Abstract: Distinctive Features:Small sketch map attached to a letter dated 15th January 1864 from W.H. Colvill, Civil Surgeon, with location of sulphur and salt mines indicated. Another copy of the map can be found at Mss Eur F126/37, f 16.Physical description: Dimensions:75 x 143 mm, on sheet 205 x 325 mm
Abstract: Two volumes containing a collection of letters and enclosures dispatched from Gombroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] Factory to ‘the Court of Directors for affairs of the United Company of Merchants of England Trading to the East Indies’. Each letter has the date it was received overland, and the date it was read in Court noted at the end of it. At some point these letters were assigned numbers from 2487-2604, in red (turned to purplish) ink. Any missing numbers in between indicate that the letter is missing.The letters cover variety of issues and topics including:The state of affairs and military operations in a number of provinces in Persia [Iran] including, Mashad [Mashhad, also written as Mashat, Mushat, Mushatt and Musshat], Carmenia [Kerman], Gombroon, Yazd, and Spahaun [Eṣfahān]. Among the rulers involved in the operations were Shawrook Shaw [Shāhrokh Shāh Afshar, or Shāhrokh Mīrzā Afshār, c 1734-1796, also written as Sarook, Sharrook, Shawrooke, Sharooke and Shawroke], Carem Caun [Karīm Khān Zand, Vakil of Persia, also written as Carreemm], Ally Mardin Caun [‘Ali Mardan Khan Bakhtiyari, Ilkhani of the Bakhtiyari Tribe], Ahzad Caun [Āzād Khān Ghilza'ī, d 1782, Beglerbeg of Azarbāijān], Ahmed Shaw Afgoon [Ahmad Shah Afghan Durrani, known as Ahmad Shah Abdali r 1747-1772, also written as Ahmet Shaw Aphgoon] and Nasseir Caun [Nāsir Khān Āl Mazkūr, r 1162-1203/c 1749-1788]Indent of woollen goods proper for the Persian market including: the type of cloth, amount by piece, colours required, and their prices. On some occasions patterns of coloured woollen goods were attached to the list as in folios 4, 195 and 214Indent of iron, lead and tin proper for the Persian market and the amount in tonsAbstract of general expenditures at GombroonRecords of the Company’s cash balanceThe activities of the Dutch and the Russians in the regionReports on the activities of local Persian and Armenian merchants in the regionNews of Nadir Shaw [Nadir Shah, Shah of Persia 1732-1747] being killed by his own people in 1747A list of twenty-three rogoms [raqams or ruqums, also written as rogomms: royal grants confirming specific trading privileges] granted to the Company by Nadir ShawSuggestions to set up a Company house at the Island of Bhareen [Bahrain, also written Bahreen and Barren] or at the Island of Kishmish [Qishm]Reports on the status of the wool trade at CarmeniaNews of the deaths of Factory members Danvers Graves and Robert WentNews of Nasseir Caun appointing Moola Ally Shaw [Mulla ‘Ali Shah] to the Government of GombroonNews of the war between the Hoola Arabs [Hawala] and Nasseir Caun at BahreenLists of the Company’s servants in the Gulph [Gulf] of Persia containing their names, ages, stations, places, and salaries.The volumes include enclosures of letters exchanged with the Factory Warehouse Keeper, Danvers Graves, who took the place of the late Resident at Spahaun, John Pierson [also written as Peirsons]. Mr Graves was instructed to clear the Company’s debt at Spahaun, sort the outstanding bills, settle the affairs of the Carmenia bill, and provide a detailed account of Mr Peirson’s fraud accounts and his transactions with local merchants, particularly with Hodjee Ibrahim Bozoork [Haji Ibrahim Buzurg] and Mirza Boggher [Mirza Baqer, also written as Bagher]. The volumes also include records of the examinations of John Pierson before the Agent and Council at Gombroon, and remarks on his conduct and management of affairs at Spahaun.The volumes contain enclosures of letters from the Resident at Bussorah [Basra], William Shaw, to the Court of Directors for affairs at Bombay [Mumbai] reporting on the state of affairs in the region, ships sailing and arriving, the activities of the Aleppo traders, letters dispatched to Aleppo, and the Turks’ activities in the region.The letters in the volumes include records of the arrival and departure of ships, including the
Rose Galley, the
Welcome, the
Godolphin, the
Swallow, the
Heathcote, the
Fort William, the
Fort St. George, the
Jenney, the
Nancy, the
Prince of Orange, the
Drake, the
Oxford, the
Shaftesbury, the Boscawen, the
Man of War, the
Prince Henry, the
Hector, the
Guardian, the
Fezeraboony[
Fayz Rabbani], and the
Prince of Wales. Ships sailed mainly to and from Gombroon, Bombay, Bussorah, Surat, Bengall [Bengal], Boutchier [Būshehr, also written as Boucheir, Busshire], Madrass [Madras, i.e. Chennai], the Island of Socrata [Socotra Island], Batavia [Jakarta], Judda [Jeddah], China, Mocha, Muscat and England.Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at f 1 of volume one (ff 1-130) and terminates at f 247 of volume two (ff 131-247); 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. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.
