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1. 'Report by Major Wilson, Resident at Bushire, dated 11th September 1830, with observations on the Political condition of the Dourannee & neighbouring states by Mr. C. Masson. Vol: 4'
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of a copy of a covering letter from David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Government of Bombay, with enclosures. It is the fourth in a series of four items on general affairs in the Persian Gulf (the others are: IOR/F/4/1398/55440, IOR/F/4/1398/55441 and IOR/F/4/1399/55442).The enclosures to Wilson's letter consist of copies of observations made by Charles Masson, an individual who presented himself at the Residency in Bushire [Būshehr]. Between 1827 and 1830, Masson had travelled extensively throughout the Dourannee [Durrani] states (parts of modern day Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan), before arriving at Bushire via Muscat, Kishmee [Qeshm] and Bassadore [Bāsa'īdū]. Masson's observations relate to the political status, culture, languages and religions of numerous states, provinces and tribes, and the routes taken during his travels. They include details on: people encountered; caravan entourages; landscapes; climate; agriculture; and villages and fortresses along the routes. Particular attention is paid to Ranjeet Sing [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire] and 'the Seicks' [Sikhs]. Masson's observations are arranged under the following headings:'Observations on the political condition of the Doorannee states and of the neighbouring ones''Memorandum on Herat [Herāt]''Adventures from Kandahar to Serkarpore [Shikarpur]''Notice on the countries West of the Indus from the city of Deyrah Ghazie Khan [Dera Ghāzi Khān] to Kolleebat [Kālābāgh]''Adventures in a journey from Tak [Tank] to Peshawer [Peshawar] through the unfrequented countries of Muriout [Marwat, tribe] and Bunnoo [Bannu], the valleys of Angoo [Hangu], and Kwort [Kohat]''Notice on the Province of Jellalabad [Jalalabad] and on the Secapash [Siah-Posh Kafirs, tribe]''Passage through the Pass of Khybur [Khyber Pass] and notice on the countries, west of the Indus from Deyrah Ghazee Khan to Kollebah or Kolybah [Kālābāgh]. Passed through Khyber in July. Was in the countries west of the Indus from Christmas I suspect to April''Discovery of the sites of the ancient cities of Bucephalia and the presumed tomb of Bucephalus the charger of Alexander the Great''Memorandum on Lahore, the Seicks and their Kingdom and dependencies''Lahore via Mooltan [Multan], Ooch [Uch-i-Sharif], Kirepore [Khairpur], Hydrabad [Hyderabad] and Patta [Thatta] to Kerychee [Karachi] and the Ocean'.'Muriout' is also spelled 'Murwut' in the item.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Dept.', 'P.C. [Previous Communication] 1230, Draft' and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 229, and terminates at f 500, 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.
2. 'Enclosures to Secret Letters from India', Vol 65
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial statements, and other papers relating to diplomatic, military, and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan in 1839 by the so-called Army of the Indus.The principal correspondents include: Lord George Eden, Earl of Auckland, Governor-General of India; William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister to Shah Shooja ool Moolk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni]; Thomas Herbert Maddock, Secretary to the Governor-General of India; Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of India; Lieutenant Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat; Andrew Ross Bell, Political Agent, Upper Sind [Sindh] (also spelled Scinde or Sinde); Henry Whitelock Torrens, Secretary to the Government of India; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sind; and George R Clerk, Officiating Political Agent, Loodhiana [Ludhiana].Other correspondents include several more British military and political officers, as well as regional rulers, such as: Captain T J Nuthall, Deputy Assistant Commissary General; Lieutenant-Colonel R Macdonald, Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief; A C Gordon, Assistant Political Agent, Dera Ismael Khan [Dera Ismail Khan]; William Beveridge Thomson, Deputy Assistant Commissary General, Bhawulpore [Bahawalpur]; Muzhur Ullee, News Writer at Belaspore [Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh]; Lieutenant-Colonel James Stuart, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department; Sir Henry Fane, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies; the Military Board; L R Reed, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]; Lieutenant Colonel W Spiller, Commanding the Sinde Reserve, at Karachee [Karachi]; Raja [Maharaja] Ratan Singh of Bukaneer [Bikaner]; Shah Shooja ool Moolk; Henry Montgomery Lawrence, Assistant Political Agent, Loodhiana; Captain J D Bean, Political Agent, Quetta; Captain William Joseph Eastwick, Political Agent, Shikarpore [Shikarpur]; Captain H Johnson, Paymaster, Candahar [Kandahar]; William Griffith, Assistant Surgeon, Madras Establishment; and George H MacGregor, Political Assistant and Officiating Military Secretary to the British Envoy and Minister, Cabool [Kabul].Matters covered by the papers are many and wide-ranging, but include: British authority and administration in the Upper Provinces and along the Northwestern Frontier; honours given by the Shah to British Officers; military logistics and planning; security along the Bolan Pass; the fall of Ghuznee [Ghazni] (folios 16-23 for a detailed account); financial matters – accounts, expenses; proceedings of cases of theft, murder, and embezzlement; the progress of the army from Ghuznee to Cabool and the flight of Dost Mahomed Khan [Dōst Moḥammad Khān Bārakzay, Amir of Afghanistan]; the establishment of postal routes and services; matters of carriage and supply; intelligence reports, including translated copies of the 'Punjab Ukhbars' (sometimes written Akhbar), a newsletter regarding court life in the Panjab; personnel matters such as pay, promotion, transferral, and dismissal; the destruction of tombs at Sukhur [Sukkur]; relations with the rulers of Upper Sind and the Panjab; and the capture of the fort at Ally Musjid [Ali Musjid].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 986; 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.The file contains one foliation anomaly, f 1a.
