Abstract: This item consists of copies of political and secret letters from the Government of Bombay to the Court of Directors of the East India Company. The enclosures to these letters are contained in the subsequent items. It is the first in a series of five items on the Persian Gulf.The item concerns the agreements made by the British Government with the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat on 2 October 1845, and with the rulers of Ras-el-Khyma and Shargah [Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah], Debaye [Dubai], Ejman [Ajman], Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi], Amulgaveen [Umm al-Qaywayn], and Bahrein [Bahrain] in April and May 1847, for the suppression of the ‘slave trade’ [trade in enslaved people]. It includes:The seizure on 13 September 1847 of five vessels belonging to subjects of the Imaum of Muscat carrying fifty-nine enslaved peopleThe need for an amendment to provide the Government of Bombay with the power to adjudicate on the vessels which have been seized under the terms of the agreementsThe positions of Persia [Iran], the Ottoman Empire, and Koweit [Kuwait] in relation to the ‘slave trade’ in the Gulf.The item also contains:Marine letters containing an extract from ‘An Account of an Overland Journey from Leskaira [Al Ashkharah] to Meskat [Muscat] and the Green Mountains of Oman’, by C S D ColeTwo letters from the Commissioners for the Affairs of India [Board of Control] to the Court of Directors. Included with these are copies of letters from Edward John Stanley, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and William Rothery, an advisor to the Admiralty, concerning the preparation of bills, to be submitted to the British Parliament, authorising Vice Admiralty Courts to deal with vessels captured under the above agreements, and suggesting that such powers also be granted to a tribunal at Bombay [Mumbai].The item contains a table of contents (f 124), and the title page (f 123) contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft N. 294/48’, ‘Collection Vol: 1’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 123 and terminates at f 148, 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.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, minutes, and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Government of India; the East India Company Court of Directors. It is the first in a series of five items concerning the trade in enslaved people (the others are IOR/F/4/2033/92120, IOR/F/4/2034/92121, 92122, and 92123).The item concerns:The liabilities of British subjects at Muscat concerning enslaved peopleThe rescue of an Indian girl who was sold at Muscat by the sister of the Imam of Muscat [Sayyid Sa’id bin Sultan Al Bu Sa’id]The importation of six enslaved people from Zanzibar into Mandavee [Mandvi]The prevalence of the trade in enslaved people in Portuguese settlements in IndiaThe punishment of those convicted of importing enslaved people into AdenThe rescue of Indian children kidnapped and sold at MuscatPossible penalties for boats carrying enslaved people in the Red Sea or Persian GulfThe agreement between the Imam of Muscat and the French at Bourbon [Réunion] about importing free labourers into Bourbon.The enclosures to the letters in this item are contained in the subsequent items.The item includes a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 253, P.C. [Previous Communication] 4278, [Season 18]44’, ‘Vol: 1’, and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 860 and terminates at f 886, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 31 October 1851 and found at IOR/F/4/2442/134094. It is the third in a series of five items relating to the 'slave trade' [trade in enslaved people] in the Persian Gulf and on the Arabian Peninsula.The item concerns the results of an investigation into how a vessel holding a British register was able to travel from Bombay [Mumbai] to Aden, despite having enslaved people on board. The investigations relate to accusations against Hajee Rujub Ali Heeratee [Ḥājjī Rajab ‘Alī al-Hirātī] who is accused of trafficking enslaved people to Judda [Jeddah]. Archibald Spens, Senior Magistrate of Police, reports to the Government of Bombay on the investigation and provides details on the administrative process of clearing vessels to leave the port. The item also contains the Advocate General's response to the issue.The item also includes a letter, dated 11 February 1850, from Captain Stephen Lushington, Commodore and Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy, to Lord Viscount Falkland, President and Governor of Bombay, regarding the correct procedure for naval officers to follow when reporting to political authorities.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department', 'Draft No. 17 of 1852', 'Collection', 'Vol: 3', and 'Examiner's Office'. Originally, the reference read 'Collection No 3 of No 82', but 'No 3 of No 82' has been crossed out.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 699, and terminates at f 707, 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.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 31 January 1850, and found at IOR/F/4/2442/134094. It is the second in a series of five items relating to the 'slave trade' [trade in enslaved people] in the Persian Gulf and on the Arabian Peninsula.The item relates to the results of a recent mission to Juddah [Jeddah] by Lieutenant G N Adams, Commanding the Company schooner
