Bounapart [Bonaparte], the armistice and treaty between Persia and Russia, Ouseley’s trip to St Petersburg to negotiate on forfeited Persian territories (ff 178-180, 181-182, 183-186, 187-190, 203-205, 206-209, 218-221, 226-244, 261-263, 266-267)Framjee Cowasjee [Framji Cowasji Banaji, Parsi landowner and businessman], 31 November 1831 (ff 318-321)Note by J M Dickinson on Colonel Gilbert's appointment, no date, c 1831 (f 309)Colonel J Doveton, 18 June and 13 July 1809, Madras Army troubles (ff 123-124, 129-130)Jonathan Duncan, Governor or Bombay, 11 June 1802 (ff 42-44)Neil Benjamin Edmonstone, Chief Secretary to the Government of India, 27 January and 14 October 1811, including criticism of Sir Harford Jones and his level of competency (ff 174-177, 210-213)H Ellis, 22 August 1814, Journey to Persia, Sir Harford Jones, and Sir Gore Ouseley in St Petersburg (ff 264-265)Mountstuart Elphinstone, Resident at Poona, 23 December 1814, Gurkha and Pindari campaigns, death of General Robert Rollo Gillespie on 31 October 1814 (Anglo-Nepalese War) (ff 272-283)William Erskine, first Secretary of the Literary Society of Bombay, to John Leyden, Scottish Indologist, 15 July 1808, on Malcolm’s Mission to Persia, praise for Malcolm, and stinging criticism of Sir Harford Jones’s capabilities (ff 93-95)Lieutenant E Frederick, Bombay Army, 19 March 1811, his geographical sketch of Koordistan [Kurdistan] (ff 183-186)Enclosure in missing letter from a Mr Grant, no date, c 1810 (f 169)R B Gregory, Indian Army in Nepaul, [Nepal], 17 December 1805, duplicate letter (ff 296-297)[Dr?] William Ingledew, in Mysore, 29 March 1814, including Tippoo [Tipu] Sultan ‘Tiger of Mysore’ (ff 256-260)George Johnstone, Resident at Lucknow, 12 August and 26 October 1796 (ff 10-17)Sir Harford Jones, extract of a letter to Jafir Ali Khan, Native Agent employed by the East India Company, at Tauris [Tabriz], 27 November 1810, regarding his rejection of Jones’s offer to procure for him the appointment of Agent to England. (This letter is not in the index) (f 216)Lord Lake (General Gerard, 1st Viscount Lake), 13 July 1802 (ff 54-55)Writ issued to Stephen Langrish, in an action regarding property at Portsmouth, c 1828 (the date is obscured within the volume’s binding) (f 337) (See also: Morgan)J Leith, at Madras, 3 March 1802 (ff 22-29)J Little, 4 April and 19 May 1832, Bombay news, gossip and sundry matters (ff 326-328, 331-332)J Lumsden, at Calcutta [Kolkata], 13 May 1811 (ff 191-192)John Macdonald Kinneir, Madras Infantry (formerly attached to Malcolm’s 1808-09 Persian Mission), 9 and 23 March 1813, his stay in Sweden and account of ‘Bernadotte’ [Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte then de facto Regent of Sweden] (ff 248-250)Sir James Mackintosh, Recorder of Bombay and founder of Bombay Literary Society, 17 May 1808-2 December 1809, Madras Army troubles, views on Persian Mission, Lord Minto and Sir Harford Jones (ff 79-84, 145-150)Colonel William Macleod, Madras Army, 10 July 1809, Madras Army troubles (ff 125-128)Captain James MacMurdo, 9 June 1810, experiences in Kathiawar, surveying routes via Rhadunpoor [Radhanpur] and Jhodpoor [Jodhpur] (ff 161-168)G M MacNeill, 25 May 1832, regarding his removal from post at Bushire (ff 333-334)Charles Malcolm (brother of John Malcolm), 17 October 1830 and 31 December 1831 (ff 305, 322-325)Unsigned letter from Malcolm to the Earl of Buckinghamshire, 21 January 1815, regarding eligibility to apply for the KCB, citing his military experiences in 1803 and 1805 (ff 284-285)Writ issued to J Morgan in an action regarding property at Portsmouth, c 1828 (the date is obscured within the volume’s binding) (f 338) (See also: Langrish)A Munro, East India Company, 22 June 1802 (ff 48-49)Captain John Noble, 18 June 1809, Madras Army troubles (ff 121-122)Sir Gore Ouseley, HM Ambassador to Persia, 29 May-30 December 1811, Persian Missions, journey through and conditions in Persia, activities