3. 'Enclosures to Secret Letters from India', Vol 56
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports and financial statements relating to diplomatic, military and logistical preparations for the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 201-610, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret and Separate Department, 8 January-8 March 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from mid-October to 31 December 1838 but the volumes includes some from September relating to the end of the siege of Herat.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India, with the Governor General, Simla, also referred to in this volume Envoy and Minister to the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent on a Mission to Bhawalpore [Bahawalpur]; Henry Whitelock Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor General; General Sir Henry Fane, Commander-in-Chief, India; Lord Auckland, Governor General of India; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Political Agent and British Envoy at Kelat [Kalat]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon and Political Agent on Duty in Bhawalpore; Colonel E H Simpson, in charge of Shah Shoojah’s Force, Loodhiana [Ludhiana] (and his predecessor Captain J McSherry); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton,Commander Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Captain C M Wade, Political Agent, Loodhiana, later on a Mission to Bhawalpore.Other correspondents include: Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, in charge of the British Mission, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant R Leech, Political Assistant; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; various lesser army officers and government officials; British intelligence agents and local informants; local rajahs and emirs.Main matters covered:Composition, governance, funding, arming and equipping of Shah Shoojah’s ForceNews of the ending of the siege of Herat in September 1838 with the retreat of the Shah of Persia [Iran] to Tehran and retrospective appointment of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger as Political Agent in Herat assigned to help alleviate poverty and starvation in the city and restore the army to orderTreaties, agreements and understandings between the British Government and various local rulers in Punjab and Sinde [Sindh] in advance of the forthcoming British military expedition into Afghanistan. Many agree to offer assistance, support or absence of opposition during the operation, usually in return for British 'protection'. Includes treaties with Nawab Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III] of Bhawalpore, and with Meere Roostum Khan [Mir Rustam 'Ali Khan] of Khyrpore State [Khairpur], cession of fort at Bukkur to the British, lingering suspicions about the loyalty of the Hydrabad [Hyderabad] ameers, and need to ensure friendly attitude of the Khan (Chief) of Kelat to enable advance of British into KhorasanIntelligence reports gathered by Alexander Burnes, notably on situation and loyalties in Herat, Khyrpore, Sinde state, Candahar [Kandahar] and Cabool [Kabul]. Includes reports of alleged anti-British intrigues by Cabool ruler Dost Mahomad Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan (Barakzai)] with Hydrabad ameers and Russian diplomat Captain Vitkievitch (sporadically spelled, e.g. Vilkervitch, Vilkieritch) [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, a Polish man in service of the Russians] and suspected overtures to the Shah of PersiaArrangements for amassing of British forces, known as the Army of the Indus, at Ferozepore [Firozpur or Ferozepur], for the planned advance towards Afghanistan, notably composition, fitting out, requisition of supplies (especially grain, food and fuel) and animals (camels and elephants), chains of command, officers pay and expenses, ammunition supplies, drill instructors, obtaining sufficient funds of cash, encampment locations, preparation of roads, bridging of the Indus including bridge of boats or rafts plan, and progress of the armyReports from Dr A C Gordon, on Duty at Bhawalpore, on immense difficulties and struggles in obtaining supplies for the Army of the Indus and non-cooperation of supposed allies Maharajah Ranjeet Singh of Bhawalpore [Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire] and Bhawal Khan, Nawab of BhawalporeConcerns expressed by Fane to Auckland regarding the Army of the Indus, particularly: the force’s commanding personnel; lines of communication; insufficiency of supplies for the duration of the campaign and nature of the terrain; the Commissariat’s inefficiency; truthfulness of positive reports Auckland has received; delays to the march from Ferozepore increasing potential difficulties getting through the Bolan Pass due to excessively hot weather; desertions from Shah Shoojah’s force; dire consequences if the army is forced to retreat. (Fane declined the opportunity to become Commander of the Army of the Indus, instead continuing as Commander-in-Chief of all forces in India).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 795; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
4. 'File 29/27 Vol. I Dhal for Bahrain & T.C.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains correspondence about the export of Indian pulses, mainly dhal, from Punjab and Sind by sea from Karachi, to Bahrain and the Trucial Coast shaikhdoms, during and after the Second World War (1939-1945), when essential food commodities were in short supply and subject to Government of India export prohibitions and import quota arrangements in the Persian Gulf shaikhdoms under British protection. The correspondence is mainly between the Political Agent, Bahrain and the Director of Customs and Port Officer, Bahrain (often acting in his dual capacity as Food Controller for the Government of Bahrain), and also between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire and Government of India officials in New Delhi. The file contains estimates compiled by the Persian Gulf authorities, regarding the annual requirements for local consumption of dhal in Bahrain and the Trucial Coast shaikhdoms, and communications from the Government of India about the annual import quotas fixed for Bahrain, the Trucial Coast, Kuwait and Muscat. Also included in the file are numerous lists providing details of the distribution of quarterly quota allotments (in tons) for the importation of dhal, among approved merchants in Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait and Muscat, together with the names and addresses of their authorised exporters and shippers in Karachi. There are also wider discussions, including the reaction of the British Indian vegetarian Hindu community in Bahrain to bans on the export of Indian pulses in 1943 and 1946, due to food shortages in India. There is some merchants’ correspondence from Bahrain importers and Karachi exporters, complaining about such matters as Government of India delays in releasing consignments of Indian pulses for shipment to the Persian Gulf and being refused export permits.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates on the last enclosure at the back of the file with 207; 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 2-195; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.Physical condition: no back file cover.
