Abstract: The Memoir, written by Surgeon-Major James McAdam Hyslop, commences by describing the location, physical geography and conditions of Mohamreh [Khorramshahr] and Busreh [Basra] before going on to describe the climate; fevers that might be suffered there; and known outbreaks of cholera. Also included are excerpts from medical reports that discuss various fevers suffered by regiments in Mohamreh and Bushire:Extract from a 'Medical History of the Bombay Fusiliers', by the late Doctor Francis Shortt ArnottExtracts from the Annual Report of the 29th Regiment, Bombay Native Light Infantry, for the year ending 31 March 1858, by Surgeon John Robert MillerExtract from the Annual Report of the 26th Regiment, Native Infantry, for the year 1857-1858, by Surgeon James Ebenezer BathoThe memoir continues by describing places nearby to Mohamreh and Busreh where the climate is more favourable and people less prone to suffering fever and other illnesses: Subleh, Zobeir [Zubayr], Koorna [Kūnah?], Koot-al-amarah [Kut Al-Amarah]; Sook-esh-Shiukj [Sūq ash Shuyūkh], Hillah, Baghdad. Each place has a brief description of its location and general climate. Also described are the availability of water from the rivers Karoun [Karun], Tigris and Euphrates. A detailed description of the climate of Baghdad is then given, followed by information under the following headings: Bedsteads; Water; Ice; Clothing; Snakes and Scorpions; Date mark, a disease consisting of boils on the hands and feet of adults which afflicts many who visit and live in Baghdad, and which is known in Busreh and Aleppo too.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 51, and terminates at folio 55, since 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 the top right-hand corner of the recto of each folio. These numbers are written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The papers comprise as follows:A note by Sir (Frederic) Arthur Hirtzel, Secretary, Political and Secret Department, India Office, dated 14 March 1915, indicating factors to be considered in ensuring Basra’s future immunity from Turkish authority, organised under a number of subheadings: geography; ethnology; communications, including roads, railways, and waterways; irrigation; administrative reorganisation; the geographical area to be detached from Turkish authority; the nature of the new administration; protected area; and Persia (folios 77-83);A note by General Sir Edmund George Barrow, Military Secretary, India Office, dated 16 March 1915, on the defence of Mesopotamia [Iraq], written in response to Hirtzel’s note, and considering the military implications of defending Mesopotamia (folios 83-84);Comments on Barrow’s note by Hirtzel, dated 17 March 1915, chiefly concerned with Turkish influence in the Arab world (folios 84-85);A telegram from the Viceroy (Charles Hardinge) to the Marquess of Crewe, Secretary of State for India, dated 15 March 1915, regarding the importance of British administration of the vilayets (administrative regions) of Basra and Bagdad [Baghdad], and ownership of the Baghdad railway (folio 85);A map entitled ‘Eastern Turkey in Asia’, indicating the Baghdad railway (completed and projected sections), the Hejaz railway, Aleppo Mezerib line, and the Turko-Persian frontier (folio 86).Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 77, and terminates at f 86, 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 77-86; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and won't be found in the same position as the main sequence.Folio 86 is a fold-out map, extending by more than 3cm beyond the edge of the volume.
Abstract: This note on communications and irrigation in Arabistan was written by Sir George Cunningham Buchanan and was printed in Simla at the Government Monotype Press. The information in the note is divided using sub-headings which include:general descriptioncommunicationsthe Karun Riverirrigation (in Shushter and Ahwaz)navigationproposals for improved communicationsFolios 8-9 contain photo illustrations of the Karun River and Ahwaz Rapids.Four maps are enclosed at the back of the file (folios 11-14).The file was previously marked confidential.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description 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.Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence between ff 4-7.