Abstract: Imprint:Reduced and lithographed in the Chief Engineer’s Office by Kumbroodeen E. & F.D. Jesus, Bombay 3d Oct.r 1855.Distinctive Features:Plan originally produced to accompany a report on Bassadore prepared by Captain Thomas Remon, Bombay Engineers.Depth shown by soundings in fathoms with areas partly dry at low water indicated.Along the top a birds-eye view of the settlement with landmarks labelled.Physical description: Dimensions:313 x 248 mm, on sheet 350 x 286 mm
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the East India Company's Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1841, dated 28 January 1841. The enclosures are dated 15 November 1840 to 27 January 1841.The enclosures mainly consist of copies of letters sent and received by the Government of Bombay, relating to the embargo placed on the vessels of the Shaikh of Kishm [Qishm], Shaikh Abdool Ruhman bin Suggur [Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rahman bin Saqr], visiting India being removed, and the Shaikh’s buggalow [sailing vessel] the
Yacoob(also written as Acoob) being released, upon his entering into an engagement to pay a demand from the British Government for the plunder of the buggalow
Futeh Ool Ruhman.This correspondence is between Government of Bombay and the following: the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell); Shaikh Abdool Ruhman bin Suggur of Kishm, and his Agent Mahomed Moolla Hussan (also spelled Mahomed Moola Hoossein); the Collector of Customs, Bombay; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Secretary to the Government of Fort St George; and the Secretary to the Government of India.Letters from the Resident in the Persian Gulf include copies of enclosed letters to the Political Agent at Muscat, to Shaikh Abdool Ruhman, and from the Imam of Muscat.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-15, on folios 3-5. These numbers are repeated for reference on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure.
Abstract: These volumes contain letters sent to and from the East India Company Factory at Bussorah [Basra] between 19 April 1725 and 25 August 1731. The letters describe the power struggle between Ashraf Sultan Ghilza'i and Shah Tahmasb II for supremacy in Persia, political and economic relations with the Governor of Baghdad [Gürcü Ahmed Pasha] and the Governor of Bussorah ['Abd al-Rahman Pasha], as well as exchanges with agents of the East India Company based at the English factory in Bussorah.Physical description: This file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio of volume one (ff 1-117) and terminates at the last folio of volume two (ff 118-239); 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 5-239; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled and have been crossed out. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves. The sequence contains one foliation anomaly, f 119a.
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)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 41 of 1856, dated 10 June 1856. The enclosures are dated 10-19 April 1856.The enclosures relate to the differences between the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat and the Persian [Iranian] Government over the Imaum’s claims to the port of Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas] on the Persian coast, his threats to descend on Lingah [Bandar Lengeh] and Bushire [Bushehr], and Persian aims to place a garrison on Kishm [Qeshm] and the Island of Ormuz [Hormuz].The papers notably include:A report from the Native Agent at Lingah, to Commander Felix Jones, Acting Resident, Persian Gulf, on a meeting at Kishm between the Imaum’s representatives and a Persian envoy, and Persian attempts to solicit the support of the sheikhs [shaikhs] of Lingah and Rasulkymah [Ra’s al-Khaymah, also spelled Rusul Kheymah in this item] in the event of the Imaum refusing to allow the garrisoning of Kishm and OrmuzA letter from Jones to Sheikh Sultan ben Suggur [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī] of Rasulkymah, urging him not to give assistance to Persian vessels and to ignore the expensive gifts from the Shah [Shāh] of Persia.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee: Bombay Secret Letter 1 June 1821. The enclosures are dated 2 April-21 May 1821.The item comprises an extract of the proceedings of the Bombay Government and correspondence, with relevant enclosures, between: Captain William Bruce, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire [Bushehr]; Lieutenant-Colonel Brackley Kennett, Officer Commanding and Acting Political Agent, Bassadore, Kishm [Basaidu, Qeshm]; the Government of Bombay; and Henry Willock, HM Chargé d’Affaires in Tahran [Tehran].The subjects covered are:The Government of Bombay’s policy regarding the ‘difficult’ diplomatic situation at Kishm, including: a proposal to send 400 European soldiers to reinforce Lieutenant-Colonel Kennett’s detachment on the island; authority for Kennett to fortify his position at Bassadore or wherever he considers best; arrangements for the naval force in the Gulf to be enhanced with additional cruisers and put on standby in the event of an attack by Persia [Iran]; permission for the detachment’s evacuation to Muscat as a last resort; extensive efforts to obtain intelligence from the mainland regarding Persia’s plans; notification of all relevant parties of the Bombay Government’s position; and instructions to Willock to ensure these measures do not cause any alarm in TehranPreparations by Captain Bruce in case of a Persian attack, including his communications with KennettPreparations by Kennett in case of an attack on his ‘small and exposed force’ by Persia, particularly in light of rumours of a force assembled at Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas] and the likelihood that the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat will, if severely pressured by Persia, back down from opposing the Shah of PersiaWillock’s intention to leave Tahran due to threats on his life (decapitation) following his refusal to make further advances of an annual subsidy to the Shah, including copies of his correspondence with the Persian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mirza (also spelled Meerza in this item) Abdul Wahab [Mīrzā 'Abd al-Wahhāb Nishāṭ Iṣfahānī], 26-31 March 1822 (ff 87-95), and ‘Notes of messages and information collected regarding the occurrences at Tehran form 28th March’ providing intricate details of the affair (ff 96-101).Physical description: The despatch comprises enclosures numbered 1-2. The enclosure number is written for reference on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure.