5. Papers of Sir John Malcolm relating to his diplomatic missions in Persia and to the country and history of Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: The papers relate to British relations with and diplomatic missions to Persia [Iran], notably John Malcolm’s missions of 1799-1801, 1808 and 1810, Anglo-Persian relations 1812, and the geography and history of Persia as affecting Britain’s position in India.The contents of the three volumes are covered by one list of contents (in the Volume Part 1), which includes the document number stamped at the commencement of each document (1-72), the date, name of correspondent and (in most cases) the subject. The letters are originals unless otherwise stated.Although not bound in this order, the five rough groups of papers are described here below in chronological order for purposes of narrative clarity, followed by the historical surveys.Captain John Malcolm’s letters to Sir George Barlow,with related correspondence,16 January 1801-4 April 1802. (Documents stamped numbers 1-40, ff 8-99.)During this period Malcolm was Private Secretary to Lord Mornington [Richard Wellesley, later Marquess Wellesley], Governor-General of the (Bengal) Presidency of Fort William, at Calcutta [Kolkata], and Barlow was a member of the Supreme Council of Bengal (appointed Provisional Governor-General in 1802). Malcolm’s letters were written during and after his return from his Mission to Persia [Iran] having arrived at Tehran in December 1799 and negotiated political and commercial treaties with the King of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] (signed January 1801).The letters notably relate to:Malcolm’s journeys to and across IndiaAdministrative and financial mattersA tiger hunt Malcolm joinedLetters of introduction for patronageAffairs of the merchants at PatnaInstructions from Wellesley for BarlowThe recently ratified treaty with PersiaFinancial relief for the indigo contractors at CalcuttaA request for C Buchanan’s position as Chaplain to the Residency at Calcutta to be made official so that Buchanan can draw allowancesArrangements for the return of Lord Clive (Edward Clive, Governor of Madras) to Europe by seaArrangements for couriers and shipping of Wellesley’s official dispatches to EnglandCommendation for the recent army and navy action against Egypt.General Malcolm’s letters, to Barlow, George Buchan, Secretary to the Governor of Madras, and Lord Minto, Governor-General of the Bengal Presidency at Fort William, Calcutta, 16 April 1808-9 January 1809, and 6 October 1810. (Documents stamped numbers 41-52, ff 100-209.)During this period Malcolm undertook two diplomatic missions to Persia, as envoy appointed by Lord Minto. Arriving at Bushire in May 1808 he did not get any further due to the predominating influence of the French at the Persian Court. After returning to India Malcolm travelled to and gathered a force at Bombay in readiness to either bolster or attack Persia or Turkey if either enabled the French to invade India through their territories. In March 1809, owing to the change of situation in Europe with France occupied in Spain, the British under Harford Jones’s embassy were able to conclude successful political and commercial preliminary treaties. Lord Minto re-appointed Malcolm in 1810 but although he was received by King he made no substantial progress.The letters up to January 1809 cover:Malcolm’s preparations for potential military action against Persia from the Gulph [Persian Gulf], including personnel and escort, and his journey to BombayBritish policy towards the PersiansBritish policy towards the French regarding their apparent ambitions in IndiaNews of French military advances and Napoleon Bonaparte’s plansFranco-Persian relationsProgress of the Russo-Persian warDispatches for Lord MintoActivities and dispatches of Sir Harford Jones, regarding his more successful mission in Persia promoting Anglo-Persian alliances and military collaboration against Russia.Followed by Malcolm’s lengthy account to Lord Minto on Persian affairs, dated 6 October 1810, (sent to Lord Minto from Bagdad [Baghdad]). It incorporates his analysis and opinion of the state of the Persian Empire, its history, geography, ruling dynasty (including character sketches of the King and major princes), the Persian Court, economy, society and culture. Particular attention is paid to: the territories between and routes through Persia and India; background to the current Russo-Persian war; the state of the Persian Army; the King’s policy towards his sons and chief ministers; political prospects for Persia after the King’s death; British and Persian policy towards each other since 1798 with particular reference the campaigns of Napoleon Bounapart [Bonaparte], and Russia and Turkey; diplomatic missions and Anglo-Persian agreements and alliances concluded by Malcolm and Harford Jones; Malcolm’s plan to attack Persia or Turkey from the Gulf, with a small force amassed in Bombay in January 1809, in the event of a French invasion of either country. Malcolm concludes with his suggestions for Britain’s future policy towards Persia, including a proposal to transform the irregular Persian Army into