of Sir Harford Jones. Includes copy of Ouseley’s letter to Lord Wellesley (f 222), 30 December 1811, concerning Malcolm being presented with the Star of the Order of the Sun and Lion by the Persian King (ff 197-202, 222-225)Admiral Peter Rainier, 8 August 1802, Superiority of Trincomalee, Ceylon [Sri Lanka] as a Naval Station (ff 58-60)Hugh Scott, 19 July 1809, Madras Army troubles (ff 131-134)Lieutenant-Colonel William Scott, Resident at Lucknow, 4 August 1801 and 29 July 1802 (ff 18-19, 56-57)J Stewart, 27 November 1810 (ff 214-215)A Stock, 23 January 1831, soliciting Malcolm’s advice regarding his recent appointment to command troops in the service of the King of Persia (ff 307-308)R Strachey, 26 March 1809, account of the Mission to Shah Shuja [Shah Shuja-ul-Mulk, Afghan Ruler] at Peshawar, led by Mountstuart Elphinstone, British Envoy to the Court of Kabul, Afghanistan, including journey and terrain, the Royal Court, meeting with and description of the King, Shuja’s financial needs and political aims in Afghanistan (ff 106-110)Colonel A W Taylor, 27 July and 1 August 1809, Madras Army troubles (ff 135-140)John Peter Wade, Bengal Medical Service, 4 July 1802, his geographical account of Assam (published as An Account of Assamin 1927) (ff 50-53)Francis Warden, 11 December 1814, his private views on Sir Evan Nepean, Governor of Bombay (ff 268-271)Colonel Mark Wilks, 5 April 1802-25 October 1808, news and events in Madras and Mysore, historical account of Fort St George, Madras, arrangements for his Residency when he leaves Mysore. Includes copy of a letter from Malcolm to Wilks 5 April 1802 (f 30) (ff 30-36, 40-41, 61-64, 65-70, 89-92, 96-97, 104-105)J Young, 25 February 1815, includes reference to the Nepal War [Anglo-Nepalese War 1814-16] (ff 286-295)Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 460; 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 original pagination sequence dating from the 1920s is also present in parallel between folios 10 and 457; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. This sequence correlates to the description found in Samuel Charles Hill's Catalogue of the Home Miscellaneous Series of the India Office Records(London: HMSO, for the India Office, 1927).
63. Principle Clauses of the Proposed Treaty of Peace between Russia and Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: The principle clauses, in French, of the proposed treaty of peace between Russia and Persia [Iran], for the cessation of the ongoing war [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. The key clauses include the cession of the provinces of Erivan [Yerevan], Naktchevan [Nakhchivan] and Talysche [Talish] to Russia, and the payment of fifteen kurours [crores] of tomauns [tomans, Persian currency] by Persia to Russia. This document also includes terms stipulating the conditions under which this payment must be made, and the subsequent withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Persian territory in Azerbijan [Azerbaijan] upon payment.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 12, in dispatch No. 77 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 15 December 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/129).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
64. Persian Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 25 of 1844, dated 25 March 1844. The enclosures are dated 20 February 1844.The enclosures chiefly comprise despatches from Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Chargé d’Affaires at Tehran, to the Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General, enclosing copies of his despatches to the Earl of Aberdeen [George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen] Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with their respective enclosures notably letters from Sheil to E W Bonham, HM Consul at Tabreez [Tabriz], Lieutenant-Colonel Williams at Erzeroom [Erzurum], and Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Farrant, agent in Bagdad [Baghdad] for HM Ambassador in Constantinople [Istanbul].A wide variety of subjects are covered, notably including:Matters relating to the Persian Gulf, including: Persian [Iranian] plans to build fortifications at Bushire [Bushehr] (as well as Asterabad [Gorgan, formerly Astarabad] and Mazanderan [Mazandaran]); Persian objections to the British coaling station on the island of Karrack [Kharg] on the basis that Russia could use it as a pretext for establishing a fuelling station on one of the islands near Asterabad; and the arrival at Bushire of Sheikh Abdoollah [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], the former Chief of Bahrein [Bahrain], requesting assistance from the Resident and from the Governor of Sheeraz [Shiraz] to help restore him to possession of the islandThe conflicting claims of Persia and Ottoman Turkey with regard to possession of Mohemmera [Khorramshahr], particularly the tribe of Chaab [Banū Ka‘b tribe?] and the revenue of Fellaheea [Fellahiah] in Chaab territory. Includes reference to the memorandum by Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, on the background to the dispute (a copy of the memorandum is in IOR/L/PS/5/428 ff 437-487)Concerns of Sheil and the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Meerza Abool Hassan Khan [Mīrzā Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Shīrāzī, Īlchī Kabīr] concerning the increase of ‘aggressive’ Russian influence over the Shah and the Persian Government, notably: the local Russian Consul by-passing the authority of the Governor of Resht, province of Geelan [Rasht, Gilan]; Russian intimidatory activities in Asterabad and on the Toorkoman [Turkoman] coasts; and continued pressure by Count Medem [Aleksandr Ivanovich Medem], Russian Minister Plenipotentiary at Tehran, on the Shah and Persian Prime Minister Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājjī Mīrzā Āqāsī, Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam] for the abrogation of Article 14 of the Treaty between Russia and PersiaProgress of the negotiations between Persia and Turkey at Erzeroom [Erzurum], mediated by Britain and Russia, regarding frontier disputes, notably: arbitration of tribal incursions; arrangements for the return of plundered property; ineffectualness of the Turkish and Persian plenipotentiaries (representatives) at Erzeroom; Persian claims against Turkey over the capture of Kerbela [Karbala] and demands for the dismissal of the Governor of Bagdad [Baghdad]; rumours that Turkey is amassing a military force near Erzeroom and Persian response in kind; arguments over territorial rights in Sooleimanieh [Sulaymaniyah], Van, Kars, and Akhilska [Akhaltsikhe?]; and attempts by the Persian Prime Minister to make the Persian plenipotentiary at Erzeroom tone down his territorial demands and to confer with the British and Russian commissioners. Includes translations of letters from the Persian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Shah (ff 405-416)Information conveyed to Sheil by HM Consul General at Tabreez, regarding the conflict in Daghistan [Dagestan] between Russian and Lesgee [Lezgian, also spelled Lezgee in this item] forces (Persia had ceded Daghistan to the Russian Empire in the Treaty of Gulistan 1813 but was pro-Lesgee), notably: rumours of severe losses on both sides; the Lesgee attack on Russian forces at Avran [Yerevan?], capture of the Governor of Georgia and besieging of Derband [Derbent]; rumours of Russian plans to send 40,000 troops under the command of General Yermaloff [Aleksey Petrovich Yermolov], to the Caucasus to invade Daghistan as soon as weather permits; and Persia’s desire to drive Russia out of Georgia.Physical description: The enclosure numbers 3-4 are written on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure, which also contain an abstract of the contents of the enclosure.
