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49. Secret Letters Inward
- Description:
- Abstract: The file consists of secret letters sent to Samuel Hennell, British Resident in the Persian Gulf. The majority of this correspondence is from either the Government of Bombay, or the Secret Committee based at India House in London. These letters frequently contain enclosures (i.e. copies) of communications sent between the Government of Bombay, the Government of India, and the home authorities in Britain; this also includes correspondence with HM Consul-General to Egypt.The principal correspondents in the file are as follows:Patrick Campbell, HM Consul-General to Egypt.George Eden, Governor-General of India.Thomas Henry Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General, writing in the Secret Department.Rear-Admiral Sir Lewis Frederick Maitland, Commander of the East Indies and China Station.Lestock Robert Reid, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay.Henry John Temple, Third Viscount Palmerston, Foreign Secretary for the United Kingdom.John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, writing in the Secret Department.The subject matter concerns the conquest of Nedjd [Najd] by Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā] on behalf of Mahomed Ali Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā], Viceroy of Egypt; and his subsequent efforts to subjugate Bahrein [Bahrain] and the Arab tribes of Oman. It therefore covers British efforts to prevent the further advancement of Egyptian forces towards the Persian Gulf; this includes their reaction to the voluntary submission of Abdoola bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Chief of Bahrein, to Egypt, and their efforts to coordinate the Arab tribes against the Egyptians.The other main subject covered by this file is the diplomatic rupture between Britain and Persia. The occupation of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] by a British force from India, and the removal of the Residency from Bushire to that island are therefore covered as a result. The feasibility of an invasion of southern Persia is also discussed within the correspondence.Topics featured in the correspondence to a lesser extent include the following:The reprimand of Lieutenant-Colonel James Shiriff, Commander of the British force at Karrack, for undermining the political position of the Resident.The strengthening of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf.The removal of Shaikh Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir] from the island of Karrack.A visit to the Persian Gulf by Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland aboard HMS Wellesley.A report from Captain Aikins Hamerton and Captain John T Leslie on their mission to obtain mules for the British force at Karrack.The provisioning of two steamers for an expedition to navigate the rivers Euphrates and Tigris.The correspondence in French only amounts to 5 folios (see ff 75-79), and consists of translations of Egyptian correspondence relating to British pressure on Khorshid Pasha to abandon his designs on Bahrein.Please also note that in the file Mahomed Ali Pasha is also spelt Mehemet Ali, and there is a degree of variation in the spelling of Khorshid Pasha. Pasha is also frequently spelt Pacha.Physical description: Condition: The content of the file is largely in good condition. However, ff 81-88 have a section missing — possibly a result of pest damage — and some of the text has been lost as a result.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the 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.Pagination: The file also contains an original pagination sequence, which is written in ink.
50. Karrack Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 60 of 1840, dated 7 August 1840. The enclosures are dated 8 May-7 August 1840.They consist of correspondence relating to Karrack [Kharg, also written as such in this item] affairs, specifically the improvement of the fortifications and defences at Karrack. The correspondence includes a plan of its large and small forts on folio 96.Correspondents include: the Military Board, Bombay; the Quartermaster General of the Bombay Army; and the Resident in the Persian Gulf.Physical description: 1 item (84 folios)
