Abstract: This volume is Volume I (of two) of the manuscript travel journals of John Bax. The volume describes Bax's voyage from England to Bombay in 1812; travels in India in 1815-17; voyage and journey to Rusool Khyma [Ra's al-Khaymah] in Arabia, to Bushire in Persia, and through Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermansha [Kermanshah], and Bagdad [Baghdad] to Bussorah [Basra] in 1819-20; further voyage and journey to parts of India in 1821-22; voyage and journey from India to England via Egypt and several European countries in 1822-23; tours in England, Scotland and Wales, 1823-24; and journey from England to India via France, Germany, Hungary, Constantinople, Baghdad, Bussora [Basra], Bushire and the Persian Gulf in 1824-25.The volume includes regular entries recording positions of longitude and latitude; thermometer readings and climatic information; and tables of distances.The journal records Bax's involvement as an observer in the expedition under the command of Major-General Sir William Grant Kerr 'to suppress the Joasmee [Āl Qawāsim] Pirates' at Ra's al-Khaymah in 1819. Bax briefly describes the landing of Kerr's force, preliminary exchanges, the numbers of casualties on both sides, and the entry of Kerr's troops into the fort and town, which they found deserted (folios 18-19).From Ra's al-Khaymah Bax sailed to Bushire, and from there travelled into the interior of Persia, passing through Shiraz (where he discussed the action at Ra's al-Khaymah, the accounts of which were 'highly exaggerated', folio 23v), Isfahan, and Kermanshah. The journey included a visit to the ruins of Persepolis (folios 27-28). Bax then travelled to Baghdad and Basra, visited the ruins of Ctesiphon (folio 58), and returned by sea to Bombay via Bushire and Muscat (folios 64-65).Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover of volume one (ff 1-282) and terminates at the inside back cover of volume two (ff 283-515); 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 285-503; these numbers are also written in pencil and circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.Pagination: the file also contains an original handwritten pagination sequence.
Abstract: The memorandum outlines the development of policy proposals for ensuring the security of British subjects in Persia from 1905-1912. This includes the consideration of the following: the dispatch of a force from India to occupy parts of Southern Persia, an increase in the strength of consular guards, the establishment of a gendarmerie in Southern Persia under Swedish officers, and the payment of subsidies to local tribes to provide security. It also outlines various incidents and outbreaks of unrest that have occurred in Persia over the same period; particular attention is given to Shiraz, and the question of whether or not to evacuate the British consulate there. It is signed by John Edward Ferard, Political Department, India Office.The appendix (folio 14) contains a note addressed to the Government of Persia by Sir George Head Barclay concerning the establishment of a local Persian force in Southern Persia under the command of British officers from the Indian Army.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 6, and terminates at f 14, 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 memorandum, written by Lieutenant-Colonel William Frederick Travers O'Connor, concerns the new subdivision of Persia into two spheres of influence – Russian and British – with the present neutral zone falling into the British sphere. The memorandum considers what system of Consular or other representation should be adopted in order to maintain not only law and order, but also British influence in the area.Before discussing the issue of Consular representation, O'Connor mentions two alternative suggestions regarding the future of Southern Persia (the first being that Britain should decline to extend its influence beyond its present zone, and the second being that Southern Persia should be turned into one or more independent states), which he dismisses as lying outside the sphere of practical politics.Assuming that the British sphere will encompass the whole of Southern Persia, O'Connor advocates the continuation of the existing post of British Minister at Tehran (located in the Russian sphere), and suggests that the Minister should be supported by Consular officers residing in the capital of each province. O'Connor suggests that Consul or Consul-General posts – to be held by officers of the Indian Political Department – should be present in the following places: Sistan [also spelled Seistan in this file] (as at present); Kerman (for the province of Kerman); Shiraz (for Fars, excluding the Gulf hinterland); Mohammerah [Khorramshahr in modern-day Iran] (for Arabistan); and Bushire (for the Gulf and for hinterland affairs).In addition, O'Connor advocates the appointment of a Resident or Consul in the Bakhtiari country. He suggests that his proposed Consulates be run in the same way as the existing Consulates at Seistan, Meshed and Kerman.O'Connor goes on to address the problem of the rivalry between the Home Government and the Indian Government on the subject of Southern Persia. He makes the following two proposals: either Southern Persia should be placed under direct control of the Indian Government, or it should be guaranteed that the Minister at Tehran will always be an officer from British India, who has been nominated for the post by the Indian Government.In this memorandum, O'Connor suggests that the future arrangement of Consular representation in Southern Persia has been made complicated by the anomalous status of the Resident in the Persian Gulf. O'Connor argues that, in the post-war period, whilst it would still be possible to retain a Resident at Bushire, it would not need to be such an important and highly paid appointment; he appears to imply that his proposed Consul at Shiraz and Consul at Bushire would take over the Resident's responsibilities regarding inland Persia and the Gulf and its hinterland respectively.