Abstract: This file contains correspondence between British officials concerning reports of Iranian Government customs vessels 'interfering' with a number of vessels from Oman and Kuwait. In addition to correspondence that discusses these specific instances, the file also contains correspondence regarding the broader diplomatic and legal questions that were raised by them.The Arabic language material in the file consists of a letter sent to the Political Agency in Muscat by the Secretary of the Sultan of Oman and Muscat and an accompanying letter from an Omani trader whose cargo had been seized by an Iranian vessel (folios 68-69).In addition to correspondence the file contains copies of the following documents:'Notification by Shaikh Mubarak-Bin-Subah, Chief of Kuwait', May 1900 (folio 47)'Translation of Proclamation from Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifah, Chief of Bahrain, Dated 8th Zil Hijjah 1315 (30th April, 1898)' (folio 47)'Translation of Proclamation issued by the Sultan of Oman regarding the Suppression of the Illegal Importation of Arms into Persian and British India, 1898' (folio 48).Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 82; 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; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence between British officials concerning requests made by the Persian Government to serve judicial notices on Muscat residents as a result of legal proceedings in Persian courts.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 15; 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 3-14; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The statement contrasts the information provided for the years 1826 and 1831.Physical description: The item has been foliated in the front top right corner of the page with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: The sketch map shows the rough boundaries and areas of responsibility of the seven principal groups of tribes and peoples living around the coast of the Gulf as given in Lewis Pelly's report No.67 of 13 April 1863.The map was lithographed in the Quarter Master General's Office in Poona, India on 02 June 1863.Physical description: The map has been foliated in the top right corner of the folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: The papers relate primarily to the Royal Geographical Society who published Pelly's account of his journey to Riyadh and invited him to submit a talk to be read on his behalf at a Society event.There is also correspondence relating to the botanical specimens collected during the expedition and an article on Wahabism, the sect of Islam followed by the Najd tribes.Physical description: Foliation: The papers have been foliated in the front top right corner of each folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: Political Department report No. 67 of 1863 from Lewis Pelly to the Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay, giving specific details based on his personal observation and hearsay concerning the tribes, trade and resources of the Gulf littoral which are divided into seven areas according to political administration. The report also includes statements of Imports and Exports for the region, a Sketch map and statements relating to the activities at Joasmee [Qasimi] Ports covering various dates ranging from 1826 to 1864.Physical description: Foliation: File foliated in the front top right corner of each page with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: Report from Pelly to the Chief Secretary to Government in the Political Department, Bombay, compiled in Bushire 13 April 1863.The report details the tribes, trade and resources of the Gulf Littoral which is divided into seven areas according to their political administration. The report also includes a list of detailed statements of imports and exports at Bushire.Physical description: Item foliated in the front top right hand corner of each folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: Copy of a letter regarding Pelly's expedition to Riyadh for which all correspondence and communications were for the secret department only, and his apprehensions about Dr Colvill accompanying him on the expedition.The letter goes on to give details of a journal and other correspondence which were offered to the Royal Geographical Society, and which also appeared in other reviews, which had been kept and recorded by Dr Colvill and sent to a correspondent in England, thereby violating the instruction that all matters relating to the expedition be considered secret and confidential.Also enclosed with the letter are:Copy of a memo of three letters from Colvill on the request of Mr Spottiswoode.Copy of a letter from Pelly to the St James Club, 14 August 1865, concerning Colvill's conduct.Copy of further notes by Pelly from the
Edinburgh ReviewNo.250 October 1865.Copy of a letter from Pelly to Colvill, 13 February 1865 concerning Colvill's conduct during Pelly's absence and asking him to refrain in future from giving any instructions. Also attached is a copy of a note of order given to Mr Lucas, Pelly's interpreter, by Colvill.Copy of a letter from Colvill of 13 February 1865 in response to Pelly's letter of same date, explaining his conduct.Copy of a letter from Pelly to Colvill 13 February 1865 in response to Colvill's letter of same date in which Pelly further clarifies his position and further reprimands Colvill.Copy of a letter from Colvill to Pelly, 14 February 1865 in response to Pelly's second letter of 13 February in which he expresses his regret for his conduct and requests to join Pelly on his forthcoming trip.Copy of a letter from Pelly to Colvill, 14 February 1865 in which Pelly permits Colvill to accompany him on his trip to Riyadh and instructs him to collect specimens of rocks and flowers.Physical description: 13 folios
Abstract: Statement of the principal exports from Bushire to Bombay during the season 1862 to 1863 contrasted with that of 1863 to 1864, and the probable exports of the season 1864 to 1865 with explanatory remarks.The statement includes: cotton, opium, silk, wool-Arab, wool-Persian, gallnuts and horses.Physical description: Item foliated in the front top right corner of the page with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: Material includes extracts from a letter by Pelly regarding questions relative to the interior of Arabia discussed by the Royal Geographical Society 22 February and 14 March 1864 and the published copy of Pelly's full report of his visit to Lingah, Kishm [Qeshm] and Bunder Abbass [Bandar Abbas], with maps, which was read before the society 27 June 1864Physical description: Foliation: The contents of the file have been foliated in the front top right hand corner of each folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: Handwritten report, in Lewis Pelly's handwriting about the history of the Shat el Arab [Shatt al Arab] watercourse from the point where it commences at the uniting of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers through to where it flows into the Persian Gulf.The reports goes on to describe the agriculture along the watercourse; the deserts beyond; and information about Basrah [Basra] including architectural descriptions and the ruined city of Zobeir [Zubayr].The report also includes accounts of attacks on the area by nomadic Bedouins who travel the area in winter searching for pastures; the development of a settlement, trade and a Government at Khote [Kuwait], including a description of Pelly's visit there en-route to Riadh [Riyadh]; and giving detailed descriptions of the Sheikh, conversations about Pelly's proposed trip and details of the hospitality Pelly received there.The report concludes by recounting a story told by Sheikh Sabba [Sabah II bin Jabir Al-Sabah] of two slave girls and their families' efforts to find and be reunited with them.The report itself is undated, but would have been written sometime after Lewis Pelly's trip to Riyadh which took place February to March 1865.Physical description: 40 folios
Abstract: The account provides background on the various travels across South Eastern Asia undertaken by Pelly as part of his duties to the British Government, his hope that his account could help the society with their desire to determine 'with scientific accuracy' the position of Riadh [Riyadh], the Capital of Nuyd [Najd], and a full account of the route to Riadh and what he learned.Physical description: 2 folios