a standing army with British advisors and commanding officers as a means of repelling any invasion of India via Persia. He hints at the possibility of having to make Persia a dependency of Britain in the long-term. (Document 52, ff 142-209)Copy official letters from Charles Pasley, Political Agent, Abushahr [Bushire], to Neil Benjamin Edmonstone, Chief Secretary to the Government of India (numbered 1-7, ff 396-460), and to Brigadier-General John Malcolm (numbered 1-10, ff 461-504), 17 January-7 April 1810, with related intelligence and translated Persian letters from members of the Persian Royal family and Persian ministers. (See also volume IOR/H/733 for related material). (Documents stamped numbers 71-72, ff 396-504.)The letters relate to:Pasley’s journey from Bushire to Shirauz [Shiraz] to see Prince Hassan Ally Meerza [Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mirzā], Governor of FarsThe progress of Sir Harford Jones’s Mission to TehranMalcolm’s departure from Bombay on a parallel Mission to PersiaRelations between the two different embassiesPolicy of the Prince at Shirauz and Persian Court towards MalcolmMalcolm’s activities and preparations at Bushire for advancing towards the King’s Court and uncertainty over whether or not to take valuable giftsSir Harford Jones’s successful negotiations with the King and Crown Prince Abbas Meerza [Abbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] and arrangement for a subsidy to the Persians to be funded from the Residency at BushireConfusion regarding instructions from HM Government, the Court of Directors and Lord Minto, Governor-General of India, to Harford Jones and Malcolm, the collision of authority and the impression given of the Government of IndiaSir Harford Jones’s establishing of his overriding authority over Malcolm’s embassy and the Bushire ResidentProgress of the Russo-Persian War and relations between Turkey and with Persia.Additional correspondents: John Briggs, Assistant; Jaafur Ali Khan [Ja‘afar ‘Alī Khān], Native Agent at Shiraz, providing intelligence from Shirauz; HE Meerza Shuffeea [Mirza Muhammad Shafi’ Mazandarani, Sadr-i A’zam (Prime Minister)]; HE Hajee Mahomed Hoossein Khan, Ameen ud/oo Dowlah [Hāji Muḥammad Ḥusayn Khān Isfahāni Amin al-Dawlah], a senior minister of state; Mahomed Nebbie Khan [Muḥammad Nabī Khān Shirāzī], Governor of Bushire; HRH Hoossein Ally/Ali Meerza [Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mirzā], at Shirauz, Governor of Fars; Prince Abbas Meerza, heir apparent (to his brother in Shirauz); Dr Andrew Jukes, East India Company official travelling with Pasley and subsequently onwards to Tehran acting for Malcolm; Sir Harford Jones, HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.Includes copies of Harford Jones’s renewal of his September 1807 authority from HM Government as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Tehran, 6 November 1809 (f 494) and account of expenses in relation to the subsidy of 60,000 tomans to be provided to the Persian government (f 497)Copy letters from Sir Gore Ouseley, HM British Ambassador to Persia, to Marquis Wellesley [Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley], Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (officially he had very recently resigned that post), Sir George Barlow, Governor in Council, and William Ouseley, with related documents, 15-26 March 1812. (Documents stamped numbers 53-56, ff 210-238.)During this period the British Government directed diplomatic relations directly from London via their ambassador in Tehran.The letters relate to the definitive (i.e. detailed) political treaty between Britain and Persia, notably background, motivation, difficulties met, role of Hartford Jones in concluding the initial preliminary treaties (political and commercial), reasoning behind each treaty article, its ratification by the Persian King (see f 227) and the supply of 30,000 English muskets (from India and England) for the standing army of 50,000 disciplined troops under Crown Prince Abbas Mirza, Heir Apparent. A copy of the political treaty of twelve articles to be ratified by the Heir Apparent is included (ff 228-238)Document 53 (ff 210-211) comprises a letter from Ouseley to British Orientalist William Ouseley, 15 July 1812, instructing him, on behalf of Fateh Ali Shah [Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, Shah of Iran ‘the King’] and the East India Company, to examine the Persian shore of the Caspian Sea for suitable sites to build docks in which to construct a flotilla of war vessels, to examine the forests in the adjacent area for types of timber, the large harbours and rivers connecting to the Caspian Sea, iron and coal mines in Mazenderan [Mazandaran], local geography, and the state of ship building and commerce in the ports visited.Copies of historical, geographical, socio-cultural, economic and political papers on Persia, compiled by British officials of the East India Company. (Documents numbered 57-70 and 72, ff 239-394, 505.)