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13. Persian Affairs and Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 24 dated 2 April 1856. The enclosures are dated 29 February-24 March 1856.The papers comprise:1) Copies of despatches of Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy to Persia [Iran], at Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, forwarded for information to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, including relevant enclosures. They include the following matters:Intelligence that Persia has negotiated a commercial treaty with France and allegedly attempted to introduce a clause whereby police superintendence of Gulf commerce would in future be entrusted to France, and has a similar projected treaty with the United States of America, which Murray criticizes as proof of the ‘hypocritical semblance of friendship’ (f 444) of the Persian Prime MinisterClaims of the: disarray, weakness and mutinous disposition of the Persian Army; and the Persian Government’s unpopularity with the local populace, including reports of rebellions in Khorassan [Khorasan] and Isfahan against the central and local authoritiesA description of the state of affairs in Herat, including Murray’s assertions that: news of the seizure and occupation of Herat by Persian forces is entirely without foundation; the present ruler of Herat, Prince Mahomed Yoosuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf Khān, Regent of Herat], did not recover the throne with either aid from or the knowledge of Persia; Prince Yoosuf wishes to be independent but has probably solicited the support of the Persian Government in response to internal enemies and the advance of Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy]; Persia may use the situation to incite trouble in Afghanistan in order to divert troops from India to that area and has recruited influential inhabitants of Herat to promote the Shah’s capture of that town and Candahar [Kandahar]Intelligence regarding Persian military movements at Kirmanshah [Kermanshah] and the despatch of troops, guns and ammunition to the southern frontier of Persia.2) Copies of despatches from Richard Stevens, HM Consul at Tehran, to Murray, forwarded for information to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, with relevant enclosures. They cover a number of matters including the following:French and [Ottoman] Turkish concerns regarding Persian military movements and preparations in KermanshahReports and rumours of: Persian intentions to capture Herat in order to deflect Dost Mahommed Khan’s purported plans; Herat’s successful capture by Persian forces; and Persia’s intention to seize CandaharDetails of Persian military command appointments, for forces due to proceed to Affghanistan [Afghanistan], Mohamera [Khorramshahr], Seistan [Sistan] and Bushire [Bushehr] (f 457)News that the Persian Government has authorised Jean David to conclude a commercial treaty with Austria similar to that concluded last summer with France (f 467), and copy of a draft treaty he has been authorised to conclude with the United States of America (ff 458-465)Copy of a note containing the Persian Prime Minister’s instructions to the Persian Ambassador at St Petersburgh [St Petersburg] to ensure that Russia considers the situation of Persia during the [Crimean War, 1853-1856] peace negotiations with Britain (f 466)Substance of an article in the Tehran Gazetteby the Persian Minister of Foreign Affairs accusing Britain of supporting Dost Mahomed Khan (ff 469-472); substance of a circular by the Persian Prime Minister addressed to all Foreign Missions explaining the reasons compelling Persia to adopt measures against Dost Mahomed Khan; and copies of twelve letters ostensibly from Affghan sirdars [Afghan leaders] professing their loyalty to the Shah and the Persian Government (ff 478-491)Copy of a letter which, Stevens states, the Persian Government ‘pretends was written by Mr Secretary Thomson to Syd Mahommed Khan [Sayyid Muḥammad Khān] of Herat’ apparently undermining the Persian Government and promoting British interests in Herat (ff 492-493).3) Copies of despatches of Commander James Felix Jones, Acting Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, maintaining that the steam vessels Victoria, Adjahaand the HC [Honourable Company] sloop of war Cliveare required at Bushire considering the political situation with Persia.4) Copy of a despatch from the Secretary to the Government of India, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, indicating a reluctance to escalate the quarrel with Persia due to uncertainty regarding Persia’s true intentions in Afghanistan, and emphasising that until orders are received from the Secret Committee which show that the despatch of an expedition is called for by the British Government, the Government of Bombay should not comply with Mr Murray’s requisition for troops, but may however institute naval and military preparations for an expedition.Physical description: 1 item (61 folios)
14. Reports from the Commissioner in Sind
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1853, dated 3 January 1853. The enclosures are numbered 3-22. There is a note on folio 1 dated 2 November 1906 stating that numbers 3-9 are missing. The missing enclosures numbered 3-9 are dated 16 October 1852 to 18 December 1852, and enclosures 10-22 are dated 30 March 1852 to 28 December 1852.The missing enclosures 3-9 listed in the abstract of contents consist of correspondence (with the Commissioner in Sind [Sindh] and the Officiating Secretary to the Government of India) and minutes of the Government of Bombay, relating to rewards for certain individuals for their services in the enquiry against Meer Ali Morad [Mīr ʿAlī Murād Khān Tālpūr, Khan of Khairpur].Enclosures 10-22 consist of correspondence, and minutes of the Governor of Bombay, relating to reports by the Commissioner in Sind of the following:The belief of the Commissioner in Sind that an individual named Goolam Moheedeen Khan [Ghulām Muhyī al-Din Khān], who had presented himself to Major John Jacob, Political Superintendent on the Frontier, Upper Sind, as a Wakeel [Vakil] from Kandahar [also spelled Candahar in this item], had been passing himself off as an agent of the British Government at CandaharAn attack by the Murrees [Marri] on the town of Poolajee [Phuleji or Foliji] in the territory of the Khan of Khelat [Kalat]American vessels visiting the port of Guarder [Gwadar] on the Mukran Coast [Makran Coast] for the purpose of tradeThe Shah of Persia [Iran] reportedly offering a frontier district to the Candahar Government on certain conditions.The main correspondents are the following: the Commissioner in Sind; the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; the Secretary to the Government of Bombay; and HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-22, on folios 2-4. These numbers are repeated for reference on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure.