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 18, and terminates at f 20, 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations, cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Government of India; and Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.The item concerns: the appointment of Mirza Juwad [Mīrzā Jawād] as Native Agent at Shiraz; his death on arrival at Shiraz on 15 January 1839; provision for his pension to be paid to his widow.The item includes a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Collection No. 11, Draft 456, P.C. [Previous Communication] 2762, [Season] 1840’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 293 and terminates at f 306, 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 comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 13 dated 16 January 1857. The enclosures are dated 23 December 1856-14 January 1857.The enclosures primarily are, or convey, the despatches of Major-General Foster Stalker, Commanding the Persian Expeditionary Force (with their relevant enclosures), to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, relating to the movements of the Persian Expeditionary Force since the commencement of operations up to the British capture and occupation of Bushire [Bushehr]. They are supplemented by copies of the political diary of Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Political Agent with the Forces and Resident in the Persian Gulf (also later Civil Commissioner in Bushire), from 29 November to 22 December inclusive.The papers notably cover and include:Details of the British: capture of Karrack [Kharg Island, also known as Khark]; landing at Halileh Bay [also spelled Hallila in this item]; defeat of the forces of Baukir Khan, Chief of the Tangistoon tribe [Bāqir Khān (Tangistānī), Governor of Tangistān, also spelled Tungistoon and Tungestoon in this item]; advance on the town of Bushire [Bushehr]; and receipt of the surrender of the Governor of Bushire and the remaining Persian [Iranian] garrison. Also included are two sketches depicting the attack on Rushire (Reishahr, five miles from Bushire) and the advance on Bushire (IOR/L/PS/5/490, f 170 and f 171)The stationing of a permanent British camp outside the walls of Bushire, including details of the health and condition of the troops, the construction of camp defences, and Stalker’s request for a small reinforcement of his troops as soon as possible in case of a dramatic change of weather or large scale illnessReconnaissance organised from Bushire, notably along the road to Feroozabad [Firuzabad], and to investigate the surrounding terrain and assess the attitude of local villagers towards the BritishStalker’s assessment of possible future military movements and the need for major reinforcements in order to effect a significant advance either to Mohumra [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah], up the Karoon [Karun] River to Shooster [Shushtar], or to Shiraz [also spelled Sheeraz in this item]Measures undertaken to deal with the shortage of forage (grass and hay) for the cavalry and artillery horses at Bushire and the expected reinforcements from BombayIntelligence regarding Persian military manoeuvres in the interior of Persia [Iran], including reports of troops amassing at Feroozabad and Shiraz and rumours of their movements towards BushireCommunications between Felix Jones and Baukir Khan, Chief of Tungistoon, (subsequent to the recent defeat of his tribe, the deaths of immediate family members and loss of his property), relating to arrangements for his future secret co-operation with the British and the provision of intelligence of Persian military plans and operations, particularly regarding Shiraz and Borazjoon [Borazjan]Intelligence received by the British Agent at Shiraz, now at Bushire, regarding Persian troop movements from Tehran and Shiraz especially since the British capture of BushireThe despatch of a small naval force under Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, conveying Lieutenant Herbert Disbrowe, Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf, to the coastal villages north of Bushire up to Bunder Deylum [Bandar Deylam], in order to communicate and come to an ‘understanding’ with the ‘chiefs of the Persian ports’ that would secure supply lines, open their ports for free trade and expedite procurement of forage for the army (horses and cattle) at Bushire. Includes a translation of Felix Jones’s template letter of acceptance of terms to be signed by each ‘chief’ (ff 211-213).Physical description: 1 item (58 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 6 dated 2 January 1857. The enclosures are dated 6 November-30 December 1856.The primary correspondents are: Commander Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Secretary to the Government, Bombay; and Major-General Foster Stalker, Commanding the Field Force in Persia [Iran]. Their despatches contain numerous enclosures.The papers notably cover and include:Intelligence, and reports forwarded by the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq], relating to: Persian fortifications and defensive measures in and around Mohumrah [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] and the Shut-ool-Arab [Shatt al-Arab] river; and the strategic importance of British forces capturing Shuster [Shushtar] and the strength of the Persian forces at that cityThe dealings of the Resident in the Persian Gulf with the Commissariat and Quarter-Master General staff officers sent in advance to Bushire [Bushehr] to organise supplies (arms, ammunition, food and fuel) for the reinforcement troops expected from Bombay, including the