Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 27 from HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia [Iran], Henry Willock, in Tehran, to the Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William, Lord Amherst, of 23 December 1824. In the letter Willock indicates that he believes that Russia seeks to expand its influence and relations with ‘independent States’ in the area east and southeast of the Caspian Sea, including Khorassan [Khorasan] and Afghanistan. Willock discusses the opportunities existing for Russian expansion and the threat that such expansion would pose to the British in India. Willock recommends that the British dispatch an agent to gather intelligence in the region to ascertain the extent of Russian influence, find out the attitudes of local rulers towards Russia, and gather information regarding the possibility of Russia marching an army through the region against India.This document was originally enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 8 February 1825 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/5).Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Captain John Malcolm, Envoy of the Supreme Government of India to Persia [Iran], to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from a camp near Shiraz [Shirāz] and dated 29 June 1800. The letter reports: the progress of the King [Shah] of Persia's [Fath-'Ali Shāh Qājār] campaign to establish control over Khorasan; the King's intention to advance on Meshed [Mashhad] and its Governor Nader Meerza [Nādir Mirza Afshār]; and overtures to the King from Zuman Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrāni] of Afghanistan.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Captain John Malcolm, Envoy of the Supreme Government of India to Persia [Iran], to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from Shiraz [Shirāz] and dated 16 June 1800. The letter reports Malcolm's arrival and reception in Shiraz, as well as the situation in Afghanistan and Khorasan and the activities of Zeman Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrāni].Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Captain John Malcolm, Envoy of the Supreme Government of India to Persia [Iran], to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from Teheraun [Tehrān] and dated 21 January 1801. The letter reports the conclusion of two treaties – one political and one commercial – with the Government of Persia, and summarises the stipulations of these treaties. It also assesses the threat to India from Zumaun Shauh [Zamān Shāh Durrāni] of Afghanistan.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: A bulletin of intelligence from Afghanistan, written in French and dated 9 March 1802.The bulletin relays information from a messenger and merchants in Cabul [Kabul], including: reports that Shugia al Mulk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrānī] has taken refuge near Pishaver [Peshawar]; the consolidation of power by Chah Mahmoud [Mahmūd Shāh Durrānī]; the allocation of the governments of Herat and Candahar [Kandahar] to members of Chah Mahmood’s family; the relations of Chah Mahmoud with Fat Ali Chah [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia]; and the potential threat from Mir Haydar Chah, Chief of the Eusbeks [Uzbeks] [Amīr Ḥaydar of Bukhara].The bulletin was copied by Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad]. Another copy of the bulletin is catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/223.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A bulletin of intelligence from Afghanistan, written in French and dated 9 March 1802.The bulletin relays information from a messenger and merchants in Kaboul [Kabul], including: reports that Shugia al Mulk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrānī] has taken refuge near Pishaver [Peshawar]; the consolidation of power by Chah Mahmoud [Mahmūd Shāh Durrānī]; the allocation of the governments of Herat and Kandahar to members of Mahmood’s family; the relations of Chah Mahmoud with Fat Ali Chah [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia]; and the potential threat from Mir Haydar Chah, Chief of the Eusbeks [Uzbeks] [Amīr Ḥaydar of Bukhara].The bulletin was copied by Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad]. Another copy of the bulletin is catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/221.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A bulletin concerning events in Afghanistan, written in French, dated Bagdad [Baghdad], 8 November 1802. The bulletin describes a state of calm in Candahar [Kandahar] after the defeat of the Gilgeis [Ghilzai] faction by Chahzadé Kiamran [Kāmrān Durrani] and the activities of Mahmoud Chah [Mahmūd Shāh Durrānī] and Chugial Mulk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrānī].Physical description: 1 item (1 folio)
Abstract: Diary, consultations, and accounts of the East India Company merchants in Persia [Iran], specifically factories at Gambroon [Bandar-e ʻAbbās, Laristan, Iran], written and signed by Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council) and Henry Savage (succeeding Agent and Council) respectively, countersigned by various officials, St George Pack (Steward), Walter Ray, Thomas Dorrill (Warehouse Keeper), Danvers Graves, John Hope (Steward and Secretary), Cowan Henry Draper, and Francis Wood (Steward). Comprised of multiple dispatches spanning the period 1 August 1746-31 July 1752, with a supplementary account on the affairs at the Persian court:Folios 4r-78r. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed Nathaniel Whitwell (Agent and Council) and Henry Savage (succeeding Agent and Council), countersigned by St George Pack, Thomas Dorrill (Warehouse Keeper), Danvers Graves, John Hope (Steward and Secretary), covering period 1 August 1746-31 July 1747. Received 3 August 1749, by ship
Orford. Title page lostFolios 79r-99r. Dispatch copying the supplementary account entitled ‘Journal of the most material Occurrences During Nadir Shaw’s Residence at Carmenia [Kerman],’ written and signed by Danvers Graves, covering period 26 February 1747-23 March 1747Folios 101r-170v. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed Henry Savage (Agent and Council), countersigned by Danvers Graves, John Hope (Steward and Secretary), covering period 3 August 1747-31 July 1748. Received 3 August 1749, by ship