Constance. It includes:Details about his investigation into the alleged sale of enslaved people at Juddah organised by Haj Rijeb Ali [Ḥājjī Rajab ‘Alī al-Hirātī], a shopkeeper in Bombay [Mumbai], and carried out by this man's agent, Syud Abdulla [Sayyid ‘Abdullāh]Names and status of the people alleged to have been sold, as well as transcripts of interviews with them and with Syud AbdullaStatements provided by witnesses in Bombay and Juddah, including Mahomed ibn Abdool Russool [Muḥammad bin ‘Abd al-Rasūl]Instructions sent by Haj Rijeb Ali to Syud AbdullaDetails about Adams's investigation into complaints made by British Indian merchants regarding their poor treatment at the hands of the Turkish [Ottoman] authorities at JuddahDiscussions regarding the failure of the Turkish Government at Juddah to return the salute of a Company steamerSummaries of conversations Adams had with Alexander Ogilvie, the British Vice Consul at Juddah, and Hasyb Mohamed Pashah [Ḥasīb Muḥammad Pāshā], Governor of the Hedjaz [Hejaz], as well as copies of their correspondenceConcerns that the enslaved people interviewed were coached by Syud Abdulla and that Hasyb Mohamed Pashah was given money by a broker involved in the alleged saleBrief updates on Mocha.The item also contains:Comments on Adams's reports by the Government of Bombay and by Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Captain in the Indian Navy and Political Agent at Aden, who had originally requested naval officers to investigate the above casesGovernor of Bombay's instructions to the Senior Magistrate of Police, Bombay, to pursue further lines of enquiry into the alleged sale and requesting details about the process of examining vessels before their departure from BombayGovernor of Bombay's request to the Commodore and Commander-in-Chief, Indian Navy, that naval officers' political reports should be sent direct to political, rather than naval, authorities.As well as the above, correspondents include: Shaim Ackmut Effendi [Chaim or Ḥāyyīm Aḥmad Effendī], Officiating Governor at Juddah; Khawaja Thomas [Khawājah Tūmā Mekalakki?], merchant; and Charles Augustus Murray, HM Consul General in Egypt.The item contains multiple spellings of multiple personal names and place names.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department', 'Draft No. 17 of 1852', 'Collection', Vol: 2', and 'Examiner's Office'. Originally, the reference read 'Collection No 1 of No 9', but 'No 1 of No 9' has been crossed out.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 668, and terminates at f 698, 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.
Abstract: Covers the Arabian Sea south of latitude 25°N, including the Gulf of Aden. Includes the coastlines of the Horn of Africa, the south-east Arabian Peninsula and the west coast of India. Includes a hinterland of approximately fifteen miles. Portrays hydrology, including rocks, relief by hachures, settlements, place names, and includes some navigational notes. Also shows meteorological information, including the strength and direction of currents and winds, surface water temperatures and sea turbulence, and includes meteorological notes and a suggested route for shipping between Aden and Bombay [Mumbai, India]. The chart has been enhanced with watercolour and some place names and routes added in pencil.Compiled by Lieutenant Alfred Dundas Taylor, Indian Navy. Engraved by J & C Walker. Published by John Walker, Geographer to the Honourable East India Company.Physical description: Materials: Printed, with manuscript additions in watercolour and pencil, on paper (backed with linen)Dimensions: 619 x 987mm, on sheet 654 x 1004mm
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 11 dated 2 February 1856. The enclosures are dated 17-19 January 1856.The papers comprise:A report by the Acting Superintendent of Police, Bombay, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, concerning the arrival of Sirdar Munowar Dill Khan [Serdār Munawwar Dil Khān] of Kandahar at the Presidency, his movements whilst at Bombay, and his apparent preparations to leave for Aden en route to MeccaA Resolution of Board confirming that it has no objection to Sirdar Munowur Dil Khan going to MeccaA letter from Henry Bartle Frere, Commissioner in Sind [Sindh], to the Governor and President in Council, Bombay, suggesting that the consent of Dost Mohamed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] be obtained regarding those members of his Kandahar family who have applied to the British to go to India via Sind, and that since Dost Mahomed has reason to doubt the ‘fidelity’ of the sirdars he may not be sorry if they remain in ‘British India’ where ‘he may feel assured they will not be permitted to organize any movement inimical to himself, as they might possibly do if they again sought refuge in Persia’ (f 151).Physical description: 1 item (7 folios)
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-7 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 30 November 1844. The enclosures are dated 3 August-5 November 1844.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to a complaint by the Foreign Minister of Persia [Iran] that authorities in Bombay prevented the purchase of arms by Persian merchants, and evidence proffered by the Collector of Customs, Bombay, that suggests the accusation to be baseless.As well as the Foreign Minister and the Collector of Customs, the correspondents are HM Chargé d’Affaires, Tehran, and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (13 folios)
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence which form partial enclosures to a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 27 November 1845. A copy of this letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2157/103838 and further enclosures can be found at IOR/F/4/2157/103840 and IOR/F/4/2157/103845.The item relates to two enslaved African girls who were found on a vessel from Cutch [Kachchh] by the Company brig,