Abstract: This file is labelled as the 'September 1918 Supplement to Volume III' (Volume III was issued in May 1917), and contains copies of correspondence relating to military expenditure and Basra administration by Expeditionary Force D. A contents page at the front of the file (folios 202-204) details the date, sender, recipient and subject of each letter. The correspondence is then arranged chronologically within two categories: 'Military Expenditure' (folios 205-215) and 'Basra Administration' (folios 215-221.) The most frequent correspondents in the file are the India Office, the War Office, the Controller of War Accounts and the Viceroy.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 201, and terminates at f 221, 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 printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:View of a mosque and minaret in Basra. A colonnade at the right of the image leads towards the minaret left of centre, which is decorated with coloured tiles. Four figures stand at the base of the minaret while a palm grows in the courtyard in the foreground.Inscriptions:Pencil, longside image, to the right: '25'Ink, to the right of image: 'Mosque and Minaret of coloured tiles at Basra'Physical description: Dimensions:189 x 140 mmCondition:The print is in good condition throughout.Foliation:‘25’
Abstract: Chart 1235 (September 1912 Edition)Hydrographic chart of southern Mesopotamia covering the lower Shatt al Arab (the combined mouth of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers), the Bahmishir River [Rudkhaneh-ye Bahmanshir] (a secondary estuary of the Karun River [Rudkhaneh-ye Karun]) and the head of the Persian Gulf. Portrays hydrology, including depths by soundings and contours, sands and mud, vegetation, cultivation, railways, telegraph lines, settlements including significant buildings, and place names, and includes topographical notes and navigational aids, including buoys, lights and prominent buildings. Also shows an annotated sketch view, at an unspecified scale, of the mouth of the Shatt al Arab taken from the south.Includes insets of a northwards continuation of the Shatt al Arab to Al Basra [Al Basrah, Iraq] Anchorage, at scale approximately 1:95,000; the Karun River from Ahwaz, [Ahvaz, Iran] to its confluence with the Shatt al Arab at scale approximately 1:300,000; Adaban Anchorage at scale approximately 1:22,000; Muhammera [Khorramshahr, Iran] at scale approximately 1:17,000; and Al Basra Anchorage at scale approximately 1:15,000.The river entrances surveyed by lieutenants Walford Charles Taylor, Edmund Wilmot Danson and Edward Heath Dauglish, Royal Indian Marine under the direction of Commander Charles Steward Hickman, Royal Indian Marine, and Commander Frederic Henry Walter, Royal Navy, and the officers of Her Majesty's Ship
Odin, 1911. Shatt al Arab and Khor Abdalla created by Commander Willoughby George Beauchamp, Royal Indian Marine, 1899 and 1906. Bahmishir River from a sketch survey by Lieutenant Gordon S Gunn, Royal Indian Marine, 1890. Engraved by Malby & Sons. Published at the Admiralty 1898, with new editions 1899, August 1900, November 1900, 1902, 1904, 1907, 1911, January 1912, September 1912 and small corrections.The sheet bears the stamps:'Not to be used for navigation. For reference purposes only' in red on the map face.The number '279.12' in black in the upper right margin.Physical description: Materials: Printed on paperDimensions: 914 x 676mm, on sheet 996 x 689mm
Abstract: Chart 1235 (June 1914 Edition with manuscript additions)Hydrographic chart of southern Mesopotamia covering the lower Shatt al Arab (the combined mouth of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers), the Bahmishir River [Rudkhaneh-ye Bahmanshir] (a secondary estuary of the Karun River [Rudkhaneh-ye Karun]) and the head of the Persian Gulf. Portrays hydrology, including depths by soundings and contours, sands and mud, vegetation, cultivation, railways, telegraph lines, settlements including significant buildings, and place names, and includes topographical notes and navigational aids, including buoys, lights and prominent buildings. Also shows an annotated sketch view, at an unspecified scale, of the mouth of the Shatt al Arab taken from the south.Includes insets of a northwards continuation of the Shatt al Arab to Al Basra [Al Basrah, Iraq] Anchorage, at scale approximately 1:95,000; the Karun River from Ahwaz, [Ahvaz, Iran] to its confluence with the Shatt al Arab at scale approximately 1:300,000; Adaban Anchorage at scale approximately 1:22,000; Muhammera [Khorramshahr, Iran] at scale approximately 1:17,000; and Al Basra Anchorage at scale approximately 1:15,000.Manuscript additions in coloured ink and crayon show military movements to November 1914.The river entrances surveyed by lieutenants Walford Charles Taylor, Edmund Wilmot Danson and Edward Heath Dauglish, Royal Indian Marine, under the direction of Commander Charles Steward Hickman, Royal Indian Marine, and Commander Frederic Henry Walter, Royal Navy, and the officers of Her Majesty's Ship
Odin, 1911. Shatt al Arab and Khor Abdalla created by Commander Willoughby George Beauchamp, Royal Indian Marine, 1899 and 1906. Bahmishir River from a sketch survey by Lieutenant Gordon S Gunn, Royal Indian Marine, 1890. Engraved by Malby & Sons. Published at the Admiralty 1898, with new editions 1899, August 1900, November 1900, 1902, 1904, 1907, 1911, January 1912, September 1912, May 1914, and small corrections June 1914.The sheet bears the stamp '304.14' in the upper right margin.Physical description: Materials: Printed, with manuscript additions in watercolour, coloured ink and crayon, on paperDimensions: 914 x 676mm, on sheet 1032 x 688mm
