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37. 'ABSTRACT of DESPATCHES and MEMORANDA on Asiatic Politics and European Diplomacy in the countries between India and Russia, and especially in Afghanistan; and as to the establishment of a British Agent at Herat, to watch the progress of events on the Perso-Afghan frontier and in other parts of Central Asia; and further as to the continuance of the subsidy to Dost Muhammad.'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file contains a memorandum which provides summaries of three despatches sent from Lord Stanley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to the Governor-General of Khorassan, conveying the British Government's proposals both to send a mission to Herat in order to prevent its annexation by Persia, and to continue the subsidy to Dost Muhammad [Dōst Moḥammad Khān Bārakzay], Amir of Afghanistan, with a view to maintaining British influence in Afghanistan.The memorandum also summarises a report by Major Peter Stark Lumsden and notes written by political advisers, in which the authors state their opinions and make proposals regarding the state of politics and diplomacy in the countries lying between India and Russia, and with a focus on Afghanistan.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 28 and terminates at the last folio with 33; 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 exists in parallel throughout; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
38. 'Journal of a Journey from Persia to India through Herat and Candahar. Also Report of a Journey to the Wahebee Capital of Riyadh in Central Arabia'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume is Journal of a Journey from Persia to India through Herat and Candaharand Report of a Journey to the Wahabee Capital of Riyadh, in Central Arabia,written by Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and printed for Government by The Education Society's Press, Byculla, Bombay, 1866.At the beginning of the volume (folio 6) is an introductory note by P Ryan, Assistant Secretary to the Government of Bombay. Both journey accounts are political in nature but include scientific observations on the lands Pelly travelled through. Each account includes several appendices that include letters, route notes, and information on the geology, flora, demography, and tribes. The volume includes two maps, the first showing the route Pelly took from Trebizond to Kurrachee [Karachi] (folio 7) and the second showing the route he took from Kuwait to Riyadh and back (folio 115).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 134; 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 printed pagination sequence.
39. ‘1903. THE LORD CURZON OF KEDLESTON. TELEGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA.’
- Description:
- Abstract: This volume comprises printed copies of telegraphic correspondence, dated 1 January-31 December 1903, of Lord Curzon of Kedleston, Viceroy and Governor-General of India, with Lord George Hamilton, Secretary of State for India until October 1903, and then St John Brodrick.The beginning of the volume contains a detailed index of names, places and subjects (ff 3-12). This is followed by telegrams from the Secretary of State to Lord Curzon, numbered 1-520 (ff 15-97) and telegrams from Lord Curzon to the Secretary of State for India, numbered 1-512 (ff 99-195).A wide variety of subjects are covered, including matters relating to:The Aden Protectorate, notably the delimitation of the Aden boundary and relations with Turkey [Ottoman Empire]Afghanistan, including the Amir [Amīr Ḥabībullāh Khān] and Russian relations with AfghanistanThe Army in IndiaBritish policy and political relations in India, including Native StatesWar in the Transvaal [Second Boer War], in particular the transfer of prisoners of warBills proposed and passed by the Government of IndiaFinancial and administrative mattersMatters of tradeA ceremony to mark the Coronation of King Edward VII (as King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India) including the Delhi Coronation Durbar and its costsRailways, including proposals, construction and extensions in India and the Arabian PeninsulaRecommendations and awards of Honours of the United Kingdom to the British Indian Army and Government and to indigenous Indian rulers and dignitariesKoweit [Kuwait], including the Sheikh [Shaikh Mubārak bin Ṣabāḥ Āl Ṣabāḥ], British political representation in the country, and Koweit’s relations with Russia, France, and Nejd [Najd]Muscat, including the Sultan [Sayyid Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd], British policy in the country, and Muscat’s relations with FranceBritish policy in Persia [Iran] and the Persian Gulf, particularly in Seistan [Sistan]British relations with Russia, particularly in the contexts of Afghanistan, India, Central Asia and PersiaMilitary operations in the Somaliland Protectorate [the Republic of Somaliland]British policy in Tibet, including preparations for the December 1903 invasion.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 195; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.Pagination: the volume also contains two original printed pagination sequences.