65. Persian Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 81 of 1847, dated 30 September 1847. The enclosures are dated 14 June-14 August 1847.The primary documents are despatches of Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia [Iran], to the Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay, forwarding for the information of the President and Governor in Council, Bombay, and the Governor-General of India, copies of his despatches to Viscount Palmerston, HM Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The enclosures in Sheil’s despatches notably include copies of his correspondence with the Persian Prime Minister, Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājjī Mīrzā (ʿAbbās Īravānī) Āqāsī], and copies of correspondence of or with: Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent, Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq]; Major Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Keith Edward Abbott, HM Consul in Tehran; and Lord Cowley, HM Minister at Constantinople [Istanbul].The despatches cover numerous matters, including the following:1) The involvement of Sheil, Richard White Stevens, the British Consul in Tabreez [Tabriz], the Governor of Bagdad [Muḥammad Najīb Pāshā, Governor of Baghdad], and Rawlinson, in the reconciliation of Rassool Pasha [Rasūl Pāshā], the ex-Meer of Rewandooz [Mīr of Rawandiz, Iraqi Kurdistan], with the Governor of Bagdad, subsequent to the former’s unsuccessful attempt at rebellion (ff 5-8).2) The Persian Government’s political tensions with the Turkish Government [Ottoman Porte] notably regarding:Military preparations of the Porte for the reduction of the ‘insurgent’ Bedr Khan Bey [Badr Khān Beg], Chief of Bohtan [also known as Buhtan and Bokhti], and the approach of a detachment of the Turkish Army to Van (bordering north western Persia)The slow progress of peace negotiations at Erzeroom [Erzurum] and Persian suspicions concerning perceived favouritism by the mediating powers (Britain and Russia) towards TurkeyThe potentially disastrous effect on Persian inhabitants (notably in religious places such as Kerbella [Karbala]) of new Ottoman regulations prohibiting the subject of any foreign power acquiring property of any kind in the Turkish dominions and the intention to apply the regulations retrospectivelyThe allegation that Persian ‘Mahomedan’ [Muslim] subjects are treated less favourably than Russian ‘Mahomedan’ by Turkey with regard to the passport taxes enforced by the Governor of BagdadThe refusal of the Turkish Government to remove their Guard Ship near Mohemmera [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammera, also spelled Muhammera in this item] to a position further up the Shat-ul-Arab [Shatt al-Arab River].3) Sheil’s annoyance with Hennell for asking Rawlinson to obtain from the Ottoman Porte orders for the authorities at Bussorah [Basra] to seize all Persian vessels taking refuge in the Shat-ul-Arab which have committed acts of ‘piracy’ or ‘outrage’ in the Persian Gulf, since the privilege was given discreetly by the Governor of Fars without the knowledge of the Persian central government who may withdraw it should it become widely known (ff 18-20).4) Sheil's concerns regarding the apparent extension of Russian influence in Asterabad [Gorgan] and his suggestion that Mr Abbott, HM Consul in Tehran, visit that place since no one of the British Mission has been there since 1845 (f 25).5) Sheil’s efforts to persuade the Persian Government to adhere to its alleged promise to replicate the action of the Ottoman Porte and issue a firman [edict] for ‘the abolition of the traffic in slaves in the Persian Ports of the Persian Gulf’ (f 37), including: the claim of the Shah [Muḥammad Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] that his refusal is for religious reasons; Hajee Meerza Aghassee’s claim that the Shah’s true motive is irritation at the delay in concluding treaty negotiations at Erzeroom (which he apparently blames on mediators Britain and Russia); Sheil’s conviction of Hajee Meerza Aghassee’s responsibility for the evasion originating in his influence over the Shah; the Shah’s agreement that since the ‘Queen of England has ordered her ships of war to stop and seize all slaving vessels…there is an end to the trade no more slaves will be brought to Persia’; and reports that since the Treaty of Erzeroom, Mohemmera has become a Persian market for enslaved persons (ff 27-43 and 79-90).6) Sheil’s report that Messrs Alexander Hector and Co, British merchants in Bagdad, HM Consul in Tehran, and Mr Mills an English merchant of Sheeraz [Shiraz], have all concluded agreements to each supply 200,000 muskets to the Persian Government, noting that as the latter cannot afford the cost the manufacturers should not import the entire amount (f 57).7) Disapproval expressed