Abstract: Volume containing journals and other descriptions of journeys in and around the Arabian Peninsula and India, particularly sea and river journeys. The volume contains:‘Captain Wainwright's Remarks on the Navigation of the Persian Gulph 1809-1810’ (folios 3-28), containing a description of the navigation of the Gulf and the ports, anchorages and other notable places along its coastline, written by Captain John Wainwright of the East India Company ship
Chiffonne‘Captain Sadlier's Diary of his Mission to Arabia 1819-20’ (folios 29-192), containing a description of an expedition across Arabia by Captain George Forster Sadlier to deliver a confidential message from the Government of Bombay to Ibrahim Pacha, commander of the Egyptian forces in the Wahhabi War (also known as the Ottoman-Saudi War). The message to Ibrahim, offering military support to future Ottoman actions against the Wahabees [Saudis] and Joasmee [Al-Qasimi], is included on folios 37-40. A letter containing instructions to Sadlier is on folios 33-37. Folios 40-61 describe Sadlier’s journey from Bombay [Mumbai] to Bushire, April-June 1819, calling at Muscat in May to inform the Imam of his mission. Sadlier’s journey from Kuteef [Qatif, also written as Katief and Katuffe] to Yambo [Yanbu] is described in brief on folios 29-33. The same journey, Sadlier’s interactions with Ibrahim, and his return journey as far as Jeddah are described in detail on folios 61-190‘Captain Bedford's Journals of the Survey of the Burrampooter River - 1824 & 1825’ (folios 193-304), containing a description by Captain James Bedford of a survey of the Burhampooter [Brahmaputra] River, also called the Dihung [Dihang] River. A small sketch map of part of the river is included on folio 260. Folios 303-304 contain a brief vocabulary of the Mismee [Mishmi] language‘Captain Bonamy's Memoranda on the North West Frontier of British India and of the importance of the River Indus as connected with it's [sic] defence 1830’ (folios 305-383), containing a description of the area and notes on the defence of British India against a theoretical invasion by Russia‘Lieutenant Welsted's Memoir regarding the Red Sea and Steam Navigation between Europe & India 1832’ (folios 384-497), containing a description of the navigation of the Red Sea and the ports, anchorages and other notable places along the coastline, written by Lieutenant James Raymond Wellsted [written as Welsted or Welstead] of the East India Company ship
Palinurus, as part of a survey under the command of Captain Thomas Elwon of the East India Company ship
Benares. A description of the ‘inhabitants to the Northward of Juddah’ [Jeddah] is included on folios 460-473‘Lieutenant Wybard's Journal of an Excursion into Arabia 1832’ (folios 497-534), containing a description of a journey into Arabia by Lieutenant J W Wybard in September-December 1832. Folios 499-509 contain Wybard’s journal describing his journey from Bushire to Bussora [Basra] on the East India Company ship
William IV, from Bussora to Bahrein [Bahrain] and then to Ajeer [Uqair] on various Arabian vessels, overland from Ajeer to Ehiasa [Hofuf], and an aborted attempt to reach Readth [Riyadh] before returning by the same route. Folios 509-513 contain descriptions of Ehiasa and Bahrein. Folios 517-532 contain a description of ‘the Arab Tribes on the Banks of the Euphrates and Tigris’. Folios 533-534 contain ‘A Map of the Oases of El Hasa’ [El Ahsa] [IOR/L/MAR/C/587, ff 533v-534].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 538; 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 193-534; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.The foliation sequence does not include the front cover, nor does it include the leading flyleaves.
