Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a secret despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secret Committee, Number 54 of 1856, dated 22 October 1856. The enclosures are numbered 3-11 and are dated 14 September to 9 October 1856.The enclosures consist of correspondence concerning affairs in Afghanistan, including intelligence regarding Herat, the Ameer of Cabool [Amīr of Kabul, also spelled Cabul in this item], Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], leaving Candahar [Kandahar] for Cabool, and extracts of news letters from Cabool and Jellalabad [Jalalabad].The main correspondents are: the Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner for the Punjab; and the Commissioner and Superintendent, Peshawur [Peshawar] Division. Other correspondents include the Acting Commissioner in Sinde [Sindh], and Dost Mahomed Khan.Physical description: 1 item (41 folios)
Abstract: This item relates to the British-led invasion of Afghanistan. It comprises a letter dated 23 May 1839, from Thomas Herbert Maddock, Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General, to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai], forwarding a copy of a news circular sent to all Resident Agents, incorporating extracts of letters from William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister to the Court of Shah Shoojah ool-Moolk [Shāh Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni], and from Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, 24-26 April 1839, concerning the occupation of Candahar [Kandahar] by Shah Shoojah and the British Army of the Indus and the days leading up to it. The papers notably refer to:Crowds of inhabitants ‘flooding’ to the Shah’s camp, prior to his arrival into Candahar, to swear allegiance and pay homage to himOpposition to Shah Shoojah and attacks on the British Army, allegedly incited by the sirdars [leaders] of Candahar, including religious opposition against the ‘invading infidels’The departure of various Barakzye [Bārakzay dynasty] chiefs from Candahar, with their followersThe ‘defection’ of powerful chiefs, including Hajei Khan Kakur [Ḥājī Khān Kākar], and moollahs of the area to Shah ShoojahAlleged anti-Barakzye sentiment amongst the city’s populaceShah Shoojah’s ‘triumphant’ entry into Candahar on 25 April, greeted by a purported crowd of 60-70,000 inhabitants.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a secret despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secret Committee, Number 64 of 1856, dated 22 December 1856. The enclosures are numbered 3-23 and are dated 31 October to 19 December 1856.They consist of correspondence relating to Afghanistan, including:The intended meeting between the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab, Sir John Lawrence, and the Ameer of Cabool [Amīr of Kabul], Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] at Jumrood [Jamrud]Military and political intelligence from Cabool, Candahar [Kandahar] and HeratThe conveyance of the treasure, arms, and ammunition intended for Dost Mahomed Khan.The main correspondents are the following: the Government of India; the Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab; the Secretary to the Government of Bombay; the Acting Commissioner in Sinde [Sindh, also spelled Sind in this item]; the Acting Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind; Gholam Hydur Khan [Ghulām Ḥaydar Khān], Governor of Candahar; and Dost Mahomed Khan.Physical description: 1 item (50 folios)
Abstract: The papers mainly relate to the British-led invasion of Afghanistan. They chiefly comprise copies of reports by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat, to William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister at the camp of Shah Shoojah [Shāh Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni], as forwarded to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai], 18 March 1839-10 April 1839. Burnes’s reports relate to his negotiations with Mehrab Khan [Mir Mehrab Khan Beloch II, also spelled Mirhab in this item], the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], to secure the latter’s agreement (ff 7-8) to assist the Army of the Indus on its march into Afghanistan, by way of arranging the protection of provisions and stores coming and going from Shikarpoor [Shikarpur], a guard through the Bolan Pass, and supplies of grain for the troops, in return for the sum of one and a half lacs of rupees.The main subjects covered are:Mehrab Khan’s concerns about possible repercussions from the Barakzye [Bārakzay] family, the local population, Persia [Iran] and Russia, if he supports the BritishMehrab Khan’s equivocal attitude towards Shah Shoojah despite professing his allegiance, and his doubts about the potential success of the Army of the Indus in AfghanistanMehrab Khan’s demand that the British guarantee his safety when he pays homage to Shah Shoojah and ensure that Shah Shoojah pays for any services he orders from himBurnes’s allegation that Mihrab Khan has been secretly communicating with Candahar [Kandahar] and is responsible for much of the plundering of the Army of the Indus in his Khorasan territoryBurnes’s agreement with Macnaghten regarding measures to punish and ultimately dethrone Mehrab Khan for his alleged duplicityBurnes also reports intelligence relating to anti-British ‘intrigues’ between Candahar and Sinde [Sindh] that are indicated within intercepted letters between the Ameers [Amirs] of Sinde and chiefs of Candahar.Folios 19-26 comprise a memorandum of intelligence (‘Newsletter’), dated 2 May 1839. It covers: Lahore; Candahar; Cabool [Kabul]; Peshawur [Peshawar]; the Army of the Indus, notably its approach to the Bolan Pass and Candahar; Bokhara [Bukhara]; Kundooz [Kunduz]; Herat; Joudhpore [Jodhpur]; Lucknow; Nipal [Nepal]; Sikkim; and Items of General Intelligence.Folios 27-32 comprise papers relating to the improvement of the ordnance in place for the defence of Bombay [Mumbai].Physical description: 1 item (33 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures Nos. 3 and 5 to Despatch No. 11 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 12 March 1860.The Enclosures include reports