Resident’s instructions that the staff officers base themselves at Bassidore [Basaidu, Qeshm Island] rather than Bushire for security reasons, and that they commence their operations but postpone any despatches, due to the uncertainty regarding the initial destination of the reinforcements from BombayCorrespondence of the Resident in the Persian Gulf with the Bombay Government regarding his decision to send the staff officers to Bassidore and decision not to keep one British vessel in the Bushire Roads ‘for the protection of the Residency or of British subjects’ (f 78)Intelligence received from Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz [also spelled Sheeraz in this item] reporting the deterioration of Anglo-Persian relations and Persian military manoeuvres and war preparations, including: news of the departure from Tehran of HM Consul Richard Stevens; instructions to the British Agent at Sheeraz to leave that city; a list of Persian regiments in the Province of Fars and their commanding officers (ff 83-84); reports of Persian troop movements from Isfahan to Shiraz, Kirman [Kerman] and MohumrahDocuments, obtained by the Resident in the Persian Gulf and forwarded by the British Agent at Shiraz, indicating that Tahmasp Meerza, Prince of Shiraz and Prince Governor of Fars [Shāhzādah Ṭahmāsp/Ṭahmāsb Mīrzā Muʾayyid al-Dawlah] is soliciting, on behalf of the Shah, for a reconciliation with the British Government and the avoidance of military conflict whilst publically extolling the Persian capture of Herat and the march of Persian armies to Sheeraz (see ff 85-86, 88-89, 91-94)The decision of the Resident in the Persian Gulf to retain his title and exercise the functions of his role instead of putting himself at the disposal of Major-General Stalker in a military capacity.Physical description: 1 item (35 folios)
Abstract: This volume comprises letters received by the Resident at Bushire. For most of the period covered by this volume the Acting Resident at Bushire was Lieutenant William Bruce. The three other occupants of the Residency during this period were Lieutenant Robert Taylor, James Orton, and Thomas Flower. Most of the letters are from the Government of Bombay, although there are a small number of letters from the Government of Fort William, Calcutta. The letters cover a range of subjects including: the Bushire Residency's accounts and expenses; the woollen trade; the procurement of sulphur for gunpowder; instructions for receiving visitors at Bushire; the threat of pirates in the Gulf; relations between the East India Company and the Sultan of Muscat; and the sending of arms from Bombay to the Court of Persia, via Bushire. Many of the letters contain enclosures such as copies of letters from other Government departments at Bombay, and copies of letters from the Court of Directors.Physical description: Pagination: This volume contains an original pagination sequence, used by the Bushire Residency. It is written in ink and appears in the right hand corner of each recto and in the left hand corner of each verso. The sequence begins with the first letter and runs from number 1 through to number 268.Foliation: The volume has been foliated for referencing purposes, using circled numbers written in pencil in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio. The sequence begins on the second folio of writing, on number 1, and continues through to number 137, which is the last folio of writing. Two folios were numbered 82; these folios are now numbered 82 and 82A, in accordance with the IOR foliation guidelines. This is the sequence that has been used by this catalogue to reference items within the volume.
Abstract: A collection of letters sent from and received at the East India Company's Bushire Residency from the establishment of the settlement in early 1763 until late 1788. The letters are mostly between the Residency and the Agency in Basra or the Presidency at Bombay, but there are several letters from other individuals and Company servants.The correspondence covers a wide range of topics:Trade - mainly the import of English woollens for the Persian market and the export of Carmenia wool (from Kirmān province) and raw silk. Other commodities discussed are tin, lead, and coffee.Political developments in Persia and along the Gulf coast. The dominant events focus around relations between Mīr Muhanna, the Banu Ka‘b, Karim Khan, the Ottoman Turks, the Sheikhs of Bushire, the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) and the English, and cover a period of increasing political and military activity by the British East India Company in the region.Financial and administrative matters, including the relationship between the Agency in Basra and the Residency, structural changes within the Company as a whole, and the issues of sick leave, salaries, and allowances.Scientific and geographical matters, such as botanical collections and weather.Physical description: Condition: Some of the pages in the volume have been damaged by bookworm, stains, and general wear and tear which has obscured parts of the text, but generally the condition of the documents is good. There has been some recent restoration using a silk laminate and more modern paper.Foliation: The main sequence, and the one used for reference, is written in pencil in the top right corner of the recto of each folio.There are also two pagination systems, which are inconsistent. The first is written in large numbers, in pencil, in the top outside corner of each page. It appears throughout the volume but is often out of sequence. The second appears only on the later letters (those between 1786 and 1788) and seems to be original. It is written in ink on the top outside corner of each page.In addition to this, the later (1786-1788) letters are also individually numbered at the bottom of each item. This is an original numbering.