by Sheil and Abbott with regard to Hector and Co acquiring the legal title to a thirty-year old debt originally owed to Gaspar Khan [Gaspar Khān], a Turkish subject, by Mahomed Ali Meerza, Prince Governor of Kurmanshah [Muḥammad ‘Alī Mīrzā, Prince Governor of Kermanshah], a Persian subject, as it could draw the British Government into inappropriate litigation (ff 96-101).8) The agreement concluded by HM Consul in Tabreez, between the Governor of Oroomeeya [Urmia, or Orumiyeh], Afshar Chiefs and proprietors, and Daood Khan [Daud Khān] (a Christian nominated by Sheil and the Russian Minister Count Medem [Aleksandr Ivanovich Medem] to superintend the Nestorian Christians of Oroomeeya) for a more equitable arrangement for both ‘Mahomedans’ and Christians (ff 53-60).9) Hindrances to the ratification, by the Persian and Turkish Governments, of the Treaty concluded at Erzeroom on 31 May 1847, notably: the objections of the Persian Government and Prime Minister to the Porte’s ‘needless’ insistence that Persia officially declare that Turkey’s cession of Mohemmera does not imply the abandonment of any other territory or port belonging to Turkey, and that Turkish territory in which Persian tribes have settled is not devolved to Persia, and agree to the non-fortification of the Shat-ul-Arab. Included is Sheil’s correspondence with Hajee Meerza Aghassee (ff 62-67 and 117-126).10) Sheil’s complaint to Hajee Meerza Aghassee regarding the detention in Asterabad, on the orders of Sulieman Khan [Sulaymān Khān, also spelled Saleeman Khan in this item], Governor of Asterabad, of a reply messenger sent by the Khan of Khiva with gifts and letters for Sheil, and demand for the recall to Tehran of Sulieman Khan, an apology, and the reimbursement of the messenger's losses (ff 68-79).11) Detailed observations by Sheil on the composition, condition and strength of the artillery force of Persia (ff 102-112), specifically the regular and the irregular infantry and cavalry. In his critical assessment Sheil alleges corruption, poor conditions, incompetence, indiscipline, insubordination, lack of training, defective arms, poor uniforms, lack of medical facilities, poor transport, and badly administered systems of food distribution and pay, whilst praising the soldierly quality of ‘a native of Persia’ as ‘robust, healthy, cheerful and full of alacrity, patient of hunger, cold and fatigue, in short of every hardship excepting thirst…’ (ff 104-105).12) Sheil’s opinion that a general state of disorganisation is creeping over Persia, notably: detailing various disturbances in the province of Khorassan [Khorasan] and Khuzistan [Khuzestan]; criticising the ‘corruption, deceit, incompetency, falsehood, ignorance, poverty of the Government and people and ….mutinous troops’; and lamenting the role of the elderly Hajee Meerza Aghassee whom he asserts monopolises every function of government but has ‘ceased to possess the energy mental or bodily, for even a partial performance of its duties’ (f 115).13) The movement of Persian troops to Khorassan which has lately been cut off from all communication due to the ‘marauding’ incursions of the Toorkomans [Turkoman or Turkmen people], and rumours of a force collected by ‘rebel’ Jaffer Koolee Khan [Jaʿfar Qulī Khān, also spelled Jaffir Koolee Khan in this item], Chief of Boojnoord [Bojnord] to threaten Persia, including: confirmation that infantry and guns have marched from Tehran but are ordered to wait at Bestam [Bastam, also spelled Bastian in this item] (half way to Meshed) for reinforcements who refuse to march without receiving arrears of pay from the Persian Prime Minister; and Sheil's fear that the disorganised and untrained Persian force would lose in any engagement with Jaffer Koolee Khan.Physical description: 1 item (129 folios)
66. Persian Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 57 of 1847, dated 16 June 1847. The enclosures are dated 14 April-14 May 1847 (although some internal copy documents date back to 26 February 1847). (Note: the abstract erroneously dates the second enclosure 14 April 1847).The primary documents are letters from Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Tehran, chiefly to the Right Honourable Viscount Palmerston, GCB, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and the Government of India, including copies of relevant correspondence.Numerous major and minor political, diplomatic and commercial subjects are covered in this item illustrating: tensions between Persia [Iran] and Ottoman Turkey whilst treaty negotiations were taking place at Erzeroom [Erzurum, Anatolia] and the role of the British embassy at Tehran as a mediator; relations between Britain, Persia, Turkey, France and Russia; internal Persian politics; and Sheil’s representation of British interests and individuals in the Persian dominions. Matters