from Major William Lockyer Merewether, Political Superintendent of the Sind Frontier. The reports include intelligence on Russian and Persian influence in Afghanistan.Physical description: 1 item (16 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: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 7 of 1838, dated 27 April 1838. The enclosures are dated 13 March-27 April 1838.The papers chiefly comprise despatches to William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Governor-General of India, from Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool [Kabul, also spelled this way in this item] and Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent in Loodhiana [Ludhiana, also spelled Lodiana in this item], with enclosures.The despatches chiefly concern: British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharaja 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]; the Afghan rulers’ relations with each other and with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and the siege of Herat by Persia (with Russian assistance).The papers notably cover the following matters:The on-going negotiations with the Ameer [Amīr] of Cabool, Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], including Burnes’s: repetition of British policy regarding Peshawur, and responses to the Ameer’s proposals of the terms upon which he will not ally with Persia or Russia; report that discussions regarding the ‘adjustment of differences’ between the Ameer and the Sikhs have terminated unsuccessfully and that the Ameer has written to his Candahar brothers stating his loss of hope in the British; and report that he has requested from Dost Mahomed leave to quit the city (ff 289-301, ff 323-333)The news of a treaty having been made by the Sirdars [sardars, leaders or rulers] of Candahar [Kandahar] with Persia, which will purportedly be ratified by the Russian Ambassador in Tehran, and Burnes’s belief that the Sirdars have agreed to aid Persia in subverting Herat under threat of being similarly attacked by Persia (ff 303-308)A translated copy of Dost Mahomed’s letter to Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India, in which he: complains of the ‘painful delay’ in settling his affairs with the Sikhs; claims he seeks an alliance only with the British; asserts that the Candahar Sirdars made a treaty with Persia out of fear; and notes that Persia’s attack on Herat is a breach of that country’s treaty with Britain (ff 335-336)Wade’s observations on events in Cabool, repetition of his suspicions of Dost Mahomed’s ‘true position’, and view that Burnes should instruct the Ameer to send an agent to Peshawur to arrange peace terms with Runjeet Singh (ff 338-344)Wade’s reports of his difficulties in ascertaining Runjeet Singh’s real intentions regarding a settlement of his dispute with Dost Mahomed over Peshawur, and his views on how overtly the British should appear to be involved in the negotiations (ff 348-357)Intelligence concerning the Persian siege of Herat, including reports of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger in Herat, which indicate the increasingly unlikely prospect of success by the Persian Army (f 309 and ff 313-317)The Governor-General’s decision to discontinue offers of ‘good offices’ to Dost Mahomed for peace with the Sikhs and instructions to Burnes to leave Cabool, including a copy of his letter notifying Dost Mahomed of Burnes’s recall and stating that ‘my further interposition in this affair could not lead to beneficial results’ (ff 360-364)News from Dr Percival Lord relating to his and Lieutenant John Wood’s proceedings in Koondooz [Kunduz], including a possible attack on Koondooz by the King of Bokhara [Bukhara], his extended stay to treat the family of the Ruler of Koondooz, and Wood’s exploratory field work (ff 319-321).Physical description: 1 item (84 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures to Despatch to the Secret Committee No. 15, dated 9 October 1837.The enclosures relate to affairs in Lahore (the Punjab) and Afghanistan, and are dated 24 July - 11 September 1837.The papers cover: correspondence from Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent, Loodeeana [Ludhiana], communicating political intelligence concerning the Punjab and Afghanistan; correspondence from Wade, and Captain Alexander Burnes, concerning the progress of Burnes's commercial mission to Cabool [Kabul]; remarks on Persian influence in Afghanistan; correspondence between the Governor General (Lord Auckland) and Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Punjab], expressing the mutual goodwill of the British Government and the Sikh nation, and a willingness to promote commercial ties; minute by the Governor General on British policy on the frontier of Afghanistan; replies from the Secretary to the Government of India (William Hay Macnaghten); and a letter from the Governor General to Burnes commending his services in Afghanistan.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-14, on folios 230-231. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a secret despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secret Committee, Number 65 of 1856, dated 22 December 1856. The enclosures are numbered 3-7 and are dated 1 November to 5 December 1856.They consist of despatches from the Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab, and related correspondence, concerning matters including: the Commissioner and Superintendent, Peshawur [Peshawar] Division, and the Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Peshawur, reporting the effect of the blockade against the Lowarghai [Lwargai] branch of the Shinwaree [Shīnwārī] tribe; the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab reporting overtures from the ‘notorious’ Ghilzye [Ghilzā’ī] ‘Chief’, Mahomed Shah Khan [Muḥammad Shāh Khān], and the Chief Commissioner’s recommendation that he should not be allowed to enter British territory, due to British relations with Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan [Amīr Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy].Other correspondents are: the Secretary to the Government of India Foreign Department; and Mahomed Shah Khan and Ubdool Kurreem Khan [‘Abd al-Karīm Khān].Physical description: 1 item (13 folios)