‘An account of Futty Aly Khan [Fath’ ‘Ali Khan Qajar, Ilkhani of Qajar Tribe], great grand-father of the present majesty, Futty Aly Shah [Fath-Ali Shah Qajar], and of his actions’ (wars) with a history of the dynasty’s territorial acquisitions and losses and conquest of Mazenderan, c 1798-1810, author not identified (ff 239-243)Report on Trade between Bombay and Persia, P S Maister, Custom Master, Bombay, and H Fawcett, for Jonathan Duncan, President and Governor in Council, Bombay, 3 December 1799 (ff 244-257)Report on the ‘Persian Gulf pirates’, history and religion, customs, of the Whabee [Wahabis], Turkish copper, and French trade, by Harford Jones, for G C Osborne, Political Secretary to Governor of Bombay, 1 December 1799 (ff 258-269)‘Sketch of the History of Georgia during the last ten years to elucidate the rise and progress of the Russian connection with that country’, chronological account covering 1795-1804, by Charles Pasley, Political Agent, Abushahr, dated 20 Jan 1805, sent to Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussora [Basra], 1 February 1805 (ff 270-289)Letter from Malcolm to Neil Benjamine Edmonstone, Secretary to the Governor, Bengal, 12 August 1807, setting out his sentiments on a ‘proposed attack of the Turkish Empire by an expedition fitted out from India against Bussorah [Basra] and Bagdad [Baghdad]’, a preventive policy in the Middle East to deter attacks on India from European powers (ff 290-306)‘Rough Memoir respecting The Political Intercourse of France with Persia. [Taken from the correspondence]’, covering 1805-07, notably the French Mission in April 1805 under Envoy Antoine-Alexandre Romieu (who reached Tehran in September 1805 but died shortly after meeting the Shah) followed by the Mission led by Claude Mathieu de Gardane (1807-09), by unidentified author, c 1808-1812 (ff 307-333)Extract of a letter to the Governor-General at Fort William, containing information on the Persian Royal Family, with fold-out ‘Genealogical Table of the family of Kureem Khan of Persia [Karīm Khān Zand]’, by unidentified author, 7 May 1808 (ff 334-337)Letters from Captain Monier Williams, Surveyor-General, Bombay, to Malcolm, Osborne and Duncan, 13 Apr 1808-23 January 1810, containing geographical and topographical information relative to the countries between Persia and British possessions in India, particularly the southern part of Sind [Sindh] to the western frontiers of Goojerat [Gujarat] and Jhodpoor Territory (Jodhpur, also known as Marwar), i.e. where military operations were likely to take place should a French invasion occur, noting the strength of their armed forces in those areas (ff 338-365)‘Memoir of the Construction of a Map of Persia and Countries lying between the Araxes [also known as Aras], Tigris, and Indus extending from Latitude 230 400 North and Longitude 440 to 700 East’, by William Wilke, Assistant Surveyor, 1 January 1812 (ff 366-379)Account of a visit to the ruins of Babylon, including historical background, undated and author not identified c 1800-1812 (however see W B Selby, Memoir of the Ruins of Babylon, 1859) (ff 380-394)Statement of the ‘Superficial content of each province [of Persia] in English square miles’ (f 505, Paper No. 72).Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of three physical volumes. The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover of volume one (ff 1-200), through volume two (ff 200-350), and terminates at the inside back cover of volume three (ff 351-509); 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; these numbers are also written in pencil and some are also circled, but as they have been superseded are therefore crossed out. 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).
6. Political No. 159 of 1873, Forwarding Papers Connected with the Murder of Major Macdonald, Late Commandant of the Michnee Fort
- Description:
- Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 15 September 1873 and received by the India Office Political Department on 13 October 1873, forwarding copies of papers connected with the murder of Major MacDonald, Commandant of the Michnee [Michni] Fort, by members of the Mohmund [Mohmand or Momand] (Pashtun) tribe. The enclosures provide a full account of all the proceedings so far undertaken by the Government of India on the subject and includes correspondence and Court of Inquest proceedings of the Commissioner of Peshawur [Peshawar]. The papers cover: measures in place to capture Bahram Khan, the apparent instigator of the murder; potential punishment of Nowroz [Nawruz] Khan, the Khan of Lalpoora [Lalpura] for making insufficient efforts to track down those involved in the murder; and liaison between the British authorities and the Ameer of Cabul [Amir of Kabul] over the incident.The despatch is in continuation of Political No. 68 of 1 May 1873 and with reference to the Secretary of State for India's Political despatch No. 79, dated 4 June 1873. Only enclosures 10-24 (of 24) are included in this item. There is a note on folio 438 stating 'Enclosures 3 to 9 will be found in Proceedings Political A., June 1873, Nos. 54-64A., pages 147-163'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 435, and terminates at f 456, 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. The sequence contains four foliation anomalies: f 435a, f 437a, f 446a, and f 448a.