Abstract: This item consists primarily of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Governments of Bombay and Bengal. It is the first in a series of three items on Bussora [Basra] and Bagdad [Baghdad] (the others are IOR/F/4/706/19083 and 19084). The main correspondents are the Government of Bombay; the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Claudius James Rich; the Political Resident in Bussora, Robert Taylor.Letters from Taylor describe the attack of the Najadah [Najdi] Arabs on Bussora; the growing friction between the Arabs and Turks; whom British protection covers; river piracy on the Euphrates. The item is mainly concerned with the dispute between the Pasha of Bagdad [Pasha of Baghdad, Dāwūd Pasha], and the Political Agent, Rich. The British complaints against the Pasha are that:He has confiscated the property of Anthony Swoboda and Mr SturmeyHe refuses to recognise European rights set down in treaties, encouraged by the Khazmadar Hajee Talib Aga [Hājjī Talib Agha, Khazanadar]He has doubled customs duties on European goods.As a result, Taylor moved his establishment from Bussora to Muhammareh [Khorramshahr] and on Rich’s orders, imposed a trade embargo on all ships under British colours. On Rich’s return from Mosul to Bagdad [Baghdad], the Pasha attempted to violently seize the Residency, which was unsuccessful. He then prevented Rich from leaving Bagdad until he had agreed to revised trade terms and lifted the embargo. Rich’s death from cholera on 5 October 1821 is also recorded, along with the legal disputes arising from the embargo.This item includes a contents page, and the title page contains the following references: ‘Political No. 10, Season [18]23/4, Draft 102, P C 80’; and ‘Examiner’s Office, 1822’.Physical description: The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the item.
Abstract: This item consists primarily of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the governments of Bombay and Bengal. It is the second in a series of three items on Bussora [Basra] and Bagdad [Baghdad] (the others are IOR/F/4/706/19082 and 19084). The main correspondents are the Government of Bombay; Bombay merchants; the Ambassador at Constantinople [Istanbul], Percy Smythe, 6th Viscount Strangford; the Advocate General of Bombay, Ollyett Woodhouse; the Advocate General of Bengal, Robert Spankie.The item consists of the following topics:The requests for compensation and consideration of the legality of the trade embargo imposed on British ships arriving in Bussora [Basra] (for a fuller account of the embargo, see IOR/F/4/706/19082)The death of the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Claudius James Rich, on 5 October 1821 at Shirauz [Shiraz], of choleraThe possibility of moving the Residency from BussoraPolitical relations of the Ottoman Empire with RussiaThe Wallachian Uprising of 1821The Greek War of Independence, including a description of Smyrna [İzmir] by John Cartwright, Consul General of the Levant Company.This item includes a contents page, and the title page contains the following references: ‘Political No. 10, vol 2, P C 80, Draft 102, Season [18]23/4.’Physical description: The papers are arranged under headings of ‘Bombay Political Consultations’; these headings are in chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.
Abstract: The file consists of a printed volume regarding the field notes on Mesopotamia. The volume was prepared on behalf of the General Staff, India and printed by the Superintendent Government Printing, India.The volume is divided into the following chapters:I. History.II. Geography.III. Population.IV. Resources.V. Notes on the Turkish Army.VI. Maritime.VII. Administration.VIII Communications; Routes in Mesopotamia.The volume also contains a number of appendices: A. Important personages; B. Table of Distances (in miles); C. Weights, Measures, Currency, Chronology; D. Some notes for officers proceeding to Mesopotamia; Glossary of Terms.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 169; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This secret summary was compiled by the Army Department, War Section Case and printed in Simla in September 1919. It contains letters and telegrams sent from 11 December 1915 to 14 August 1916 between the officers of the Government of India and the Director-General of Port Administration and River Conservancy on the administration of the Port of Basrah [Basra].The summary also contains 'Report of Major-General G F MacMunn's Committee on the Organization of the River Service in Mesopotamia' (folios 58-66), with recommendations for the Royal India Marine Services, on the method of employing existing and forthcoming vessels, and measures for the control of the shipping traffic on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside 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. The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This secret summary was compiled by the Army Department, War Section Case and printed in Simla in September 1916.It contains letters and telegrams sent from 10 February 1915 to 16 May 1916 between the officers of the Government of India, the Director of the Royal India Marine and the Director-General of Port Administration and River Conservancy, Basra. The main subject is a Survey of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by the Royal Marine and other surveys, to determine river conservancy work.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside 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. The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.