Abstract: Covers south-west Asia. Portrays hydrology, relief by hachures and some spot heights, roads and tracks, expedition and other historical routes, settlements, place names and administrative boundaries. A legend refers to the expedition and other historical routes as depicted in colour, although the colour is absent from this copy. Manuscript additions in coloured ink and crayon relate to place names.Drawn from materials furnished by Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, Royal Artillery by J & C Walker, Geographers. Published by Longman & Co, London.Physical description: Materials: Printed, with additions in coloured ink and crayonDimensions: 598 x 730mm, on sheet 686 x 928mm
Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial statements and some local newsletters, relating to diplomatic, military and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 931-1264, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret Department, and Secret and Separate Department, 26 November 1838-21 July 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from January to April 1839 but the volume includes some from November and December 1838 and May 1839. Copy letters end on folio 810. Folios 811-838 contain: ‘List of Packets to the Hon’ble [Honourable] the Secret Committee of the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Per "Water Witch"’. The list includes dates and correspondents only.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister with the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Henry Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Thomas Herbert Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde [Sindh]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon, Political Assistant on Duty in the Bhawalpore Territory [Bahawalpur]; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat (late on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul]); Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent, on a Mission to Bhawalpore; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, Commanding Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Eldred Pottinger, British Political agent, Herat; Lieutenant-General John Keane, Commander of the Army of the Indus.Other correspondents include: R Leech, Political Assistant; George Clerk, Political Agent, Umballah [Ambala, North India]; Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, Political Assistant and Military Secretary to the Envoy and Minister; Lieutenant William Joseph Eastwick, Officiating Political Agent of Khyrpore [Khairpur] and Assistant to the Resident in Sinde (Henry Pottinger), also referred to as Political Agent in Shikapore, and later, in April 1839, deputed back to Hyderabad to take over from Henry Pottinger, assisted by Ross Bell); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant Colonel [I] Stuart, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; Major-General E H Simpson, Commanding Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; and various British diplomatic and administrative officials and military personnel.Matters covered notably include:Supplying the Army of the Indus (Bengal and Bombay Divisions and Shah Shoojah’s Force), particularly: obtaining grain, rice, forage, camels and artillery; recruiting non-military personnel, such as camel drivers; problems encountered by British agents in obtaining supplies, notably A C Gordon’s complaints about Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III], Nawab of Bhawalpore, whom he suspects of purposely reneging on treaty promises (contradicted by F Makeson, who considered the Nawab was doing his best despite genuine difficulties)Maintaining cash supplies to finance the expedition, particularly for: purchase of animals and food; payment of salaries; recruitment of suitable soldiers; payment of bribes, for example, to deter desertions; compensation of local famers for loss of animals, crops or infrastructure; purchase of woollen garments for Shah Shoojah’s force; enhancement of the police establishment due to numerous criminal acts committed in Shah Shoojah’s camp. Also covers methods of conveying cash during the advance and arrangements for conveyance of Shah Shoojah’s treasure and bullionProgress of the lines of advance, notably: communications between the two columns of the Army of the Indus; strategies of Keane and Cotton; crossing the river Indus and keeping its navigation open; the dilapidated state of Bukkur Fort; encampment at Shikapore [Shikarpur]; route to the Bolan Pass and Quetta; stationing stores depots and reserve forces along the route; reports of skirmishes, and plundering by Belochee (also spelt Beloochee) [Balochi] tribesmen on the route to Candahar [Kandahar]Relations between Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde, and the four Hyderabad ameers (Meer Noor Mahomed Khan, Meer Nusseer Mahomed Khan, Meer Mohamed Khan, and Meer Sobdar Khan), regarding British policy in the state, notably: British suspicions of the ameers’ perfidy and accusations of withholding ‘promised’ camels and grain for the Army of the Indus; Pottinger’s attempts variously to conciliate, chivvy and threaten the ameers; treaty terms issued to the four after the conquest of Kurachee [Karachi] in February 1839; Pottinger’s temporary retirement from Hyderabad in March 1839 due to stress and his quarrel with Alexander Burnes for allegedly undermining