Orford. Title page lostFolios 171r-250v. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed Henry Savage (Agent and Council), countersigned by John Hope (Steward and Secretary), and Cowan Henry Draper, covering period 1 August 1748-31 July 1749. Original dispatch received 13 September 1749, by ship
Drake Ketch. Present copy received 13 June 1750, by ship
Durrington. Title page, ‘Gambroon Diary and Consultations’ (f 171r)Folios 251r-335v. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed Henry Savage (Agent and Council), countersigned by Danvers Graves, Cowan H Draper, and Francis Wood (Steward), covering period 1 August 1750-31 July 1751. Received 15 August 1752, by ship
Eastcourt. Title page lostFolios 336r-392v. Dispatch copying the Gambroon diary, consultations, and accounts, written and signed Henry Savage and Danvers Graves (Agent and Council), countersigned by Francis Wood (Steward), St. George Pack, and Walter Ray, covering period 1 August 1751-31 July 1752. Received 18 June 1753, by ship
Stretham. Title page lost.Accounts cover the movements and changes between EIC officials at Gambroon; movements and changes between EIC officials at Shiraz, Carmenia or Carmania [Kerman], Busheir [Bushire], Bagdat [Baghdad], and Bombay [Mumbai]; relations with and news from EIC ports, presidencies, council and directors (India); English, French, Dutch, Arab and Indian shipping; salaries, financial compensation, banking through financiers (especially Bania communities); copies and translations of letters, treaties, and official documents; monthly and annual accounts; officers’ debts and estates of the deceased; assessments of market trading conditions; trade, valuations, and details on commodities (copper, sulphur, lumber) and processed or manufactured products (English, French, Dutch, Russian, Indian, and Chinese), especially gunpowder, wool, plain and fine textiles, as well as livestock, horses, food and drink (such as rice, China sugar, Java sugar, sugar candy, coffee, and alcohol); dearth of food; physical and mental ill-health; swarming insects; weather and sea conditions; observations on festivities and ceremonies (‘Id and Nowruz); gifts; and the import of enslaved people from Africa.Substantial portions of accounts contain reports on ongoing conflict between Persian authorities and troops at Julfar [Ra's al-Khaymah, UAE], local Arabs, and the Imaum of Muscatt [Imam of Muscat]; reports from Persia of military and political developments leading to the murder of Nadir Shaw [Nadir Shah Afshar] treated in a supplementary account (‘Journal of the most material Occurrences During Nadir Shaw’s Residence at Carmenia’), the competition for power between his successors, as well as the rise of Careem Caun [Karim Khan Zand]; reports of developments in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Timurid (Mogul [Mughal]) India, with particular reference to increasing tensions between the EIC and the Nabob of Bengall [Nawab of Bengal].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 395; 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.
Abstract: This volume is a diary of Sir Arthur Hirtzel (then Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for India) for the year 1906. Dated entries start from 7 May and end at 30 December (some dates in between these dates do not have any entries). The entries are usually brief (although entries for some dates run over into the space for the entry for the next date).Hirtzel’s diary entries mostly concern John Morley (Viscount Morley of Blackburn, Secretary of State for India, referred to as ‘J.M.’ throughout), and mainly record the following: conversations between Hirtzel and Morley; the views and opinions expressed by Morley on various issues, mainly relating to India and India Office business, and on various individuals (as recorded by Hirtzel); meetings between Morley and various individuals; Cabinet and Committee meetings and other events attended by Morley; and Morley’s moods, feelings and health (as recorded by Hirtzel).The diary records meetings between Morley and individuals including: King Edward VII (9 May, folio 54 verso; 22 October, folio 105 verso; 24 November, folio 115 recto); the Prince of Wales (the future King George V) (10 May, folio 56 recto); Gopal Krishna Gokhale (9 May, folio 54 verso; 23 May, folio 58 verso; 31 May, folio 62 recto; and 1 August, folio 79 verso); George Nathaniel Curzon (7 July, folio 73 recto; 29 October, folio 107 verso); and Henry Campbell-Bannerman (Prime Minister) (3 September, folio 90 verso).It includes entries relating to discussions between Hirtzel and Morley regarding issues including: Morley’s proposal to put a native Indian judge on his own Council (17 July, folio 75 verso); and the Government of India’s relations with Tehran, and Morley’s resolve that the Government of India should not be regarded as an independent power (4 September, 92 recto; and 12 September 94 recto).The ‘Memoranda’ section at the start of the diary contains notes by Hitzel regarding Morley receiving his seals of office as Secretary of State for India and appointing Hirtzel as his Private Secretary, and Morley’s views on the following: the military administration question, Tibet, Afghanistan, Aden, the Defence Committee, Lord Kitchener, and the Partition of Bengal.The volume itself is a
Blackwood’s Desk Diaryfor 1906, published by Chas. Straker & Sons, Ltd., London. It includes printed information at the front and the back, such as an almanack [almanac], Post Office regulations, a list of foreign currencies and their value in ‘English’ money, a list of public museums and places of interest in London, and a list of country bankers and their London agents and the market days of each town. There are also advertisements for various products and hotels at the front and back of the volume.Pages (not folios) in the diary which relate to press cuttings in the Sir Arthur Hirtzel Press Cuttings volume [Mss Eur D1090/6], are noted in the Press Cuttings volume.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 245; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.