40. ‘1904. THE LORD CURZON OF KEDLESTON. CORRESPONDENCE WITH SECRETARY OF STATE, MR. BALFOUR, SIR A. GODLEY, &C.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume consists of printed copies of letters to and from Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, dated 1 January to 28 April 1904. The correspondence is mainly between Curzon and (William) St John Fremantle Brodrick, Secretary of State for India, and Sir Arthur Godley, Permanent Under Secretary of State for India. There is also one letter from Curzon to Arthur James Balfour, British Prime Minister.There is an alphabetical index of names, places and subjects on folios 3-9. The volume is then divided into two parts: letters to Curzon (folios 10-40), followed by letters from Curzon (folios 42-89).The correspondence relates to a variety of subjects including:The attitude of the Amir of Afghanistan, and British policy towards himWar Office and Army ReformThe Bain Case (in which the Government of India were ‘quite erroneously’ supposed to have interfered with the administration of justice to the detriment of an innocent man)The proposed partition of Bengal'The Bushire [Bushehr] Incident' [a diplomatic incident during Curzon's cruise in the Persian Gulf in 1903, in which Curzon left Bushire without landing there, due to a perceived attempted slight by the Persian Government towards him]Indian and Chinese labour for the Transvaal ColonyThe Viceroy’s appointment as Lord Warden of the Cinque PortsThe question of the abolition of Cooper’s Hill College [the Royal Indian Engineering College]Treatment of correspondence between the Secretary of State for India and the ViceroyThe Viceroy’s position in relation to the Secretary of State for India and the British CabinetMembers of the Viceroy’s CouncilCotton cultivation in IndiaThe Government of India’s fiscal despatchMilitary matters, including Lord Kitchener’s attitude to reinforcements for India in the event of warThe suggested inclusion of Muscat in Anglo-French negotiationsRelations between soldiers and ‘natives’ in India, and the responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief for recent ordersParliamentary debatesThe Police Commission Report, including the Secretary of State’s objection to its publicationThe Russo-Japanese War, including its bearing on India and probable effect on Russian policy in Persia [Iran] and AfghanistanThe Tibet Mission [the Younghusband expedition].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 89; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.
41. Map of the Indus River and the neighbouring countries, sheet 1
- Description:
- compiled by order of Government in the Office of the Surveyor General of India Geo. Everest from authentic and recent materials April 1834 by J. Graham ; drawn by Ed. Winston and D. F. Chill.Covers portions of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.Relief shown by hachures and shading.Colored in outline.Includes bibliography.
42. Map of the Indus River and the neighbouring countries, sheet 2
- Description:
- compiled by order of Government in the Office of the Surveyor General of India Geo. Everest from authentic and recent materials April 1834 by J. Graham ; drawn by Ed. Winston and D. F. Chill.Covers portions of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.Relief shown by hachures and shading.Colored in outline.Includes bibliography.
43. Map of the Indus River and the neighbouring countries, stitched
- Description:
- compiled by order of Government in the Office of the Surveyor General of India Geo. Everest from authentic and recent materials April 1834 by J. Graham ; drawn by Ed. Winston and D. F. Chill.Covers portions of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.Relief shown by hachures and shading.Colored in outline.Includes bibliography.
44. Political No. 176 of 1874, Forwarding Ten Copies of the ‘Epitome of correspondence regarding our relations with Afghanistan and Herat, 1863’
- Description:
- Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 2 October 1874, forwarding ten copies of the ‘Epitome of correspondence regarding our relations with Afghanistan and Herat, 1863’ [not included in this item], in compliance with the request contained in the Secretary of State for India’s despatch No. 25 of 6 August 1874.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 320, and terminates at f 321a, 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. The sequence contains two foliation anomalies: f 320a and f 321a.
45. Intelligence Forwarded by Sir Alexander Burnes Relating to Progress of the British Invasion of Afghanistan (First Anglo-Afghan War, 1839-1842)
- Description:
- Abstract: Copies of intelligence despatches from Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat [Kalat, also spelled Khelat in this volume], to William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister at Shah Shoojah’s Camp [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk], (copied to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai]).The intelligence chiefly covers:Burnes’s negotiations with the Khan of Kelat, with regard to the latter facilitating the progress of the British Army of the Indus and its protection through his territory into Afghanistan, notably through the Bolan Pass; the Khan’s attitude towards Shah Shoojah; conditions of his agreement to co-operate with the British; and the subsidy to be paid to him by the BritishThe situation in Candahar [Kandahar] and the overtures and veiled threats sent by Burnes to Sirdar Ruhm Dil Khan [Ruhim Dil Khan], the moollahs [mullahs] and authorities in Candahar, advising them to support the British advance into Afghanistan and Shah ShoojahOvertures and veiled threats sent by Burnes to the tribal leaders and inhabitants of Pisheen [Pishin] advising them to support the British advanceThe likelihood of Persia [Iran] and Russia aiding Dost Mohammed [Dōst Moḥammad Khān, Bārakzay] against Shah Shoojah and the BritishThe difficult terrain and problems with the supply of grain, forage and water for the Army of the Indus.The item also includes a copy of the ‘News letter’ 12 April 1839, conveying intelligence on affairs in Lahore, Peshawur [Peshawar], Scinde [Sindh], Candahar, Khelat, Herat, Ava, the Army of the Indus, Nipal [Nepal], and Bushire [Būshehr] (ff 137-142).Physical description: The papers are not in chronological order.