Abstract: The papers mainly relate to affairs in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.They notably cover and include:Movement and actions of Egyptian forces in Arabia during the Anglo-Afghan War, including distribution and position of units; details of Bedouin troops and positions; their military weapons and equipment; troops under the command of Mahomed Ally of Egypt [Kavalali, Muhammad ‘Ali Pasha, Governor of Egypt] and other aspects of the conflictRestrictions on commerce in Karrack port [Kharg, also known as Khark; also written as Kharrack in the correspondence], as imposed by the British GovernmentReport on the proceedings of Captain Atkins Hamerton, on a Mission to Baghdad (various spellings used throughout), including observations on the city and its officialsCorrespondence between British officials and Khorshid Pasha [Hurshid Pasha, Amir al-Umara] Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Forces in Nedgd [Najd].The item also includes intelligence reports (entitled ‘news letters’) covering the following: events in Lahore; Peshawar; Cabool [Kabul]; Bokhara [Bukhara]; Herat; the Army of the Indus; Nipal [Nepal]; British Mission to Heerat [Herat]; financial matters.The main correspondents are: John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai]; Lestock Robert Reid, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government, Political Department, Bombay; Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Political Agent in Aden; William Sprott Boyd, Acting Secretary to Government, Bombay; Colonel Campbell, HM Consul General in Alexandria; Samuel Hennell, Resident, Persian Gulf; and Colonel Justin Sheil, Secretary to the British Legation in Persia [Iran].Physical description: The entries are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the grouping.
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 82 of 1842, dated 18 July 1842.The enclosed papers, dated between May and July 1842, comprise minutes, correspondence and reports, and concern affairs in the Persian Gulf. The correspondence is between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dundas Robertson, Officiating Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Military Auditor General, Bombay; Captain Atkins Hamerton, British Consul and East India Company Agent in the Dominions of the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat; the Government of Bombay; and the Government of India.The papers cover several matters, including:The British withdrawal from the Island of Karrack [Kharg] and the re-establishment of the Residency at Bushire [Bushehr]The recommendation that Karrack become a sanatarium for sick EuropeansThe question of compensating the Residency Shroff following the attack on his house in Bushire in 1838Relations with the Wahabees [Wahhābīs] of Nedjd [Najd]Affairs of Bahrein [Bahrain]Question of where Captain Hamerton should reside within the Imaum of Muscat’s dominions and his efforts to procure suitable quarters at Zanzibar.A section of the item (ff 251-329) relates to affairs in Persia [Iran] and Central Asia, as well as the Persian Gulf. It consists of copies of despatches sent by Sir John McNeill, Envoy to Persia, to the Earl of Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen], Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The papers cover the following matters:News of the war in Afghanistan, including intelligence from Herat, Cabool [Kabul], and Candahar [Kandahar], and a translated copy of a letter (ff 282-289) from Mahomed Akber Khan [Muḥammad Akbar Khān], Afghan military leader, giving an account of the killing of William Hay Macnaghten, Political Agent at CaboolThe Persian response to the British defeat in AfghanistanRelations between Russia and Persia, particularly along the coast of the Caspian SeaDelivery of the ratified commercial treaty between Britain and Persia to the ShahAffairs in Bokhara [Bukhara], including the suspected execution of the British-employed messenger, Ephrain, suggestions that compensation should be given to his family, and the imprisonment of British officers Colonel Charles Stoddart and Captain Arthur Conolly, including a copy of the latter’s journal (ff 300-313)William Taylour Thomson’s visit to Merve [Merv].Physical description: 1 item (116 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures to Despatch to the Secret Committee No. 22, dated 27 December 1837.The enclosures relate to the affairs of Sinde [Sindh], Lahore (the Punjab), and Afghanistan, and are dated 3 June to 25 September 1837.The main correspondents are Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor General for the Affairs of Sindh; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent, Loodiana [Ludhiana]; and the Political Secretary to the Government of India (William Hay Macnaghten).The papers cover: correspondence from Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Commercial Mission to Cabool (Kabul); intelligence from Lahore; correspondence concerning the need for a British Resident in Hyderabad; reports on the conflict between the Sikhs and Afghans over Peshawar; overtures by the Amir of Kabul (Dost Mohomed Khan [Dost Muhammad Khan]) to the King of Persia [Iran] for assistance against the Sikhs; reports by Wade on the attitude of Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh]; reports by Charles Masson on the political situation in Afghanistan; reports by the Native Agent, Hyderabad; correspondence concerning the diplomatic mission of General Jean-Baptiste Ventura to the King of France on behalf of Ranjit Singh; itemised tables showing merchandise exported from Ludhiana, with comparative prices realised, and further information on trade in the region (folios 568-573); and correspondence between the Government of India, John McNeill (HBM's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia), and Burnes, acknowledging receipt of despatches concerning Persia and Afghanistan (the despatches themselves are not included).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-110, on folios 367-378. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.