himIntelligence and situation reports notably from R Leech and Alexander Burnes on supposedly anti-British, pro-Persian and pro-Russian intrigues in Candahar and Cabool, activities of Russian envoy Captain Vitkievitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] and Afghan Ruler Dost Mohamed Khan; and affairs in Herat and attempts by Eldred Pottinger, Political Agent, to convert and retain the authorities as friends of the BritishBritish policy of conciliation and occupation with a view to securing the route and maintaining lines of communication and supply through Sinde, the Punjab and into Afghanistan, notably: hostile occupation of the strategic Moonarah [Manora] fort and the port of Kurachee by the British and treaty ‘of surrender’ with the local governor, 3 February 1839; British proclamation issued to the chiefs of Candahar and Cabool exhorting submission to the ‘rightful ruler’ Shah Shoojah; arrangements to keep reserve forces in Vikkur, Kurachee, Tatta (also spelt Tattah) [Thatta], Hyderabad, Khyrpore [Khairpur], the river Indus crossing, Bukkur, Shikapore, Quetta, and other strategic locations; attempts to solicit favour of Mehrab Khan [Mir Mehrab Khan Baloch II], the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], particularly to prevent his collusion with British enemies and to reduce attacks by Beloochee tribesmen on the daks [or dawks, mail service], supply chains and camps during the advance to Candahar (including idea to turn them into allies by employing them).Volume also includes Henry Fane’s views on the Western Frontier of British India (explaining where he thinks all points of the compass frontiers should be and why), dated May 1839, folios 757-764.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 841; 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: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports and financial statements relating to diplomatic, military and logistical preparations for the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 201-610, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret and Separate Department, 8 January-8 March 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from mid-October to 31 December 1838 but the volumes includes some from September relating to the end of the siege of Herat.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India, with the Governor General, Simla, also referred to in this volume Envoy and Minister to the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent on a Mission to Bhawalpore [Bahawalpur]; Henry Whitelock Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor General; General Sir Henry Fane, Commander-in-Chief, India; Lord Auckland, Governor General of India; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Political Agent and British Envoy at Kelat [Kalat]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon and Political Agent on Duty in Bhawalpore; Colonel E H Simpson, in charge of Shah Shoojah’s Force, Loodhiana [Ludhiana] (and his predecessor Captain J McSherry); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton,Commander Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Captain C M Wade, Political Agent, Loodhiana, later on a Mission to Bhawalpore.Other correspondents include: Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, in charge of the British Mission, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant R Leech, Political Assistant; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; various lesser army officers and government officials; British intelligence agents and local informants; local rajahs and emirs.Main matters covered:Composition, governance, funding, arming and equipping of Shah Shoojah’s ForceNews of the ending of the siege of Herat in September 1838 with the retreat of the Shah of Persia [Iran] to Tehran and retrospective appointment of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger as Political Agent in Herat assigned to help alleviate poverty and starvation in the city and restore the army to orderTreaties, agreements and understandings between the British Government and various local rulers in Punjab and Sinde [Sindh] in advance of the forthcoming British military expedition into Afghanistan. Many agree to offer assistance, support or absence of opposition during the operation, usually in return for British 'protection'. Includes treaties with Nawab Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III] of Bhawalpore, and with Meere Roostum Khan [Mir Rustam 'Ali Khan] of Khyrpore State [Khairpur], cession of fort at Bukkur to the British, lingering suspicions about the loyalty of the Hydrabad [Hyderabad] ameers, and need to ensure friendly attitude of the Khan (Chief) of Kelat to enable advance of British into KhorasanIntelligence reports gathered by Alexander Burnes, notably on situation and loyalties in Herat, Khyrpore, Sinde state, Candahar [Kandahar] and Cabool [Kabul]. Includes reports of alleged anti-British intrigues by Cabool ruler Dost Mahomad Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan (Barakzai)] with Hydrabad ameers and Russian diplomat Captain Vitkievitch (sporadically spelled, e.g. Vilkervitch, Vilkieritch) [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, a Polish man in service of the Russians] and suspected overtures to the Shah of PersiaArrangements for amassing of British forces, known as the Army of the Indus, at Ferozepore [Firozpur or Ferozepur], for the planned advance towards Afghanistan, notably composition, fitting out, requisition of supplies (especially grain, food and fuel) and animals (camels and elephants), chains of command, officers pay and expenses, ammunition supplies, drill instructors, obtaining sufficient funds of cash, encampment locations, preparation of roads, bridging of the Indus including bridge of boats or rafts plan, and progress of the armyReports from Dr A C Gordon, on Duty at Bhawalpore, on immense difficulties and struggles in obtaining supplies for the Army of the Indus and non-cooperation of supposed allies Maharajah Ranjeet Singh of Bhawalpore [Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire] and Bhawal Khan, Nawab of BhawalporeConcerns expressed by Fane to Auckland regarding the Army of the Indus, particularly: the force’s commanding personnel; lines of communication; insufficiency of supplies for the duration of the campaign and nature of the terrain; the Commissariat’s inefficiency; truthfulness of positive reports Auckland has received; delays to the march from Ferozepore increasing potential difficulties getting through the Bolan Pass due to excessively hot weather; desertions from Shah Shoojah’s force; dire consequences if the army is forced to retreat. (Fane declined the opportunity to become Commander of the Army of the Indus, instead continuing as Commander-in-Chief of all forces in India).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 795; 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: Copy of a memorandum regarding the unsuitability of iron steam vessels for use on the Euphrates and Indus rivers. (With a note in pencil, by unknown author, criticizing the tone of the memorandum and asking for another opinion).Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)
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 91 of 1840, dated 31 October 1840. The enclosures are numbered 1-5 and are dated 28 August to 26 October 1840. They consist of correspondence relating to the Euphrates Flotilla and the Indus Flotilla.The enclosures concern matters including:The Government of India stating that Lieutenant Henry Blosse Lynch may be permitted to proceed to England on sick certificate, leaving Lieutenant Campbell in charge of his commandDeficiencies in the size of crews and number of engineers on the ExpeditionThe opinion of the Superintendent of the Indian Navy, Captain Robert Oliver, on the crew required for the vessels of the Euphrates FlotillaThe Ameers of Khyrpoor [Amīrs of Khairpur] not levying duty on merchandise while it is in transit on the Indus.The correspondents are the following: the Government of India; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Lestock Robert Reid; the Political Agent in Lower Sinde [Sindh], Major James Outram; and the Political Agent in Upper Sinde, Ross Bell.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
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 93 of 1840, dated 31 October 1840. The enclosures are numbered 3-244 and are dated 13 January to 31 October 1840. Enclosure numbers 20-31, 121-26, 234-37, and 241-43, listed in the abstract of contents, are not included in this item, as noted on folio 261. The enclosures mostly consist of correspondence, and relate to the Euphrates Expedition, and affairs in various places, including Sinde [Sindh, also spelled Scinde in this item], Cutch [Kutch or Kachchh], Pahlunpore [Palanpur], Kishm [Qeshm], Egypt, Afghanistan, Muscat and Nepal.The enclosures concern matters including:The request of the Superintendent of the Indian Navy for permission to engage an Acting Master and an Acting Second Master for each of the steam vessels employed on the River Euphrates, in addition to the Lieutenant in Command, Henry Blosse Lynch, due to a lack of commissioned officersThe objections of the Bombay Military Board to twelve bills in Commander Lynch’s expenses, due to the nature of the charges not being in accordance with the rules of the Indian NavyThe scale of pay and allowances for Lieutenant Lynch, the commissioned and warrant officers, and engineers of the Euphrates Expedition under his commandThe position in which the Superintendent of the Indian Navy should consider Commander Lynch, while he is commanding the Euphrates ExpeditionA private letter from Lieutenant Campbell, in charge of the Euphrates steam flotilla, to the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq], Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Taylor, regarding the strength of the crews of the vessels on the rivers of the Mesopotamia, and suggesting that the Superintendent of the Indian Navy be instructed to supply the needs of the Euphrates flotilla as far as lies in his powerThe survey of the western side of the Indus by Captain Le Messurier, and his request to be provided with surveying instrumentsThe Political Agent in Lower Sinde [Sindh, also spelled Scinde in this item], Captain James Outram, forwarding specimens of the depreciated currency introduced at Hyderabad, and the Assay Master’s report on the specimensThe proceedings of the Political Agent in Cutch regarding a representation made by the Rana of Parkhur [Nagarparkar] to the Ameers [Amīrs] of SindeThe request of the Rao of Cutch that the position of Civil Surgeon at Bhooj [Bhuj] is not abolishedThe allowance to be assigned to the state prisoner Ghoolam Hyder Khan [Ghulām Ḥaydar