7. Political No. 159 of 1873, Forwarding Papers Connected with the Murder of Major Macdonald, Late Commandant of the Michnee Fort
- Description:
- Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 15 September 1873 and received by the India Office Political Department on 13 October 1873, forwarding copies of papers connected with the murder of Major MacDonald, Commandant of the Michnee [Michni] Fort, by members of the Mohmund [Mohmand or Momand] (Pashtun) tribe. The enclosures provide a full account of all the proceedings so far undertaken by the Government of India on the subject and includes correspondence and Court of Inquest proceedings of the Commissioner of Peshawur [Peshawar]. The papers cover: measures in place to capture Bahram Khan, the apparent instigator of the murder; potential punishment of Nowroz [Nawruz] Khan, the Khan of Lalpoora [Lalpura] for making insufficient efforts to track down those involved in the murder; and liaison between the British authorities and the Ameer of Cabul [Amir of Kabul] over the incident.The despatch is in continuation of Political No. 68 of 1 May 1873 and with reference to despatch from the Secretary of State for India's Political despatch No. 79, dated 4 June 1873. Only enclosures 10-24 (of 24) are included in this item. There is a note on folio 415 stating: 'Enclosures 3 to 9 will be found in Proceedings Political A., June 1873, Nos. 54-64A., pages 147-163'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 412, and terminates at f 422, 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. The sequence contains two foliation anomalies: f 412a and f 414a.
8. Political No. 16 of 1874, Acknowledging a Despatch from the Secretary of State for India on the Murder of Major Macdonald, and Forwarding Copies of Papers Relating to Measures Put in Place in the North-West Frontier of the Punjab
- Description:
- Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 16 January 1874 and received by the India Office Political Department on 10 February 1874. The despatch initially acknowledges receipt of the Secretary of State for India's despatch No. 142 of 1873 regarding the murder of Major Macdonald and the measures taken for the pursuit of his alleged assassin, Bahram Khan, in conjunction with the Ameer of Cabul [Amir of Kabul]. The second part of the despatch, comprising the majority of the correspondence, forwards copies of papers intimating that: the tenure of the command of posts on the North-West Frontier of the Punjab is limited to three years; steps have been taken to prevent the infliction of fines for cattle trespass; and the Commissioner of Peshawur [Peshawar] will be held responsible for reporting any officer considered unfit to hold the command of these posts.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 155, and terminates at f 168, 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. The sequence contains six foliation anomalies: f 155a, f 157a, f 160a, f 161a, f 164a, and f 165a.
9. Affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab
- Description:
- Abstract: Enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 28 of 1840, dated 13 April 1840. The enclosures are dated [1 October 1839-2 March 1840] and contain correspondence relating to:Concerns of the East India Company (EIC) for the provisions, bhoosa [provender], uniforms, and funding of the Bombay Army’s mission to Afghanistan; its passage via Shekarpore [Shikarpur, also written in the item as Shikarpore and Shikarpoor] to Quetta; the passage of a military kafilla [qāfilah] carrying provisions via Ferozepore [Firozpur] to Cabool [Kabul, also written as Caubool in the item]; and compensation for horses of a ‘lost’ regimentDescriptions of the security, troops, and household of the Durrani Ruler, Shah Shoojah Ool Moolk [Shāh Shujāʿ al-Mulk]; resignations among the ranks of military leaders; and descriptions of the household and courtiers of the Durrani prince, Shahzadah Tymoor or Tymour [Shāhzādah Tīmūr bin Shāh Shujāʿ al-Mulk]Costs for the British mission to the Sikh Court [Court of the Sikh Khāliṣah] at Lahour [Lahore] covered by the EIC cantonment at Loodhiana [Ludhiana]; perceptions of hostility from the Sikh Court; abstracts of translated intelligence reports or ukhbar [akhbār] on the Sikh Court compiled at Lahore, and for the Punjab compiled at Amritsur [Amritsar]EIC requests for the supply of camels; schedules of payment for the hire of camels; the additional cost of camels procured from Gwalior via Delhie [Delhi]; the decision of the EIC to cover the costs of compensation for the loss of leased camels; and the substitution of camels with bullocks at Peshawur [Peshawar, also written this way in the item]The decision of the EIC to honour bills for the security of Afghan political allies; the treatment of state prisoners and maintenance for their households, including ‘enslaved’ persons; the release of prisoners from Cabool; the suppression of groups involved in plunder; and the cleaning of wells and sanitation.The correspondents listed in the abstract of contents (folios 438-443) are the Governor General, Calcutta [Kolkata]; Secretary with the Governor General, Calcutta; Her Majesty’s Envoy and Minister at the Court of Shah Shoojah Ool Moolk, Cabool; Office of the Collector at Delhie; Accountant of the North West Provinces; Envoy of Kelat [Kalat]; Political Agent, Loodhiana; Officiating Political Agent, Loodhiana; Commander-in-Chief of the Indus Army; Political Agent, Candahar [Kandahar]; Accountant General; Resident in Sinde [Sindh]; Assistant Resident in Sinde; Financial Department; Military Department; Political Agent, Shekarpore; Officiating Political Agent, Shekarpore; and the Deputy Assistant Commissary General, Ferozepore.Physical description: 1 item (431 folios)