51. Persian Gulf, Persian, and Zanzibar Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of Enclosures to a Despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 67 of 1841, dated 30 August 1841. The enclosures are dated 12 April to 30 August 1841, and are mostly copies of correspondence relating to the Persian Gulf, Persia [Iran], and Zanzibar.The correspondence mainly consists of the following: letters from the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell); reports from the British Agent at Muscat on a mission to Zanzibar (Captain Atkins Hamerton); and correspondence between the Acting Secretary to Government, Bombay, and the Secretary to the Government of India. Other correspondents include the Imam of Muscat.The enclosures relate to subjects including: the state of affairs in Persia; the conduct of a Frenchman, calling himself the Comte de Pron, at Muscat; the suggestion that the European troops at Karrack [Kharg], should be accommodated on board vessels stationed off that Island during the hot Summer months, for health reasons; and other matters relating to Nedgd [Nejd], Bahrein [Bahrain], Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi], Debay [Dubai], and Oman.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-35, on folios 1-6. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
52. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item consists of a despatch to the Secret Committee, 31 July 1839, from John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai]. The despatch itself (not included) is numbered 1 and is followed by an abstract of contents, numbered 2. The abstract of contents is followed by despatches, numbered 3-24, which are chiefly from John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai], to the Secretary with the Governor-General of India, (with some responses from the latter), and from Willoughby to Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident, Persian Gulf. Other despatches comprise minutes of the Governors in Council, Bombay, and single despatches to the Bombay Government from: Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland, Naval Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies; Lieutenant-Colonel Stratford Powell, Adjutant-General of the Army; and (the final despatch) Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Campbell, HM Consul-General in Egypt, based in Alexandria.The main subjects covered are:Observations, approbation and instructions by the Government of Bombay and Government of India relating to the actions that Hennell and the Assistant Resident, Lieutenant Thomas Edmunds, have recently undertaken in the Persian Gulf (as described in IOR/L/PS/5/376, ff 279-409) with regard to halting the perceived encroachments of Egypt in the Persian Gulf, in particular efforts to effect the expulsion from Shargah [Sharjah] of Syed bin Mootlook [Sa‘d bin Mutlaq al-Muṭayrī], the self-professed agent of Korshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pasha, also spelled Khorshid, Kurshid, and Kourschid Pacha in this item], Commanding the Egyptian Forces in Nedgd [Najd, also known as Nejd], and encouragement of the Chief of Bahrein [Bahrain] to break his treaty agreement with Kurshid PashaThe removal of the Residency from Bushire [Bushehr] to the island of Karrack [Kharg, also known as Khark, also spelled Kharrack in this item] following a dispute with Mirza Assad, Governor of Bushire, including: approbation of the actions of Rear-Admiral Maitland, on the Wellesley; Hennell’s suspension of communications with the Government of Fars; the honouring, by the Shah of Persia [Iran] of Mirza Assad for his recent actions and consequent British suspicions concerning the Shah's professed desire for the restoration of friendly relations with BritainThe removal of Sheik Nassir [Shaikh Nāṣir Āl Mazkūr II, a former Governor of Bushire] from Bushire, notably concern that Lieutenant-Colonel James Shirreff [also spelled Sheriff in this item], Commanding the Field Force at Kharrack, acted beyond his powers; and the Governor-General’s recommendation that Hennell arrange compensation for Sheik Nassir, maintain his residency on Karrack in good condition and inform him of the possibility of his return to the island in futureIntelligence relating to the condition and movements of the Persian ArmyThe removal to India of the British military detachment recently serving in Persia under Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Shee, and whether the Government of Bombay should have first consulted Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Chargé d’Affaires in PersiaThe vesting in Shirreff of powers of courts martial and capital punishment, authorizing the execution of death sentences in certain circumstances, on condition of consultation with the Political ResidentThe communication, obtained by HM Consul-General in Alexandria, from Mehemet Ali [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pasha al-Mas‘ūd bin Āghā, Governor of Egypt] to Kourschid Pasha to suspend military interference in the island of Bahrein, including a copy in [Ottoman] Arabic and translation (into French) of the order (ff 653-655).Physical description: 1 item (53 folios)
53. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 26 of 1840, dated 20 May 1840. The enclosures are numbered 1-56 and are dated 7 March -23 May 1840.Topics discussed include:Information received by Honourable Company’s Sloop of War Clive(enclosure 1)Intelligence from Shiraz (enclosures 3, 11, and 12)Information relayed by the Resident in the Persian Gulf to the Imam of Muscat on the conduct of the Governor of Shinas (enclosure 5)Translation of a letter from Shaihk Kuleefa bin Shackboot [Shaikh Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān] concerning his actions at Brymee [Buraymi] and a dispute with the Shaikh of BrymeeCopy of a letter from Captain Atkins Hamerton with notes of his journey to Brymee (enclosure 13)Casualties among the troops at Karrack [Kharg Island]Translation of a letter from the Imam of Muscat on the activity of Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshīd Pāshā] in the area as well as an extract from Khojah Reuben [Khawājah Rūbin bin Aṣlān], the Native Agent at Muscat (enclosure 19)Thoughts of the Resident in the Persian Gulf on policy to counter the activities of Egyptian power in the Gulf (enclosures 20-21)The desire of the Imam of Muscat to form a matrimonial alliance with the niece of the Shah of Persia [Iran]The co-operation of the Imam’s fleet with HC warshipsThe conduct of Shaikh Humood bin Suroor [Shaikh Ḥamad bin Surūr] of the Brymee shaikhs (enclosures 21-29)Translations of letters from the Native Agent at Sharjah reporting that Shaikh Sultan bin Suggar [Shaikh Ṣaqr bin Sulṭān al-Qāsimī], the Ruler of Ras el Khyma [Ra’s al-Khaymah] had summoned all the heads of the Bedouin tribes following alarm at reports that the Imam of Muscat was assembling an army at Batinah (enclosure 29)Translations of letters from the Native Agent at Bahrain with the latest intelligence from Nedge [Najd].Correspondents include: the Resident in the Persian Gulf; HM Consul in Egypt (Colonel Hodges); the Imam of Muscat; the Native Agent at Muscat; the Native Agent at Bahrain; and the Native Agent at Sharjah.Physical description: 1 item (195 folios)
54. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 13 of 1841, dated 28 February 1841. The enclosures are dated 18 February 1840 to 28 February 1841, and relate to the Persian Gulf and Zanzibar.The enclosures mostly consist of copies of correspondence between the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby) and the following: the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell); the Superintendent of the Indian Navy (Captain Robert Oliver); the Secretary to the Government of India (Thomas Herbert Maddock); and the British Agent at Muscat (Captain Atkins Hamerton).The correspondence concerns matters including:The suggestion of the Resident in the Persian Gulf that the European troops at Karrack [Kharg], should be removed from the Island and accommodated on shipboard during the hot season for health reasons, and the probable expense which would be incurred if this suggestion were adoptedThe British Agent at Muscat having arranged a passage to Bombay for the Chief of Sohar (Saied Hamood bin Azan) and his party, in the interests of maintaining good relations between the Chief of Sohar and the Imaum [Imam] of MuscatThe disapproval of the Government of Bombay of the transfer, at the suggestion of the Resident in the Persian Gulf, of a portion of the European crew of the East India Company’s steam ship Bereniceto vessels of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, in contradiction of orders given by the Superintendent of the Indian Navy to the Commander of the BereniceThe British Agent at Muscat proceeding to Zanzibar, and requesting permission to employ a writer and interpreter whilst on the mission to ZanzibarThe opinion of the Resident in the Persian Gulf as to whether it was still necessary for a Native Agent to be employed at Muscat, in addition to the European officer appointed British Agent at Muscat.In addition, this part also includes the following:Extracts of letters from the Native Agent at Shargah [Sharjah] (Moollah Hoossain), reporting on events which had recently taken place on the Arabian Coast, principally concerning relations between Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur [Shaikh Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī] of Sharjah, his son Suggur, and Shaikh Mukhtoom of Debay [Shaikh Maktoum bin Bati ibn Suhayl of Dubai]Intelligence received from the Native Agent at Muscat (Rubil bin Aslan) about the state of affairs in Muscat (also spelled Muskat)Intelligence received from the News Writer at Shiraz (Meerza Riza) and other sources about events in Persia [Iran].Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-40, on folios 59-66. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
55. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay, Secret Department, to the Secret Committee, Number 82 of 1842, dated 18 July 1842.The enclosed papers, dated between May and July 1842, comprise minutes, correspondence and reports, and concern affairs in the Persian Gulf. The correspondence is between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dundas Robertson, Officiating Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Military Auditor General, Bombay; Captain Atkins Hamerton, British Consul and East India Company Agent in the Dominions of the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat; the Government of Bombay; and the Government of India.The papers cover several matters, including:The British withdrawal from the Island of Karrack [Kharg] and the re-establishment of the Residency at Bushire [Bushehr]The recommendation that Karrack become a sanatarium for sick EuropeansThe question of compensating the Residency Shroff following the attack on his house in Bushire in 1838Relations with the Wahabees [Wahhābīs] of Nedjd [Najd]Affairs of Bahrein [Bahrain]Question of where Captain Hamerton should reside within the Imaum of Muscat’s dominions and his efforts to procure suitable quarters at Zanzibar.A section of the item (ff 251-329) relates to affairs in Persia [Iran] and Central Asia, as well as the Persian Gulf. It consists of copies of despatches sent by Sir John McNeill, Envoy to Persia, to the Earl of Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen], Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The papers cover the following matters:News of the war in Afghanistan, including intelligence from Herat, Cabool [Kabul], and Candahar [Kandahar], and a translated copy of a letter (ff 282-289) from Mahomed Akber Khan [Muḥammad Akbar Khān], Afghan military leader, giving an account of the killing of William Hay Macnaghten, Political Agent at CaboolThe Persian response to the British defeat in AfghanistanRelations between Russia and Persia, particularly along the coast of the Caspian SeaDelivery of the ratified commercial treaty between Britain and Persia to the ShahAffairs in Bokhara [Bukhara], including the suspected execution of the British-employed messenger, Ephrain, suggestions that compensation should be given to his family, and the imprisonment of British officers Colonel Charles Stoddart and Captain Arthur Conolly, including a copy of the latter’s journal (ff 300-313)William Taylour Thomson’s visit to Merve [Merv].Physical description: 1 item (116 folios)
56. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of Enclosures to a Despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 29 of 1841, dated 26 April 1841. The enclosures are dated 6 February to 26 April 1841, and are mainly letters, relating to the Persian Gulf.The enclosures mostly consist of correspondence between the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby) and the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell) at Karrack [Kharg Island].This part also includes: correspondence between the Government of Bombay and the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; and letters to the Secretary to the Government of India, the Envoy and Minister at Cabool [Kabul], the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, and the Assistant to the Resident in the Persian Gulf.In addition, this part includes: reports from the News Writer at Shiraz (No. 18), a ‘Bushire merchant’ (No. 36), the Agent at Shargah [Sharjah] (Nos. 39 and 44), and the Native Agent at Muskat [Muscat] (Nos. 57-58).Matters discussed in the enclosures include:Repairs and alterations to the Fort at Karrack recommended by the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Nos. 3-5)Whether any alterations in the coinage of Persia [Iran] had been made subsequent to the introduction of the New Mahomed Shah Rupee and Toman, and whether any further appreciation of these coins had taken place (Nos 15-17)The visit of Syed Humood ben Azan [Ḥamūd bin Azan Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Chief of Sohar [Ṣuḥār], to Bombay (Nos. 19-22)The arrival at Karrack of Frederick Brenner, a Carmelite Friar, with the intention of officiating as a Catholic Clergyman to members of the Catholic Church residing on the Island (Nos. 26-28)Letters from Dr James Pringle Riach, attached to HM Mission at the Court of Persia, concerning his intention to travel to Ghorian [Ghōriyān] with an order from the Shah for the evacuation of the Fortress at Ghorian by the Persian troops, and for its immediate restoration to the Government of Herat (Nos. 30-32 and 50-51)The Resident in the Persian Gulf’s actions in relation to the Asseloo [Bandar-e ‘Asalūyeh] boats which had been cruising about for the ostensible purpose of seizing Congoon [Kāngān] boats (Nos. 40-41)The actions of Commodore George Barnes Brucks, Indian Navy, Commanding the Persian Gulf Naval Squadron, in the ‘settlement of claims’ existing against the Shaikhs of Biddah [Al Bidda] and Debaye [Dubai] (Nos. 46-48 and 56)The arrival of the Assistant to the Resident in the Persian Gulf at Paris en route to re-join his station in the Persian Gulf, and his request for permission to proceed to the Presidency after 1 June 1841 (Nos. 52-55)Copies of despatches from HBM Chargé d’Affaires at Persia (Justin Sheil) to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, enclosing translations of correspondence with the Prime Minister to the Shah, letters from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Persian Prince Reza Koolee Mirza, and firmans[orders] by the Shah (No. 65)The detention of the East India Company’s brig of war Tigrisin the Persian Gulf by the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Nos. 7-8), the despatch of the Company’s sloop of war Elphinstonefor service in the Persian Gulf (No. 8), the despatch by the Resident of the Company’s schooner Emilyto Bombay (Nos. 33-35), and its despatch from Bombay to the Persian Gulf (Nos. 66-67).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-67, on folios 422-434. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
57. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 27 of 1844, dated 30 March 1844. The enclosures are dated 31 January-30 March 1844.The enclosures chiefly comprise correspondence, with relevant enclosures, between Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire [Bushehr]; John Pollard Willoughby, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay; and Frederick Currie, Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General.The subjects covered are:The complaint brought by the Persian [Iranian] Yawur, or Commandant, of the Bushire Garrison against Hajee [Haji] Yacoob, the Honourable Company’s Coal Agent at Karrack [Kharg Island], of being an ‘evil disposed and intriguing character’ (f 497) who has misappropriated money collected from the island’s inhabitants and caused many of them to flee, and a request by the Ameer [Amir] of Shiraz to Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Chargé d’Affaires at the Court of Persia [Iran], for the dismissal of the agentThe investigation by Hennell and the Assistant Resident, Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball, which finds the charges against the Coal Agent unproved and groundless (including enquiry statements on ff 507-511), and the decision, nevertheless, that the agent should be redeployed as his ‘obnoxious…attachment to British interests’ (f 518) has irritated the native authorities at Karrack, and that since the coaling station is of insufficient strategic importance it should be removed in order to conciliate Persian anger over British occupation of the island and to alleviate concerns of the Persian Prime Minister that the station sets a pretext for Russia to establish a similar operation on one of the islands near Asterabad [Astarabad]. Includes copies of Hennell’s correspondence with Sheil and a minute of the Governors concurring in the removal of the coal depot from KarrackPersian plans, by the Shah’s architect, for the construction of fortifications at Bushire, notably Hennell’s concerns that they may impinge on the landing space opposite the Residency Gate that the British have traditionally used since 1810 when the Residency moved to its locationThe arrival in Bushire of Shaik Abdoolla Bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], the ex-Chief of Bahrein [Bahrain] and British policy regarding his aim of obtaining Persian support to recapture the island.Physical description: The enclosure numbers 3-10 are written on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure, which also contain an abstract of the contents of the enclosure.
58. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item consists of a despatch to the Secret Committee, 16 July 1839, from John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai]. The despatch itself (not included) is numbered 1 and is followed by an abstract of contents, numbered 2. The abstract of contents is followed by despatches to Willoughby, numbered 3-29. Despatches 3-27 are from Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident, Persian Gulf, and were sent when the Residency was situated on the island of Karrack [Kharg, also known as Khark, also spelled Karrak in this item], following a dispute with Mirza Assad, the Governor of Bushire [Bushehr]. Despatches 28-29 are from Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Taylor, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq].Hennell’s despatches contain copies of correspondence, reports, translated letters and other documents, and include his extensive communications, including with:Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pasha, also spelled Korshid and Koorshid in this item], Commander of the Egyptian Forces in Nedgd [Najd, also known as Nejd, also spelled Nedged, Nedge and Nedje in this item]Captain John Croft Hawkins, Commanding the HC [Honourable Company] Sloop of War CliveThomas MacKenzie, Civil Surgeon to the Political Residency, Persian GulfShaik Jaber, the Chief of Koweit [Shaikh Jābir bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Ṣabāḥ of Kuwait]Thomas Edmunds, Assistant Resident, Persian GulfLieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Chargé d’Affaires at the Court of Persia [Iran]Mahomed Effendi, [Muḥammad Effendi] ‘the Confidential Agent of Khorshid Pasha’ (f 327)Shaik Abdoollah bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah] Chief of Bahrein [Bahrain]George Barnes Brucks, Commodore of the Squadron of the Indian Navy in the Persian GulfLieutenant-Colonel James Shirreff, Commanding the Detachment at KarrackThe Native Agent at Shargah [Sharjah]The Governor of MuscatNative Agent at MuscatArab Maritime Chiefs of varying seniorityLieutenant-Colonel Patrick Campbell, HM Consul General in EgyptMeerza Mahomed Ali [Mirza Muḥammad ʿAlī] British Agent at Bahrein [Bahrain].The main subjects covered are:The purported designs of Khorshid Pasha in relation to the island of Bahrein, including: the agreement between the Chief of Bahrein and Mahomed Effendi (ff 354-355) indicating the former’s ‘submission’ to Egypt; Hennell’s meeting with Mahomed Effendi at Karrack and correspondence with Khorshid Pasha; Khorshid Pasha’s insistence that Bahrein has agreed to pay tribute to Egypt as a dependency of Nedgd, but that he has no designs on the Persian GulfIntelligence, resulting from visits and tours of inspection, relating to the cooperation and assistance that Britain might expect from the Arab maritime chiefs in the event of any military operations being undertaken by, or to oppose, Egyptian forces, including reports by: Captain Hawkins, Commanding the Clive(ff 295-296); Mr MacKenzie, Civil Surgeon of the Residency, on the HC Schooner Emily(f 295); and the Assistant Resident, accompanying Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland on his tour of the Arabian Coast in HMS Wellesley(ff 303-321)British efforts, at a meeting in Rusul Khyma [Ra's al Khaymah, also spelled Rasul Khyma and Ras-ul-Khyma in this item], to influence the major Arab maritime chiefs to: end their ‘internecine’ conflicts; unite against potential Egyptian territorial encroachment; and be aware that submission or providing assistance to Egypt is not in their interests as it is in opposition to British policyThe movements of Sued ben Mootluk [Sa‘d bin Mutlaq al-Muṭayrī, spelled in multiple variant forms in this item], an officer formerly in the service of the ex-Wahabee [Wahhabi] leader Fysul [Amir Fayṣal bin Turki bin Abdullāh Āl Sa‘ūd], and self-professed agent of Khorshid Pasha (f 359), notably with regard to his: activities in Shargah; unsuccessful attempt to take the fort of Braymee [Al Buraymi]; claims to have taken charge of the government of Oman; arrival in Ras-ul-Khyma; purported aim to effect the submission of MuscatAscertainment of the position of the Sheik of Koweit with regard to the demands of Mahomed Effendi to supply grain and to supress local opposition to Khorshid PashaThe relations between the Political Residency, Persian Gulf, with Mirza Assad, the Governor of Bushire [Bushehr], and with the authorities at Shiraz, notably: instructions from Sheil to Hennell: not to impose a blockade of Bushire; and to suspend all official communications with the Government of Shiraz following the departure of the British Mission from Tehran (f 348) and break in diplomatic relations with PersiaThe departure of Shaik Nassir [Shaikh Nāṣir Āl Mazkūr II, a former Governor of Bushire] from Karrack on 18 April 1839, following a decision by Lieutenant-Colonel Shirreff that his presence compromised the safety and security of the force on the islandRumours, and their contradiction, of alleged Persian attempts to prevent supplies reaching KarrackCommunications between Hennell and Commodore Brucks regarding: the number of vessels of war needed for security and communications purposes in the Persian Gulf; whether the Elphinstone, Cliveand Tigriscan, in turn, be released for repairs in Bombay; the powers the Indian Navy can use to protect merchant ships threatened by hostile forces; the method merchant ships expected at Bushire from India should use to discharge and load their cargo whilst relations with Shiraz are suspendedThe difference of opinion between Shirreff and Hennell (and Brucks) regarding the prospect of a serious attack on the Karrak station by sea.Physical description: The despatch itself (not included) is numbered 1, the abstract of contents 2, and the enclosures 3, 4, etc. The numbers listed in the abstract of contents are recorded for reference on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure, along with a summary description of each enclosure.
59. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: The item mainly relates to affairs in the Persian Gulf. It chiefly comprises copies of despatches of Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident, Persian Gulf, to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai], with relevant enclosures, such as letters to and from Hennell, reports, and translations of letters. It also includes: Willoughby’s acknowledgments of receipt; Hennell’s reports to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors, EIC; and Willoughby’s communications with Thomas Herbert Maddock, Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General. Hennell’s despatches were sent from the island of Karrack [Khark, also known as Kharg, also spelled Karrak in this item], the Residency having relocated to the island following a dispute with Mirza Assad, the Governor of Bushire [Bushehr].The main subjects covered are:Arrangements for strengthening the defences of Karrack, by repairs to the wall and fort of the town, organisation of the ammunition stores and the erection of new buildings; departure from Karrack of Sheik Nasir [Shaikh Nāṣir Āl Mazkūr II, a former Governor of Bushire]; conversion of the island into a military post and imposition of martial lawHennell’s efforts to monitor and influence Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pasha], Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Forces in Nedgd [Najd, also known as Nejd], in view of the latter’s recent encroachments on the coastline of the Persian Gulf and purported plan to conquer the island of Bahrein [Bahrain], including: sending letters of ‘warning’ to Khorshid Pasha; dispatching the Assistant Resident, Lieutenant Thomas Edmunds, to Bahrein and Koweit [Kuwait]; instructing HM Consul in Egypt to demand an explanation from the ruler of Egypt, Mahomed Ally [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pasha al-Mas'ud bin Āghā] of his policy in the Persian Gulf ; ascertaining the policy of Abdoollah ben Ahmed [‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Sheik of Bahrein [Shaikh of Bahrain], and the sheik's estimation of the likelihood of an Egyptian invasion; ascertaining the ‘disposition, the strength and the relative interests’ (f 62) of the main rulers in the Persian Gulf towards Khorshid Pasha (see ff 62-66) and influencing them against assisting the Egyptian force in obtaining supplies of grainConsideration of the possibility of Khorshid Pasha turning his attentions to Bussorah [Basra] and Mohumrah [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] if there is a rupture of relations between Egypt and the [Ottoman] Porte and a battle between Ibrahim Pasha [Kavalali] (unrecognised Khedive of Egypt and Sudan) and Hafiz Pasha [Hafiz Osman Pasha] in SyriaAversion of a possible war between Bahrein and Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] over the ‘fugitive’ from Bahrein, Esa bin Tareef [Shaikh ‘Īsá bin Ḥamad bin Ṭarīf Āl Bin ‘Alī al-‘Utbī], and members of his Alli Ally [Āl Bin ‘Alī] tribe, who are residing in Aboothabee, and news that the Shaik of Bahrein has signed a treaty of peace with Kuleefa bin Shakboot [Shaikh Khalīfah bin Shakhbut Āl Nahyān], the Shaik of Abothabee [Shaikh of Abu Dhabi]Rumours of a Persian force marching from Tehran into Khorassan [Khorasan] to occupy HeratDelays in the transmission of overland (mail) packets, notably with regard to events in Syria between [Ottoman] Turkey and Egypt, and investigation of different routes, including via Damascus, transmission times, charges and possible couriers.There is a note at the beginning of the item stating that the ‘Enclosure in Bombay Secret Letter No. 75, dated 12th June 1839, are missing from this Collection’.Physical description: 1 item (42 folios)
60. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 90 of 1840, dated 30 October 1840. The enclosures are numbered 3-30 and are dated 21 July to 16 October 1840.The enclosures relate to Persian Gulf affairs, and cover matters including:The Acting Assistant Resident in Charge, Persian Gulf, Thomas Mackenzie (also spelled Mackensie in this item), stating that he is not aware of any reason to believe the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat intends to attempt to possess Bahrein [Bahrain, also spelled Bahrien in this item], and the view of the Government of Bombay that Mackenzie’s impression is erroneousThe opinion of Mackenzie on which season of the year the climate on the islands of Bahrein, Kishm [Qeshm] and Karrak [Kharg, also spelled Karrack in this item] is most unhealthy for the constitutions of EuropeansThe intention of the Shaikh of Bahrein, Mahommed ben Khulifa [Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, also spelled Mahomed ben Khalifa in this item], to undertake an expedition against Kateef [Qatif] and Lahsa [al-Hasa] in order to establish his authority over that district and free it from the control of Koorchid Pacha [Khūrshīd Pāshā, also spelled Khoorschid Pacha in this item]. Mahommed ben Khulifa’s request for assistance from the British Government with this undertaking, and for the protection of his property at Bahrein during his absence against any potential attempts by his uncle to dispossess him of itThe view of the Government of Bombay as to whether it would be desirable to make any augmentation to the garrison at KarrackIntelligence received from the News Writer at Shiraz, including the Shah having sent his army in detachments to Caswin [Qazvin] and then returned to Tehran, the severe sickness which has occurred at Karrack in August, and the death of Captain Strong of the Bombay European RegimentIntelligence received from the Government Agent, Bahrien, on the state of affairs at BahrienThe Government Agent at Bahrien reporting that Mahomed Effendi [Muḥammad Effendī], the Deputy of Koorshid Pacha at Katif, has left Katif with his followers and gone to Lahsa, on his way to join Koorschid Pacha, in the vicinity of Medina (also spelled Medinah in this item), and that Ameer Khalid [Amīr Khālid bin Sa‘ūd Āl Sa‘ūd] has been proclaimed Governor of Central Arabia [Najd]A despatch from Mackenzie to HM Political Agent and Consul General, Egypt, reporting on the state of affairs in ArabiaCaptain Atkins Hamerton, on a mission to Muskat (also spelled Muscat in this item), reporting the renewal of ‘friendship’ between the Chief of Sohar, Saud Hamood byn Azan [Ḥamūd bin Azan Āl Bū Sa‘īd], and the Imaum of MuscatThe concurrence of the Governor-General of India in Council in the opinion of the Government of Bombay that it would not be expedient to hold out to the Imaum of Muscat the prospect of support from the British Government in an attack upon BahreinThe view of the Governor-General that Captain Atkins Hamerton should remain at Muscat during the ‘healthy season’ after the departure of the Imaum of Muscat for the African CoastDespatches from the Secretary to the British Legation in Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, to HM Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, reporting on the state of affairs in Persia [Iran] and the movements of the ShahReports prevalent in Persia of the intention of the Shah to attack Bagdad [Baghad].The main correspondents are as follows: the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Lestock Robert Reid; Mackenzie; Hamerton; the Native Agent at Muscat; and Sheil.The item also includes enclosed correspondence from: the Shaikh of Bahrien; the News Writer at Shiraz; the Chief of Debay, Shaikh Mukhtoom [Shaikh Maktūm I bin Buṭṭī Āl Bū Falāsah]; the Government Agent, Bahrein; Commodore George Barnes Brucks, Indian Navy, Commanding the Persian Gulf Naval Squadron; and HM Consul at Tabreez [Tabriz], Edward Walter Bonham.Physical description: 1 item (110 folios)