Khān]The question of whether the value of the boat and cargo belonging to the Sheik of Kishm [Shaikh of Qeshm], which have been seized under the embargo ordered against his vessels, is sufficient to cover the demand of Government against himThe Political Agent in Turkish Arabia forwarding intelligence received from Syria to the Government of IndiaThe opinion of the Resident in the Persian Gulf on the measures which it would be advisable to adopt for establishing an overland communication via Bagdad [Baghdad] and Constantinople [Istanbul], in the event of a rupture of relations with the Pasha of EgyptThe Accountant General, Bombay forwarding certain statements required by the Government of India of the expenses incurred on account of the force from the Bombay Presidency employed in Afghanistan and SindeThe Commissary General, Bombay, forwarding two documents containing information on the resources of Kurrachee [Karachi] and Sukkur and their dependencies to the Government of BombayAdditional military aid placed at the disposal of the Government of Bombay by the Government of MadrasThe sending of reinforcements of troops for service in SindeMeasures adopted for obtaining camp followers for the use of the force moving to Sinde, and the purchase of camels for service in Upper Sinde.The primary correspondent is the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Lestock Robert Reid. The various other correspondents, mostly military and political officials, include: the Superintendent of the Indian Navy, Captain Robert Oliver; the Political Agent in Cutch, Peter Melvill Melvill; the Political Agent in Lower Sinde, Major James Outram; the Secretary to the Government of India; the Bombay Military Board; the Quarter-Master General of the Bombay Army, Lieutenant-Colonel Neil Campbell; the Political Commissioner and Resident for Guzerat [Gujarat], W S Boyd; and the Political Superintendent, Pahlunpore [Palanpur], C B Prescott.Physical description: 1 item (623 folios)
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-18 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 17 January 1852. The enclosures are dated 16 June 1851-17 January 1852.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to four separate subjects.Folios 85-97 cover a complaint from the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia [Iran] that tents supplied to the British Mission at Tehran by the Government of Bombay in 1849 have proven to be of inferior quality to previous batches, and an enquiry into the tendering process and specifications of the tents.Folios 98-99 consist of an extract from a resolution by the East India Company Secret Committee relating to the establishment of steam navigation on the Indus and Punjab rivers for the purposes of communication.Folios 100-103 cover attempts to reduce the volume of communications between departments of the Government of India.Folios 104-113 cover the trade in enslaved persons within the dominions of the Imam of Muscat and Oman (including Zanzibar), and efforts against it by both the Imam and the British.The primary correspondents are: the Envoy in Tehran; the Government of Bombay; the Government of India; the Secret Committee; and the British Consul, Muscat.Physical description: 1 item (33 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Kurnaul [Karnal]) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 11 of 1838, dated 22 May 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 January-22 May 1838.The item comprises despatches between: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodhiana [Ludhiana]; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool [Kabul, also spelled this way and Kabool in this item] and later ‘in Political employ on the North West frontier’.The despatches concern: British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Cabool and Candahar [Kandahar, also spelled this way in this volume] and with the Sikh Ruler Maharaja Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire, also spelled Maharajah and Maha Raja in this item], notably with regard to Peshawur [Peshawar, also spelled this way in the item]; the decision of the rulers of Cabool and Candahar to ally with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and the Government of India’s consequent development of its future policy in Afghanistan.The papers cover the following matters in detail:The unsuccessful conclusion of Burnes’s negotiations with the Ameer of Cabool, Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] and the events leading up to his decision to leave Cabool (ff 416-417, ff 419-423, ff 441-456, ff 525-531, and ff 540-542), including: the arrival of Sirdar [sardar, leader or ruler] Mehar Dil Khan [Sirdār Mīr Dil Khān, also spelled Mirh and Merh in this item] in Cabool during the presence of the Russian Agent Vitkievitsch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz]; Dost Mahomed’s refusal of British mediation over his dispute with Runjeet Singh; the intention of the Cabool and Candahar Rulers to join with Persia and Russia, send a deputation to the Shah of Persia at his camp outside Herat, and encourage the ‘downfall’ of that city; copies of Burnes’s correspondence with Dost Mahomed before his departure (ff 451-455) and copies of solicitous letters purportedly written by Mehar Dil Khan and Dost Mahomed to the Shah (ff 540-541); the apparent opposition of Nawab Jubber Khan [Nawwāb Jabbār