Abstract: This volume consists of one item which contains copies of correspondence, minutes, and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the governments of Bombay [Mumbai] and Bengal. The item is:IOR/F/4/651/17855 ‘Proceedings adopted in consequence of the depredations committed by the Joasmee [al-Qasimi] pirates in the Persian Gulph [Gulf]’, Vol. 6.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 265; 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: Correspondence and other papers relating to diplomatic and commercial relations between Persia [Iran] and Poland, and Persia and Japan. The file includes: a copy (in French) of a Treaty of Friendship and Commercial Convention, signed between Persia and Poland in 1927; correspondence (some in French) concerning relations between Persia and Japan, culminating in the signing of a treaty of commerce and navigation between the two countries in 1932 (not included in the file); correspondence and extracts from the diary of the British Residency and Consulate at Bushire, dated 1935, reporting on a concession awarded to Japanese commercial interests by the Persian Government to mine rock salt on Qishm Island [Qeshm]; correspondence dated 1940 from HM’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in Tehran, Reader William Bullard, reporting that the Polish Chargé d’Affaires in Tehran has not received a dinner invitation to celebrate the Shah’s [Reza Shah Pahlavi] birthday. Subsequent correspondence concerns the decision for Bullard to decline the invitation to dinner, along with his French counterpart; correspondence dated 1941-1942 concerning relations between Persia and Japan, prior to and immediately after Japan’s entry into the Second World War.The file’s principal correspondents are: HM’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Tehran, Robert Henry Clive, Reginald Hervey Hoare, Hughe Montgomery Knatchbull-Hugessen, and Reader William Bullard; the Foreign Office.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 72; 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: A translation of a letter from the Umeen ed Dowlat [‘Abdullah Khān Amīn al-Dawlah], Second Minister of Persia [Iran], to Major George Willock, Acting Chargé d’Affaires in Persia, undated.The letter concerns the mission of Mirza Bauqur [Mīrzā Bakr], envoy of the Governor-General of Shiraz [Husayn ‘Ali Mīrzā Farmānfarmā, Prince-Governor of Fārs], to Bombay [Mumbai], and the decision to reinforce the British troops occupying Kishm [Qeshm]. It also states that orders have been issued to the Government of Fars at Shiraz, the Arab sheikhs [shaikhs] in southern Persia, and the Governors of the Gulf Ports not to take actions that could prejudice relations with Britain.The letter was enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company dated 15 October 1822 (IOR/L/PS/9/69/121).Physical description: The letter was perforated in an attempt to prevent the spread of disease.
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Major George Willock, Acting Chargé d’Affaires in Persia [Iran], to Abdulla Khan Umeen ed Dawlat [‘Abdullah Khān Amīn al-Dawlah], Second Minister of Persia, sent from Tabriz and dated 1 September 1822.The letter concerns the mission of Mirza Bauqur [Mīrzā Bakr], envoy of the Governor-General of Shiraz [Husayn ‘Ali Mīrzā Farmānfarmā, Prince-Governor of Fārs], to Bombay [Mumbai], and the decision to reinforce the British troops occupying Kishm [Qeshm] following a perceived deterioration in relations with Persia.The letter was enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company dated 15 October 1822 (IOR/L/PS/9/69/121).Physical description: The letter was perforated in an attempt to prevent the spread of disease.