46. Events in Afghanistan and the Neighbouring Countries
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 5 of 1838, dated 5 April 1838. The enclosures are dated 29 January-5 April 1838.The item comprises: despatches between Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent in Loodiana [Ludhiana, also spelled Lodhiana in this item], and William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Governor-General of India; and letters from Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, also spelled this way and Kabool in this item] to Macnaghten.The despatches concern: British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire, also spelled Maharajah and Maha Raja in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawur [Peshawar, also spelled this way in this item]; and the Afghan rulers’ relations with each other and with Russia and Persia [Iran]. The correspondence takes place during the Persian siege of Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:The activities of the Russian Envoy, Captain Vitkievitsch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, various spellings used in this item] in Cabool, including: Vitkievitsch’s alleged pressure on the Ameer [Amir] of Cabool, Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], to respond to friendly overtures from the Russian Emperor and the Russian Ambassador at Tehran and promises of money and aid in return for aid to Persia and Russia against Herat; Burnes’s attempts to influence Dost Mahomed’s replies to the letters brought by Vitkievitsch (ff 164-173); and Wade’s opinion of Vitkievitsch’s status and the aims of Persia and Russia in Afghanistan, and his belief that Dost Mahomed is playing a ‘double-game’ (f 188) with Britain and Russia and should be made fully aware of his weak position and the undependability of Russian and Persian promises (ff 188-194)Burnes’s analysis of the commercial prospects of Russia in Central Asia (ff 120-125), and Wade’s doubts regarding Burnes’s conclusions (ff 178-179)The purported intention of Vitkievitsch to proceed to Lahore [also spelled Lahor in this item] with letters desiring the Sikhs to withdraw from Peshawur (ff 223-224) and the conversations between Runjeet Singh and Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson (deputed by Burnes to the Maharaja’s Court) concerning whether Runjeet Singh should receive the Russian EnvoyWade’s opinion that to avert Persian and Russian ‘intrigue’ in Lahore the Government of India should announce that it does not recognize Vitkievitsch’s authority to ‘interfere’ in the Maharaja’s affairs (ff 235-238), and Wade’s later report that the Maharaja has banned Vitkiewitsch from entering Peshawur territory (f 279)The report by Burnes of a failed conspiracy involving Sultan Mahomed Khan (allegedly encouraged by Runjeet Singh) to overthrow Dost Mahomed (ff 139-143), and Wade’s observations highlighting that such projects by the ‘ruler of Lahore’ have been occurring for years (ff 180-184)Runjeet Singh’s disclosure to Mackeson that he has obtained treaties of alliance with the former Governor of Peshawur, Sultan Mahomed Khan [Sulṭān Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy, also spelled Sooltan in this item] and former Afghan Ruler Shah Shuja ul Mulk [Shujā‘ al-Mulk Durrānī] both resigning all legal rights in Peshawur (ff 247-256)British relations with the three Sirdars [sardars, leaders or rulers] of Candahar [Kandahar], including: the conversations of Lieutenant Robert Leech, deputed by Burnes to Candahar, with the Sirdars, covering his efforts to prevent them allying with Persia out of fear of that country and the Ruler of Herat, reassure them of Britain’s purely commercial interests in the area and support for their independence, and discourage any belief in the Russian Envoy’s pecuniary promises (ff 112-119, 149-152); and following reprobation by the Governor-General, Burnes’s withdrawal of his offer of British assistance to Candahar if Persia attacks the city (ff 202-206)The siege of Herat, including: Burnes’s assessment of the geo-political situation in Herat and the neighbouring countries up to early February 1838 and the possible effects of Persian ascendancy (ff 128-137); intelligence from Burnes and Leech regarding the Persian military advance in Afghanistan, including reports of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger and Lieutenant-Colonel Stoddart based in Herat and the Shah of Persia’s camp outside the city (ff 145-147, ff 174-175, f 186, and ff 261-276); and Wade’s speculations on the potential political outcomes of Persian success or failure in HeratThe effect of the Governor-General’s khurreeta [kharita] to Dost Mahomed urging the Ameer to make friendly approaches to Runjeet Singh regarding Peshawur, including: Burnes’s advice to the Ameer to ‘reflect deeply’ before replying