Khān, also spelled Jabar and Jabbar in this item] to (his brother) Dost Mahomed’s actions and his regret at Burnes’s departure; Burnes’s departure from Cabool and instructions to Captain Robert Leech to leave Candahar and advance to Shikarpoor [Shikarpur] and to Charles Masson to leave Cabool for Peshawur; Wade’s speculation on possible courses of action to take if Herat falls and the Afghan rulers renew hostilities against Runjeet Singh; and the reaction of Runjeet Singh to the news of Burnes leaving Cabool and the prospective Cabool-Candahar deputation to HeratReports from Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger describing his communications with the Vizier [prime minister] of Herat, Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy], and forwarding to Burnes letters from Prince Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī, Ruler of Herat] and Yar Mahomed containing urgent requests for British assistance (notably money) to repel the Persian Army (ff 426-433)The deputation of Macnaghten on a mission to Lahore to meet with Maharaja Runjeet Singh, including: a Minute by the Governor-General of India, regarding past policy in Afghanistan, the failure of negotiations with Dost Mahomed, the policy to be adopted in future in Afghanistan, the course to pursue if Persia is successful against Herat, and instructions to Macnaghten to enter openly and unreservedly into discussions with Runjeet Singh; and additional instructions to Macnaghten by Torrens. In these documents (ff 464-482) Macnaghten is directed to reassure Runjeet Singh of Britain’s desire to secure peace and to promote ‘commerce and the blessings of civilization’ (f 474), and to propose an expedition headed by former Afghan Ruler Shah Shooja ool Moolk [Shujā‘ al-Mulk Durrānī], with both British and Sikh support, ‘to recover his throne’ (f 467) but to leave Shah Kamran ‘unmolested’ in the possession of Herat and its dependencies (f 484)Burnes’s report of the successful termination of the visit to Koondooz [Kunduz] by Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood, noting the improvement of Britain’s relations with Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg, also referred to as Mahomed Moorad Beg], Ruler of Koondooz, increased trade prospects, and the presence of a Russian emissary at Bulkh (ff 435-439)Two reports by Burnes relating to trade and commerce west of the frontiers of British possessions in India and the prospects of introducing and extending British involvement in that sphere, entitled ‘Establishment of an Entrepot [entrepôt] or Fair for the Indus Trade’ and ‘Prospects of trade in Toorkistan in reference to the contemplated establishment of an annual fair on the banks of the Indus drawn up at Koondooz by Mr Lord’ (ff 485-524).Physical description: 1 item (139 folios)
Abstract: The enclosures (not included in the volume) cover the following: return of Sir Henry Bethune to Persia with the rank of Major General, and the recall of Lieutenant Colonel William Passmore; the appointment of Captain Benjamin Shee to replace Colonel Passmore as commander of the British detachment in Persia; the appointment of Captain Justin Sheil as Secretary of the Legation in Persia, and of Lieutenant George Poulett Cameron and Lieutenant George Woodfall to serve in the detachment in Persia.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: The three hundred and four folios in the collection begin with an abstract of the contents of Secret Letter No. 3. The enclosures to Secret Letter No. 3 themselves are primarily concerned with the following subjects:The arrival of the Political Agent in Ludhiana Captain Claude Martine Wade at Firozpur and his intention to cross the Sutlej River the following day, and a meeting between Wade and Rae Gobind Jas, who read a letter from Maharaja Ranjit Singh, announcing the conquest of Panjtar and his intention of taking Shikarpur from the Amirs of Sindh; the reception of Wade by the Maharaja at Lahore and an exchange of letters between them; a report by Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson on discussions between the envoys of Sindh and Punjab; a letter from Political Agent in Sindh Colonel Henry Pottinger on the agreement reached with the Amir of Hyderabad Mir Nur Muhammad Khan Talpur and a request for instructions from Government; the Maharaja of Punjab's orders for the withdrawal of his forces from the border with Sindh; the discussions between Captain Wade and the Maharaja during a series of private audiences in Lahore; the meetings of Captain Wade with the Maharaja and Punjabi officials and the letters from the Governor-General (George Eden, Lord Auckland) addressed to the Maharaja and Captain Wade; the reports of Mufti Khayr al-Din and Lala Dalpat Rae from Khairpur and Multan respectively; Colonel Pottinger's account of the politico-commercial agreement reached with Nur Muhammad Khan; the contingency of British mediation between the Maharaja and the Ameers, beginning with a preliminary investigation of the Mazari frontier, on the Amirs' adoption of Government proposals; the transmission of Government's instructions to Lieutenant Governor of the North Western Provinces; discussions between Captain Wade, the Maharaja and the Vakil of Nur Muhammad Khan, and Colonel Pottinger's suggestion for Captain Charles Edward Trevelyan to lead the arbitrations, and eventually assume the previously contemplated position of