Abstract: The correspondence book consists of translations, and substances of letters addressed to the British Resident in the Persian Gulf. The untranslated originals cannot be found in this volume.The authors of these letters can be grouped into two main categories. The first of these being letters from British Native Agents based at Bahrain, Lingah [Bandar-e-Lengeh], Muscat, Sharjah, and Shiraz. Their content consisting of reports on local affairs, responses to queries from the Resident, and reports on incidents of piracy; along with efforts to affect the restitution of property and seize offenders. Reports on the slave trade in the Persian Gulf can also be found within. Much is material of a routine nature, such as the relaying of correspondence and packets; reports on the movement of ships; the provision of coal to British ships at Muscat; and company pensions.The second category is made up of letters from the principle rulers of the Persian Gulf; those most prominently featured include Shaikh Kulufa bin Skakboot, Chief of Aboothabee [Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ, Chief of Abu Dhabi]; Shaikh Abdolla bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Chief of Bahrain; Shaikh Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir], Governor of Bushire; Mirza Abbas [Mīrzā ‘Abbās], Governor of Bushire; Shaikh Abdool Rahman bin Suggur [‘Abd al-Rahman bin Saqr], Chief of Kishm [Qeshm]; Shaikh Said bin Guzeeb [Sa'id bin Qāzib], Chief of Lingah [Bandar-e-Lengeh]; and Sultan bin Suggur [Sulṭān bin Saqr].Specific topics discussed includes:The British occupation of Karg island [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye].The progress of Egyptian troops under the command of Khurshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā] in Nejde [Najd]; their claimed purpose being to support of Ameer Khalid [Amīr Khālid] in his cause against Ameer Fysul [Amīr Fayṣul].Rumours and reports concerning the Shah of Persia's military preparations against Herat.The flight of Shaikh Nasir from Bushire.A rupture between Shaikh Abdolla bin Ahmed of Bahrain and some of his subjects.The activities and background of Sooltan bin Suhar [Sulṭān bin Ṣuḥār] and Mohomed bin Suhar [Muḥammad bin Ṣuḥār] (both accused of piratical acts by the British).A feud between the Chief of Aboothabee and the Chief of Debay.Physical description: Pagination: The volume contains an original pagination sequence, which commences at the first page of content and terminates at the last page of content; these numbers are written in ink, and are located in the top outermost corners of each page.The volume contains the following pagination anomalies; 59, and 59A. Page 221 has been omitted.