10. Affairs in the Punjab and the Countries Beyond the Indus, notably Afghanistan and Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Meerut) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1838, dated 8 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 September 1837-7 February 1838.The primary correspondents are: Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling and other variations also used in this item].Enclosures 3-120 and 126-128 (ff 49-505 and ff 525-532) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this spelling and variations of ‘Ranjit’ also used in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshwar and Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and other political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s critical remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to Wade’s own political analyses. The correspondence takes place amid a rumoured then an actual Persian expedition to conquer Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:British relations with Maharajah Runjeet Singh, including: the issue of the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers of Sinde [Amīrs of Sindh] by Runjeet Singh; intelligence reports by Wade’s munshi [secretary] (ff 52-56, ff 110-115); correspondence regarding a potential meeting between Runjeet Singh and the Governor-General of India; and reports of Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson on affairs on the Peshawar frontier (ff 265-268, ff 272-274, ff 277-289)Relations of Herat with Persia and British policy regarding them, including: news of the arrival in Tehran of an envoy from Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat; and views of Burnes and Wade on the ‘designs’ of Persia on Herat (ff 297-301)British policy towards Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], Ruler of Cabool, including: Burnes’s reports from Cabool on his meetings with Dost Mahomed (ff 134-141, ff 360-369); Burnes’s and Wade’s views on the ambitions of Dost Mahomed regarding branches of his family in Candahar [Kandahar; this spelling is also used in this item] and Peshawar, and his relations with Persia and Russia; British encouragement of Dost Mahomed to seek a reconciliation with their ally Runjeet Singh; Burnes’s and Wade’s assessment of the geo-political situation on the western frontier of British dominions in India and the aim of maintaining a balance of power advantageous to Britain between Cabool, Candahar, Herat, Persia, the Punjab and Sinde and which might avert any alliances with Russia (ff 78-82, ff 345-358)Burnes’s activities with regard to Candahar, and Candahar’s relations with Cabool and Persia, including: Burnes’s efforts to prevent Sirdar Kohin Dil Khan [Sirdār Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son Mahomed Omar Khan [Muḥammad Umar Khān] with an envoy, to conciliate Persia (ff 235-237); Kohin Dil Khan’s and his chief advisor’s letters to Dost Mahomed expressing obedience to the Ameer of Cabool, fear of Persia and the desire to depose the Ruler of Herat who repeatedly threatens to attack Candahar (ff 379-383); and Burnes’s instructions to Lieutenant Robert Leech, whom he deputes to Candahar with an offer of monetary and military support in the event of Persia conquering Herat (ff 471-477)Dost Mahomed Khan’ s relations with Russia and Persia, and British policy regarding them, including: Burnes’s alarm at the arrival in Cabool of a Russian agent, Captain Waitcawitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] (ff 444-449); Wade’s detailed views on the positions of Persia and Russia in connection with Dost Mahomed and Afghanistan and the policy of discouraging the latter’s ‘ambitions’ (ff 415-421); and Macnaghten’s disapproval of Burnes’s promise of troops and pecuniary aid to the rulers of Candahar in the event of the Russian-supported Persian capture of Herat (ff 451-457)The Persian expedition against Herat, including: news of the defeat of Ghurian [Ghuryan, also spelled Ghoorian in this item] and siege of Herat; and Wade’s suggestion that Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger, detained by the Herat authorities, act as a mediator (albeit without authority from the Government of India), provide intelligence, and ensure that Kamran Shah resists Persia.The following matters and documents are also included:Wade’s response to overtures of friendship made to him by Mir Alam Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān], Ruler of Bajour, and Fatah Khan Panjtari, [Fatḥ Khān, Ruler of Panjtar] (ff 124-125)Disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool caused by differences between the Governor of Mooltan [Multan] and the Ruler of Bhawalpoor (ff 132-133, ff 152-153)A report by Lieutenant Leech, Bombay Engineers, entitled ‘Description of the Khyber Pass and of the Tribes inhabiting it’ (ff 143-150)Praise by Wade and Burnes of intelligence provided by Charles Masson in Cabool (ff 180-183)Burnes’s emphasis on conciliating the Lohani [a Pashtun tribe] ‘chiefs’, described by Wade as ‘meritorious merchants’ (f 184)Burnes’s report on the ‘commercial views and prospects of Russia in Central Asia’ (f 203), notably Russia’s relations with the rulers of Bokhara, Khiva [also referred to as ‘Orgunge’] and Kokan (ff 199-207)Burnes’s deputation of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood to Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg] Uzbeck ruler of Koondooz [Uzbek ruler of Kunduz], to treat the eye ailment of Moorad Beg’s brother (ff 251-263), and Macnaghten’s approbation for Burnes’s improvement of British relations with Koondooz.Enclosures 121-125 (ff 506-524) comprise despatches between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde, and Macnaghten, notably regarding the apparent procrastination of the Ameers of Sinde over the establishment of a British Resident in their territory. Also covered is the progress made by Lieutenant Thomas Greer Carless in his survey of the Indus and Kurachee [Karachi] Harbour.Physical description: 1 item (505 folios)
11. Affairs in Sinde, Lahore and Afghanistan