notably covered are (in this order in the item):Controversy over the nationality of an Armenian named ‘Stepan’, employed by English merchants at Tabreez [Tabriz], previously nationalised as a Russian and unsuccessfully seeking Persian citizenship to avoid having to journey to Russia to renew his identity certificatesSheil’s impatience with the Persian Government’s delay in sending a new consul to Baghdad and using the British Consul, Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, as the representative of their interests therePersian indemnity claims against Turkey following events at Mohammera [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah], Rewandooz [Rawanduz?] and Kerbella [Karbala]; tensions over Turkey relinquishing Mohammera but not some of the (Persian owned) lands around it; and British and Russian mediation to have claims of both sides dropped in treaty negotiationsBritish and French commercial competition in relation to Persia, notably armaments sales, and British concerns about the Persian envoy to France stopping at the French Embassy in Constantinople [Istanbul] on his way back to Paris and ‘meddling’ in treaty negotiationsReturn to Tehran of the Governor of Khorassan, for certain criticized actions in the province; his rivalry with Persian Prime Minister Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Haji Mirza Aqasi] (who wants him banished); and his unsuccessful soliciting of Sheil’s public supportUncertainty surrounding the Shah’s purported plans to march an expedition against the ‘refractory’ Toorkoman people [Turkomans] in the region of Asterabad [Gorgan, formerly Astarabad] and Sheil’s advisory against it due to the remoteness of the region, the Shah’s poor health and because it could appear provocative to the Turkish authorities (the expedition did not take place)The Persian Prime Minister’s objections to a Turkish vessel of war anchoring at mouth of the Haffar estuary/canal ‘offensively’ close to Mohammera on the pretext of deterring ‘piracy’ and Sheil’s appeal to the Government of India to press the Turks to remove it as it impeded treaty negotiations at ErzeroomPersian complaints against a Turkish requirement that Persian travellers and pilgrims purchase a highly priced Turkish passports to visit the shrines in their dominions, when Russian Muslims are exempt from this taxEmbarrassment caused to Sheil by the continued presence of Agha Khan Mehellatee [Hasan Ali Shah Mahallati] in Bombay under British protection and the Government of India’s delay in fulfilling the terms of an agreement with the Shah to settle the Agha Khan in Calcutta [Kolkata]; and news that the Agha Khan’s brother is warring against the Shah in Kerman using English gunsThe unsuccessful attempt of Sheil’s envoy to trace English captives in territory of the newly enthroned Khan of KhivaComplaints received by Sheil of monetary harassment of British merchants and seizing of their property in Sheeraz [Shiraz] by Persian authoritiesSheil’s refusal to provide official protection to German missionaries, converted from Judaism to the Church of England (and sent by the London Missionary Society), arriving in Isfahan to convert Jewish people to Christianity, as it is against Shah’s laws to proselytizeThe Persian Government’s complaint regarding rumours that the Turks are constructing a fort on the right bank of the Shatt-ool-Arab [Shatt al-Arab] opposite Mohammera and British response that if they are it is probably in retaliation for Persia building forts near the Turkish frontier in Azerbijan [Azerbaijan]Fate of the medal of the Order of the Lion and Sun belonging to the late Persian Consul at Baghdad, and an embarrassing dispute between his executors and the French Consul General, Baron de Weimar, which drew in the involvement of the British Consul and the Pasha [Governor] of BaghdadPersian complaint regarding import and additional duties payable by Persian merchants in the Ottoman dominions and claims that they violate the convention of Balte Liman [Treaty of Balta Limani 1838]Sheil’s attempts to persuade the Shah to issue an edict outlawing the ‘traffic of slaves’ [enslaved persons] within his dominions, similar to the edict issued by the Ottoman Porte; the Shah’s refusal on the grounds that it is against Islamic law to prevent the possible conversion of ‘heathens’ from Africa to Islam; Sheil’s correspondence with the Persian Prime Minister who intimates the real reasons the Shah will not cave in to pressure are his annoyance with the British delays in sending the Agha Khan to Calcutta, for imprisoning of the Persian Consul in Bombay, and the protracted negotiations with Turkey at Erzeroom.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-4, on folio 71. These numbers are repeated for reference on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure.
