Abstract: This file consists of a report written by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Edward Stewart, Bengal Staff Corps, in which he describes his journeys to and around Mashad, Herat and Merv in the vicinity of the Perso-Afghan frontier, and provides detailed intelligence regarding topography, settlements, communications, vegetation and agriculture. He also describes local populations, tribes and chiefs, and their present and historical actions and allegiances.The author records his opinion that due to a general fear of Torcoman raids, and a positive attitude towards Russia, the region of Khurasan [Khorāsān] could willingly fall under Russian sway; he therefore urges the instalment of an English officer on the Perso-Afghan frontier to maintain a British influence there.The report is written in twelve chapters, and is followed by five appendices giving detailed descriptions of routes travelled, with mileages.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 123 and terminates at the last folio with 162, 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 present in parallel between ff 123-162; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The memorandum is a report authored by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Edward Stewart, Bengal Staff Corps, dated 4 July 1881. Its purpose being to convey the results of his intelligence gathering mission to the North-Eastern Frontier of Persia.The report largely consists of a narrative detailing Stewart's journey from Tehran to the frontier, which he undertook under the guise of an Armenian horse dealer from Calcutta. The narrative details events that unfolded during the course of his journey, but also includes detailed observations on the landscape and settlements he passes through. This includes general observations on the local economy, fauna, geology, history, and politics. Military matters are also a consideration, and it therefore includes details on Persian armaments, fortifications, garrisons, and how easy an army could be transported through the region.Much discussion is given to raids undertaken against Persia — primarily by the Biluchis and the Turkoman — and efforts by Persian authorities to defend against them. Some attention is therefore given to slave trading in the region, and how recent Russian activities have curbed the opportunities to profit from the practice. It also concerns itself with Russian expansion in the region and the extent that the Persians are willing to assist them.On folio 106 is an extract from the Times (August 1880) concerning the Indian Prince Ram Chunder; Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart claims to have met him during the course of his mission.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 105, and terminates at f 129, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the memorandum also contains an original pagination sequence.