Abstract: The volume consists of secret correspondence sent outwards by the British Resident in the Persian Gulf, Samuel Hennell. These letters are primarily addressed to either the Chief Secretary of the Government of Bombay (either Lestock Robert Reid or John Pollard Willoughby), or the Secret Committee at India House in London. The remainder are addressed to various officers of either the British Government, or the East India Company.The subject matter is primarily concerned with the expansion of Egyptian influence towards Bahrein [Bahrain] and Oman through the conquests of the Egyptian commander Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā]; the expansion of Egyptian power is viewed as a threat to British interests in the Persian Gulf. Much of the volume therefore concerns itself with the efforts of the Resident to unite the Arab tribes of Oman in resistance to the Egyptians. More specific details in relation to this subject are as follows:The expulsion of Sued bin Moottuk from Oman, and rumours of his possible return at the head of an Egyptian force to subdue the region.The efforts of the Resident to secure restitution for the Naeem tribe of Brymee for an attack made upon them by the Beniyas [Bani Yas] tribe of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi].Negotiations to arrange for the resettlement of Esa ben Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf] and the Al Ali tribe from Aboothabee to another part of the Persian Gulf, and/or affect a reconciliation with Shaikh Abdollah ben Ahmed [‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Shaikh of Bahrein.The Resident's mediation of a reconciliation between Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd, Imam of Muscat, and Sued Humood bin Azen, Chief of Sohar [Ṣuḥār].Ideas for enhancing the power of influence of the British in the Persian Gulf.The designs of Khorshid Pasha to conquer or subdue Bahrein, and the political position of Shaikh Abdollah ben Ahmed on the island.The deputation of Captain Akins Hamerton, 15th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, to Brymee to obtain information on the condition of the town's defences, and his later appointment as Political Agent to Muscat.To a limited extent the correspondence relays news from Persia, primarily from Shiraz. This relates to disturbances in that town, rumours related to the travel plans of the Persian Shah (Muḥammad ‘Alī Shāh Qājār), Persian warlike preparations, and any potential threat to the British at Karrack. It also contains a few updates on affairs at Bushire.The British occupation of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] is therefore also covered within the volume; primarily this concerns measures required to keep the garrison supplied, the health of the troops, and suggestions for the improvement of the island's defences. In addition, the matter of Shaikh Nasir's [Shaykh Nāṣir] expulsion from Karrack, and his later restoration to the Governorship of Bushire is also covered.Also discussed within the file is the inadequacy of the strength of the naval squadron stationed in the Persian Gulf, and various methods for addressing this. This is cited in a number of instances as a factor which prevents the orders of Government from being carried out. The volume contains a split index; the first part is located on folio 2, and the second part is on folio 141.Physical description: Condition: The binding of the volume has come apart, and the front and back covers have suffered significant damage. As a result, the remains of the covers have become detached from the volume.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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence written in ink.
Abstract: Most of the letters are written by Lieutenant William Bruce, who was the Resident at this time. A handful of letters are written by James Orton, Assistant Surgeon at Bushire, who took temporary charge of the Residency while Bruce was away from Bushire. Subjects relating directly to the Residency include: accounts; stationery; military and marine expenses; and the sending of arms from Bombay to the Court of Persia, via Bushire. Broader themes within the letters include the procurement of sulphur for its use in India, the woollen and silk trades in Persia, and the threat of Āl Qāsimī pirates to British trade in the Persian Gulf.Physical description: 1 volume in one slipcasePagination: This file has an original pagination sequence, which is written in ink, in the top right corner of each recto and the top left corner of each verso. This sequence runs until page 100. A later pagination sequence, which is written in pencil, begins at page 101. This sequence is inconsistent, with many numbers repeated out of sequence.Foliation: The volume has been foliated for referencing purposes by circling numbers in pencil, in the top right corner of each folio. The sequence begins with the first letter, on number 1, and runs through to 138, ending on the inside of the back cover of the volume. This is the sequence that has been used by this catalogue to reference items within the volume.
Abstract: This file contains letters written and received by Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire. Most of the letters written by Hennell are addressed to His Excellency Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil CB, Her Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia, Tehran. In addition, there are the following items: a small number of letters addressed by Hennell to Arthur Malet, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay, in which Hennell forwards copies of his letters to Sheil; a couple of letters from Hennell to Commodore John Patterson Porter, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf; a letter from Hennell to James McAlister, Civil Surgeon at Bushire; a letter from Hennell to the Assistant Collector at the Stationery Department, Bombay; and a letter from Hennell to J Malcolm, Armenian Merchant, Bushire. The received letters consist entirely of Sheil's responses to Hennell. The letters from Hennell to Sheil report on recent events in Bushire and the surrounding area. Hennell also forwards enclosures from the British Agent at Shiraz, which describe in detail events in and around Shiraz. Subjects covered in Hennell's and Sheil's letters include: a recent incident in which slaves were imported into Bushire; several acts of piracy committed in the Persian Gulf; the removal of Sheik Nasir Khan from his position as Governor of Bushire; Sheil's suspicions regarding the conduct of the British Agent at Shiraz, Mirza Mahmood.Physical description: There is an original pagination sequence and a foliation sequence.Pagination: The pagination sequence is written in ink, in the upper left hand corner of each page. It begins on the first page after the title page. The sequence skips pages where no text is present and pages which contain only abstracts of letters and original reference numbers. The sequence repeats numbers 60-79 so these appear twice; it also skips 266.Foliation: The foliation sequence is written in pencil, in the top right corner of each folio. It begins on the title page, on number 1; then 2-88; 89A and 89B; and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 225. Due to a foliation error, there is no number 157 in this sequence. This is the sequence that has been used for cataloguing this file.