67. Enclosure 73/9 to letter of 5 Nov 1827
- Description:
- Abstract: Copy of a letter, written in French, from Jean Paskevich [Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia] to the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, sent from Nacktchivan [Nakhichivan] and dated 10 October 1827 (Old Style) [22 October 1827].In response to a letter by Macdonald Kinneir, which was forwarded by the Secretary of the British Legation in Persia, Captain John Nicholl Robert Campbell, dated 10 October, the letter concerns peace terms for ending the war with Persia. Paskevich states that the Russian terms for peace are known to the Shah [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār], and will not be moderated but only made harsher by further delays.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 9, in Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 73 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 (2 folios)
68. Translations of Letters from the Kaim Mukam to the East India Company Envoy to Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir
- Description:
- Abstract: Translations of three letters from the Kaim Mukam [Mīrzā Abū al-Qāsim Farāhānī, Qā’im-Maqām] to the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir. The letters concern the negotiation of the peace treaty to end the war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], detailing:The assent of the Shah of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] to the articles of the proposed treatyThe Shah’s orders for the Prince Royal, Abbas Meerza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia], to be present at the signature of the treaty and for it to be signed in his nameThat ‘our people’ in Tehraun [Tehran] have ‘misrepresented matters to the Shah’The payment of reparations to Russia to ensure the evacuation of Persian territory occupied by Russia [the Province of Azerbaijan].This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1 in enclosure No. 11, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 16 March 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/201).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
69. Translations of Two Letters from Meerza Abul Hassan Khan to the East India Company Envoy to Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir
- Description:
- Abstract: Translations of two letters from Meerza Abul Hassan Khan [Mīrzā Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Shīrāzī, the Foreign Minister of Persia] to the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir. The letters concern the payment of reparations by Persia as part of the peace agreement to end the war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. In the first letter (IOR/L/PS/9/71/165 (1)), Meerza Abul Hassan Khan comments on the fact that he has received no reply to his previous letters to Macdonald Kinneir, and also indicates that Dr John McNeill is preparing a payment of five crores of tomans [Persian currency] to Russia.In the second letter (IOR/L/PS/9/71/165 (2)), Meerza Abul Hassan Khan reports that he has begun his journey to Azerbijan [Azerbaijan] with the money for the ‘final settlement of Peace’, and has met with a Russian representative, who has seen the money and ‘accomplished the end for which his journey was intended’.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 9 in 79, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 10 January 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/154).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
70. Report by Captain John Nicholl Robert Campbell of his Mission to the Russian Camp at Abbasabad
- Description:
- 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)
71. Letter from William Digges Latouche to the Secret Committee, and Letters from William Hornby to Latouche
- Description:
- Abstract: A copy of a letter from William Digges Latouche, Resident at Bussora [Basra], to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors for Affairs of the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies [East India Company], dated 13 May 1783.Subjects covered include:Arrangements for conveying news of the preliminary articles of peace between Great Britain and France and Spain [American War of Independence, 1775-1783] to IndiaThe movements of French travellers towards India, including the messenger M Cotinal discussed in the letter of 23 AprilThe transit of mail to India, including reports of the assembly at Nice of a large French force (see IOR/L/PS/9/76/25)The movements of British travellers.Another copy of the same letter can be found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/28.Attached to the letter are extracts of two letters from William Hornby, Governor of Bombay [Mumbai], to Latouche, dated 25 February and 2 March 1783. Subjects covered include:Developments in the conflict with Mysore [Second Anglo-Mysore War, 1780-1784], including the death of Hyder [Ḥaydar ‘Alī, Ruler of Mysore] and the rise of Tipoo [Tīpū Sulṭān]The movements of ships, in particular attacks by French ships off Ganjam and the threat this poses to English ships on the east coast of India.Physical description: 1 item (5 folios)
72. Letter from HM Ambassador Extraordinary to Persia, Sir Gore Ouseley, in Camp near Marajah, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company
- Description:
- Abstract: A letter from HM Ambassador Extraordinary to Persia [Iran], Sir Gore Ouseley, in camp near Marajah [Maragheh], to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 31 October 1813, which was received from the office of HM Secretary of State on 4 March 1814. The letter communicates the successful conclusion of a peace treaty between Persia and Russia, and offers Ouseley’s congratulations.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)