and potentially losing the ‘good offices’ of the British (ff 208-215); Dost Mahomed’s dissatisfaction with the apparent British indifference to his ‘suffering’ (f 228) with regard to Sikh ‘aggression’, his deep reluctance towards the restoration of his estranged brother Sultan Mahomed Khan to Peshawur, and disappointment at the lack of a British promise of protection from Persia; Burnes’s realisation that he may have to leave Cabool to save ‘national honour’ due to dwindling hopes for a suitable connection with the Ameer (ff 225-232); and Wade’s observations on Dost Mahomed, criticism of his ‘extravagant expectations’, and belief that he ‘will endeavour to temporise [between Persia and Britain] until the fate of Herat is decided’ (ff 239-245)The progress of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood in Koondooz [Kunduz] in connection with treating the eye ailment of the Koondooz Ruler’s brother, the improvement of British commercial prospects in the area, and Wood’s exploratory field work (ff 154-161).Physical description: 1 item (207 folios)
47. Preparations for the First Anglo-Afghan War
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Governor-General of India, Allahabad, Secret Department, to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 29A of 1842, dated 16 August 1842. The enclosures are numbered 1-12 and dated 7-28 July 1842. There is no abstract of contents.The enclosures consist of letters relating to political and military affairs in Cabool [Kabul], Ghuznee [Ghazni], Jellalabad [Jalalabad], Candahar [Kandahar], Quetta, Shikarpore [Shikarpur], and the Punjab, with particular reference to the East India Company’s preparations for war in Afghanistan (the First Anglo-Afghan War, July 1839-October 1842). There are occasional corrections and annotations in pencil throughout this item.The principal correspondents are: Lord Ellenborough, Governor-General; Major Outram, Quetta; Major General William Nott; and Major General I G Pollock, CB.Physical description: 1 item (37 folios)
48. Preparations for the First Anglo-Afghan War
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Governor-General of India, Allahabad, Secret Department, to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 32 of 1842, dated 17 August 1842. The enclosures are numbered 3-159 and are dated 17 July-16 August 1842.The enclosures consist of correspondence relating to political and military affairs in: Bameean [Bamian], Cabool [Kabul], Jellalabad [Jalalabad], Candahar [Kandahar], Beloochistan [Baluchistan], Bokhara [Bukhara], Toorkistan [Turkistan], Kohistan, the North West Frontier, Punjab, Laddakh [Ladakh], and Sinde [Sindh]. Enclosures mainly relate to the East India Company’s diplomatic, military, and logistical preparations in conjunction with regional allies for war in Afghanistan (the First Anglo-Afghan War). Papers additionally cover the transportation to Cabool of camels and cattle through arrangements and agreements with local suppliers; accounts on the hiring of camels by the EIC between 1839-1842; schedules of the duty charged on the cargoes of traders from Sinde and Afghanistan; accounts on the conversion of units of measurement; descriptions of the import and export of goods and commodities to Bombay; descriptions of goods exported from Karachi to Muscat; lists of the traders, bankers and financiers, animal keepers, and traders in enslaved people present in Karachi.The item includes a sketch map of Shinwaree [Shinwari] Valley on folio 580. There is a note from an unspecified later date on folio 249 stating that enclosure No. 15 is missing, as well as the first folio of the abstract of contents.The correspondents include: Lord Ellenborough (Governor-General); Thomas Herbert Maddock (Secretary to the Government of India and the Governor-General); General Sir Jasper Nicolls, KCB (Commander-in-Chief of British Forces, Head Quarters, Simla [Shimla]); Lieutenant-Colonel Melville (Secretary to the Government of Bombay); Captain Henry Montgomery Lawrence (Assistant Agent to the Governor-General); Major-General William Nott (Commander, Lower Afghanistan and Sinde); Major James Outram (Political Agent, Sinde and Baluchistan); Captain E I Brown (Assistant Political Agent, Sinde and Baluchistan); W F Hammersley (Assistant Political Agent In Charge, Sinde and Baluchistan); Lieutenant-Colonel N Wallace (Commander, Sukkur and Upper Sinde); Captain W C Stather (Staff Officer, Sukkur); R N C Hamilton (Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, North West Provinces); George Clark (Agent to the Governor-General, North West Provinces); Arthur Malet (Political Agent, Kutch); Lieutenant-Colonel I Parsons (Deputy Commissary General); Captain G Pope (Assistant Commissary General); and Captain C W Hart (Acting Interpreter, Sinde Residence).Physical description: 1 item (636 folios)