Euphrates. Augustus Smith Le Messurier, Advocate General at Bombay, recommends that the girls be sent to the Byculla school [Christ Church School, Byculla, Mumbai?]. The item contains the subsequent correspondence between the Government of Bombay, the Bombay Education Society, and the Bombay Diocesan Committee of the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Arrangements are made for the girls to remain at the ‘Indo British Institution’, with details provided on how the girls’ care will be financed.The item also contains correspondence from the Government of India which suggests that a set of rules should be drawn up for the guidance of naval officers to prevent them from making ‘mistakes’ such as in the case of the girls mentioned above. No further details of this are provided.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5410, Draft 786/46’, ‘Vol: 9’, ‘Collection N. 3 of N. 131’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’. The ‘N. 3’ has been crossed out with different ink.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 876, and terminates at f 888, 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.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of secret letters from the Governments of Bombay and India to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company. The enclosures to these letters are contained in the subsequent items. It is the first in a series of four items on Agha Khan Mehlatee [Āqā Khān I].The item concerns the refugee from Persia [Iran], Agha Khan Mehlatee, currently residing in British India including:Arrangements for his pension [stipend]Negotiations with the Persian Government over his permitted place of residence in British IndiaThe advisability of his return to PersiaArrangements for his repatriation to Persia, including permitted routes of travelAgha Khan’s refusal to return to Persia.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following reference: ‘Draft no 22 of 1851’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 406, and terminates at f 450 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.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, memoranda, resolutions, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. These political letters appear in IOR/F/4/2388/127592. The main correspondents are: the Government of India; the Government of Bombay; Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq]; Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, British Chargé d’Affaires at Tehran; and Agha Khan Mehlatee [Āqā Khān I]. It is the second in a series of four items on Agha Khan Mehlatee.The item concerns:The initial demands of the Persian [Iranian] Government that Agha Khan be expelled from British India, and later demands that he be confined to the Bengal PresidencyAgha Khan’s move from Scinde [Sindh] to Bombay [Mumbai] and then to Calcutta [Kolkata]Accusations from the Persian Government that Agha Khan, with the help of his brother, is fomenting unrest in Beloochistan [Balochistan]Payment of a stipend to Agha Khan from the Government of India, and payments for him to move to CalcuttaAn offer of the Persian Government to allow Agha Khan to return, provided that he returns via Bushire [Bushehr] and Shiraz, or Bagdad [Baghdad] and Kermanshah, rather than through Beloochistan and KermanAgha Khan’s rejection of the terms under which he might return to Persia.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following reference: ‘Draft no 22 of 1851’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 451, and terminates at f 663 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. The sequence contains one foliation anomaly, f 456a.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, resolutions, memoranda, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. These political letters appear in IOR/F/4/2388/127592. The main correspondents are: the Government of India; the Government of Bombay; Agha Khan Mehlatee [Āqā Khān I]; and Lieutenant William Orfeur Cavenagh, Superintendent of the ex-Ameers [Amirs] of Scinde [Sindh]. It is the third in a series of four items on Agha Khan Mehlatee.The item concerns:Payment of a stipend to Agha Khan from the Government of India and other related financial matters, including renting property in Calcutta [Kolkata] and travelling expensesThe death of Mahomed Shah [Muḥammad Qājār, Shāh of Persia]Agha Khan’s plan to return to Persia [Iran] and his move to Bombay [Mumbai] in preparation for this return.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following reference: ‘Draft no 22 of 1851’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 664, and terminates at f 806 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.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, resolutions, memoranda, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. These political letters appear in IOR/F/4/2388/127592. The main correspondents are: the Government of India; the Government of Bombay; and Agha Khan Mehlatee [Āqā Khān I]. It is the fourth in a series of four items on Agha Khan Mehlatee.The item concerns:Financial affairs of Agha Khan, including: the payment of his stipend from the Government of India; rent payments for his houses in Bombay [Mumbai]; collections of money donations from his followers in Cutch [Kutch]; and the management of his and his family’s debts in Baghdad and in Persia [Iran]Preparations for Agha Khan’s return to Persia from Bombay, delays to his return, and political information from Persia leading to his continued stay in India.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following reference: ‘Draft no 22 of 1851’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 807, and terminates at f 991 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.