Abstract: The account provides background on the various travels across South Eastern Asia undertaken by Pelly as part of his duties to the British Government, his hope that his account could help the society with their desire to determine 'with scientific accuracy' the position of Riadh [Riyadh], the Capital of Nuyd [Najd], and a full account of the route to Riadh and what he learned.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Two draft copies of a report written by Lewis Pelly of the coastline from Al Katif [Al Qatif] to Koweit [Kuwait] and his journey onwards from there to Riyath [Riyath]. The report contains names and descriptions of key geographic areas and features travelled through en-route.The contents of this draft report were included as part of Lewis Pelly's full report on his journey to Riyadh to meet with Amir Faysul [Faisal ibn Turki al-Sa'ud].Both draft copies contain crossings out and corrections.Physical description: 7 folios
Abstract: Incomplete memorandum, written in pencil, regarding the tribute that Amir Faisaul ibn Turki al Sa'ud of the Wahabees [Wahhabi] pays to the Porte and the revenues he receives both in terms of money and horses as well as in military aid.The memorandum also refers to agreements with other tribes who can travel unmolested through Nejd [Najd] territory.The verso of folio 74 contains the first line of a memorandum regarding writing to someone.The memorandum itself is undated, however the information contained within it would have been acquired by Lewis Pelly during his visit to Riyadh, February to March 1865.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Copy of a letter dated 23 December 1865 concerning Dr Colvill's breach of privacy in relation to the publicity of their trip to Riyadh earlier that year. Pelly asks Colvill to submit to government an explanation of his conduct.A second letter dated 27 December 1865 is also enclosed in which Colvill responds directly to Pelly denying having directly or indirectly written to any newspaper, review or scientific society concerning their trip to Riyadh and requesting that Pelly inform him of what has been written or said.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Copy of a letter in which Pelly accuses Dr Colvill of evading his questioning and requests that Colvill meet him at 2 p.m. to review the letters purported to have been written by him and to look at the passage from the
Edinburgh Review.Enclosed with the letter are notes on the meeting between Pelly and Colvill, dated 27 December 1865 which took place at the Residency in Bushire.Physical description: The letter with enclosures has been foliated in the top right corner of each page as 21-22
Abstract: Mr Weller requests that Pelly mark the places mentioned in his article on the map, encloses additional prints of the map which Pelly had requested and informs Pelly of the intention to also include a map of Arabia to show places mentioned by Pelly that are outside of the route the main map coversPhysical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Letter from Daniel Oliver, Keeper of the Kew Herbarium, to Pelly regarding the examples of Arabian Plants Pelly had sent to them and Pelly's request for a list of the specimens he sent.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Letter informing Pelly that Dr Colvill's journal would not be published by the Royal Geographical Society and reassuring Pelly that Dr. Colvill had not sent the journal to the society himself, and most likely had not had any intention of making it public.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: The correspondence relates to three main periods of Lewis Pelly's life: his work in India as Agent to the Governor-General, Rajpootana [Rājasthān] and subsequently at Baroda 1870-1877; his return to England in 1877 and marriage to Amy Henrietta Lowder, 1 August 1878; and his desire for re-employment with the India Office 1878-1883.The 1870-1877 correspondence is primarily from the Viceroy of India (Thomas George Baring, 2nd Baron Northbrook to April 1876; Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 2nd Baron Lytton from April 1876); the Viceroy's private secretary; and Maharajas, local chiefs and colleagues in Rajpootana. Subjects discussed include the deposition of the Gaekwar of Baroda; the Indian frontier and policy towards it; and Pelly's ailing health which eventually forces him to return to England in 1875.Pelly subsequently returns to India, accompanying Lord Lytton on a negotiating mission with the Amir of Afghanistan, and the correspondence from this period consists primarily of instructions to Pelly in regard to the negotiations.Other correspondents include journalists for the
Pall Mall Gazette,
Daily Telegraph, and
Manchester Guardianas Pelly had numerous letters and articles published in newspapers following his return to England in 1877; correspondence with George Christopher Molesworth Birdwood on both Indian affairs and publishing matters; and correspondence with Lord Lytton, the Marquess of Salisbury (Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury) and Lord Derby (Edward Stanley, 15th Earl of Derby) 1878-1883 in which he attempts to secure employment either in India or with the India Office in London.Physical description: Foliation: The contents of the file have been foliated using an encircled pencil number in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio. Some of the correspondence has been renumbered and the numbers no longer in use have been crossed through.
Abstract: Letter from Joseph Dalton Hooker, Director of the Royal Botanical Gadens at Kew regarding samples of Arabian plants which Pelly had collected on his travels to Riadh [Riyadh], some of which were of considerable interestPhysical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Letter requesting that Lewis Pelly submit a detailed account of all he saw, heard and did in the course of his visit to Riadh [Riyadh] for the Governor-General in Council as requested as it had not yet been received.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Letter forwarding some correspondence between the Political Agent, Muscat and the Sultan of Muscat (Thuwaini bin Said Al-Said) for Pelly's information and requesting a report from him on his opinion of the differences between the Sultans of Muscat and the Wahabees [Wahhabi] (Faisal ibn Turki al Sa'ud).The letter also informs Pelly that he may offer to act as a mediator between the two parties but that he should make it clear to the Sultan of Muscat that the British Government has no intention of interfering in the matter.The letter also contains a note by Lewis Pelly dated 9 January 1865.Physical description: 1 folio