Political Agent at Shikarpur; the Governor-General's interest in the King of Persia Muhammad Shah Qajar's designs on Afghanistan, and Captain Wade's request to Charles Masson for authentic intelligence from Bukhara and Herat; extracts of intelligence from Masson's letters forwarded by Captain Wade to the Secret Department; the mission of Captain Alexander Burnes to the Indus River and the Amirate of Kabul, and his pledge to keep the British Envoy at the Court of Persia informed of developments west of the Indus; the arrival of Burnes at Thatta and a letter from Nawwab of Bahawalpur Amir Bahawal Khan ‘Abbasi III; the arrival of Captain Burnes in Hyderabad, his reception, and audiences with Nur Muhammad Khan, and Burnes' subsequent departure for the court of Mir Rustam Khan Talpur at Khairpur; the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief Sir Henry Fane for the wedding of Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh, and General Jean-François Allard at the court of Ranjit Singh as an Agent of the French Government; the letters of Amir Dust Muhammad Khan Barakza’i to Captain Wade and the Governor-General; the letters of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to Rae Gobind Jas and Captain Wade on Nau Nihal Singh's wedding; a personal letter from British Ambassador to France Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Granville, to the Governor-General on the appointment of General Allard as Agent of the French Government, and a minute by the Governor-General on Allard's position as French Chargé d'Affaires at Lahore; the observations of Envoy Extraordinary John McNeill on Perso-Afghan political relations; the British Ambassador to Persia Henry Ellis's recommendation of Afghan Ambassador Haji Husayn ‘Ali Khan Javanshir to Sir Robert Grant the Governor-General in Council of Bombay; a minute on the audience given by Governor-General Grant to Haji Husayn Ali Khan on 25 November 1836; the account of Captain Ranald MacDonald about Haji Husayn Ali Khan and his proceedings; the information provided by Captain Wade on Haji Husayn Ali Khan and his diplomatic activities; the Governor-General's reluctance to receive Haji Husayn Ali Khan based on the preceding reports; the establishment of agents in appropriate locations to advance British commercial interests and gather intelligence on Russian movements as part of Captain Burnes' mission, following reports from Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney and former Ambassador to Russia William A'Court, 1st Baron Heytesbury.Physical description: 304 folios
Abstract: The enclosures cover the following: the instructions of the Political Agent in Sindh Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pottinger to the officers of the Indian Navy surveying the Indus River; the chart of the Indus prepared by Lieutenant Thomas Carless of the Indian Navy, and his observations on the difficulties of navigating the river extensively; a report by Lieutenant Carless on the mouths of the River, with his remarks on the Indus River Delta; the journal of Munshi Mohan Lal Kashmiri on his journey from Mithankot to Shikarpur, with the remarks of the Political Agent in Ludhiana Captain Claude Martine Wade on the dangers posed by the Mazari Tribe; the arrival of a qasid from Kabul for Abd al-Ghiyas Khan Barakzai in Ludhiana, also carrying letters for the Governor General of India (George Eden, Earl of Auckland) and the Political Agent Captain Wade, declaring Amir Dust Muhammad Khan Barakzai’s desire for closer ties to Britain; a letter from Nawwab Jabbar Khan Barakza'i to the Governor General, and two dispatches from Charles Masson on the arrival of the Russian Ambassador Jan Prosper Witkiewicz in Bukhara; the kharitas dispatched by the Governor General to Dust Muhammad Khan and Nawwab Jabbar Khan; a letter and present from Mir Nur Muhammad Khan Talpur of Hyderabad to the Political Agent in Sindh; a note from Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to Lala Kishan Chand about the Indus navigation scheme, and the Political Agent’s request for instructions on the Maharaja’s application for firearms; the instructions of the Governor General to Captain Wade on the Maharaja’s application; the memoranda on the navigation of the Indus by the Deputy Secretary to the Government [of India] in the Political Department Charles Edward Trevelyan, with particular reference to Afghanistan and Sindh, and an appendix on the proclamation announcing the reopening of Indus navigation; a minute from the Governor General to the Board on papers regarding the Indus and adjacent countries; the appointment of the Assistant Political Resident in Kutch, Captain Alexander Burnes, to conduct a mission to the countries bordering the Indus to complete the reopening of Indus navigation; the deputation of Colonel Pottinger and Captain Burnes to Hyderabad to reopen the Indus navigation; the private letters from the British Ambassador to Persia Henry Ellis to the Governor General on whether commissioned and non-commissioned British officers should continue to serve in Persia, and whether it would be advisable to take substantive measures towards the unification of Afghanistan, and endeavour to strengthen that country through the provision of military assistance, with the opinions of Thomas Robertson, Governor General Auckland, and the Commander-in-Chief in India Sir Henry Fane.Physical description: 187 folios