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Fort William) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 4 of 1838, dated 21 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 7 August-25 November 1837.The primary correspondents are: Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde [Sindh]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling also used in the item and other variations].Enclosures 3-23 (ff 544-615) comprise despatches between Pottinger and Macnaghten. The despatches concern: British relations with the Ameers [Amīrs] of Sinde and negotiations for the establishment of a British Residency at Hyderabad [also spelled Hydrabad in this item]; relations and disputes between the Ameers of Sinde; relations between the Ameers of Sinde and the Government of Lahore [also spelled Lahor in this item]; and general political and military affairs in Sinde.The papers notably cover:British threats to neither exert influence over Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet [Maharaja Ranjit] Singh for the restoration of the Mazari [also spelled Muzaree in this item] districts to the Ameers nor to discourage the former from attacking Sinde, in response to the Ameers ‘procrastination’ regarding a British Residency in their capitalThe suspension of the Native Agent in Hyderabad for over-reaching his remit in negotiations with the Ameers regarding the Residency, and the appointment of his replacementThe return of Sindhian envoys from negotiations at the court of Runjeet Singh at Lahore, and Wade’s opinion that the Maharajah will not insist on the pecuniary conditions he has apparently imposed for the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers and for the withdrawal of the Sikh garrison at Rajan [Rajanpur or Rojhan?]Enclosures 24-59 (ff 616-766) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with Maharajah Runjeet Singh; the latter two’s relations with each other notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and general political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s disparaging remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to his own political analyses.The papers notably cover and include:Intelligence regarding the political situation in Cabool, Kandahar [also spelled Candahar in this item] and Herat, forwarded by Charles Masson from Afghanistan (ff 617-619, ff 622-623, ff 640-642, ff 646-650)Information concerning Kambar Ali Khan [Qanbar ʿAlī Khān, also spelled Kumbar in this item], the Persian envoy sent to KandaharThe despatch by Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] of an envoy to the Ruler of Kunduz regarding a potential alliance (ff 621-624)Burnes’s arrival at Peshawar and conclusion that Runjeet Singh would privately like to return the territory to the governorship of Sooltan Mahomed Khan [Sulṭān Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], as it is a drain on his Government’s finances (f 632)Burnes’s arrival at Khaibar [Khyber, this spelling also used in this item], and meetings with Kour Kurruck Singh [Kaur Kharak Singh, also spelled Kour Kharak Singh in this item], during which he emphasises the commercial intentions of the British MissionWade’s refutation of Burnes’s assertion that it would be easy to open the road through the Khaibar Pass and develop commerce between Punjab and Afghanistan (ff 687-691)Burnes’s report on the ‘Political Power of the Sikhs Westward of the Indus’ (ff 708-715) with Wade’s observations thereon (ff 693-698), and notes by Wade on the history and military career of Runjeet Singh (ff 693-705)Burnes’s reception in Cabool, conversations with Dost Mahomed, and opinion of the latter’s aggrandizement ambitions at the expense of his ‘brothers’ in Peshawar (f 750)Concerns expressed by Wade and the Government of India that Britain should not overtly mediate between the Sikhs and Afghans regarding control of Peshawar, and that Burnes: does not appear to act on behalf of Dost Mahomed, which could antagonise Britain’s ally Runjeet Singh and the Kandahar Sirdars [Sirdārs, leaders]; encourages Dost Mahomed to reconcile with his brother Sooltan Mahomed Khan and with the Maharajah; and emphasises that Britain will not intervene until Dost Mahomed relinquishes all connection with PersiaBurnes’s reports on the relations of the Kandahar sirdars with Persia and the Russian minister at Tehran, including the possibility of Kohin Dil Khan [Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son with an envoy to Persia (ff 717-726)British policy of averting the extension of Persian and Russian influence over Afghanistan, maintaining the divided distribution of power in Afghanistan, and prioritizing British relations with the Sikh and Sindhian rulersBurnes report that Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat, has acknowledged allegiance to Persia and sent an envoy to Tehran (f 744)Wade’s concern regarding Runjeet Singh’s apparent growing infirmity of mind and ‘misgovernment’ (ff 674-675)The favourable reception at Lahore of a Nepalese Mission (ff 666-669)A rebellion in Kashmir (ff 670-672)A dispute between the rulers of Bhawalpoor [Bahawalpur, also spelled Bahawalpoor in this item] and Mooltan [Multan], causing disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool.Physical description: 1 item (233 folios)
12. Punjab and Afghanistan Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a secret despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secret Committee, Number 65 of 1856, dated 22 December 1856. The enclosures are numbered 3-7 and are dated 1 November to 5 December 1856.They consist of despatches from the Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab, and related correspondence, concerning matters including: the Commissioner and Superintendent, Peshawur [Peshawar] Division, and the Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Peshawur, reporting the effect of the blockade against the Lowarghai [Lwargai] branch of the Shinwaree [Shīnwārī] tribe; the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab reporting overtures from the ‘notorious’ Ghilzye [Ghilzā’ī] ‘Chief’, Mahomed Shah Khan [Muḥammad Shāh Khān], and the Chief Commissioner’s recommendation that he should not be allowed to enter British territory, due to British relations with Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan [Amīr Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy].Other correspondents are: the Secretary to the Government of India Foreign Department; and Mahomed Shah Khan and Ubdool Kurreem Khan [‘Abd al-Karīm Khān].Physical description: 1 item (13 folios)
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