15. Intelligence Report ('Newsletter')
- Description:
- Abstract: Intelligence report, entitled ‘Newsletter', dated 11 May 1839, covering: Peshawur [Peshawar]; the Army of the Indus; (chiefly regarding its approach to Candahar [Kandahar]); Upper Scinde [Sindh]; Joudhpore [Jodhpur]; Jhansi; Bithoor [Bithur]; Nipal [Nepal]; Ava [Inwa]; and Items of General Intelligence.Physical description: 1 item (9 folios)
16. Afghanistan Affairs
- Description:
- 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)
17. Afghanistan Affairs, Muscat Affairs, and Memorandum of Intelligence ('Newsletter')
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises three separate documents, as follows:General Orders issued by Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Indus (published in the London Gazette30 August 1839), congratulating the army and its commanders on the capture of Candahar [Kandahar] and detailing the ceremony to take place on the occasion of HM Shah Shoojah-ool-Moolk [Shāh Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni] taking possession of his throne (ff 264-267)Substance of two letters, 31 May-28 June 1839, from the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat informing Sir James Rivett Carnac, Governor of Bombay [Mumbai], that he has concluded a treaty with the British Government and requesting guidance on the course of action he should take regarding the army of Mahomed Ali Pacha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pasha al-Mas‘ūd bin Āghā, Governor of Egypt] which has appeared ‘in the Arab Country’ (ff 268-270)Memorandum of Intelligence, dated 10 June 1839, covering events in: Lahore; Peshwar [Peshawar]; Cabool [Kabul]; Mooltan [Multan]; the Army of the Indus in Candahar [Kandahar], Afghanistan (particularly concerning finances); Upper Scinde [Sindh]; Gwalior; Joudhpore [Jodpur]; Nipal [Nepal]; and Items of General Intelligence (ff 271-278).Physical description: 1 item (17 folios)
18. Sind Affairs and Matters Relating to Afghanistan, Kelat and Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 20 dated 2 February 1857. The enclosures are dated 5-20 January 1857.The enclosures comprise despatches of Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Acting Commissioner in Sind [Sindh], to Lord Elphinstone, Governor and President in Council, Bombay, in which he forwards intelligence received from or via Captain William Lockyer Merewether, Acting Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind.The papers notably cover and include:Intelligence claiming that the representative of the King of Persia [Shah of Iran], who approached Sirdar Goolam Hider Khan [Ghulām Ḥaydar Khān], the Governor of Candahar [also spelled Kandahar in this item], offering friendship with Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] and the Afghan people, was rebuffed by the Governor who emphasised that the nations will remain at war whilst Persia occupies Herat and reaffirmed the Afghan alliance with the BritishIntelligence purporting that the Murree [Marri] tribe have ‘assembled in large numbers for the purpose of plundering’ (f 271) and that British troops at the frontier outposts are on the alert for signs of an attackA report by Captain Henry Green, Assistant Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, concerning relations with the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], notably the Khan’s: reaffirmation of his friendship with the British; concerns about potential Persian incursions on his north and north west frontiers; belief in the unreliable loyalties of the tribes in the area of Candahar and Kelat; and support for the establishment of a British force at Quetta. Green also asserts the destabilising effect on the frontier of Upper Sind caused by the withdrawal of a regiment of Sind Irregular Horse for service in the Persian GulfConfirmation by the Governor of Kandahar of the receipt of treasure and arms despatched through the Bolan Pass for the Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan in October 1856.Physical description: 1 item (11 folios)
19. Sind Affairs: Matters Relating to Sind, Kelat and Afghanistan
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 15 dated 16 February 1856. The enclosures are dated 14 January-4 Feburary 1856.The papers comprise two reports forwarded by Henry Bartle Edward Frere, Commissioner in Sind [Sindh], to the Governor and President in Council, Bombay, as follows:The annual report on the ‘Political State of the Province of Sind’ for the year 1855, by Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, 4 January 1856 (ff 229-231). Frere commends Jacob for the ‘tranquil’ state of the West and North West Frontiers and the treaty with Khan of Kelat [Kalat], and welcomes the ascendancy of Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] at Kandahar especially since it has led to the ‘restoration of order’, the reduction of ‘excessive duties’, and the encouragement of trade and commerceExtracts of the ‘Digest of Intelligence of the Customs Department, Kurrachee [Karachi]’, 10-31 December 1855 (ff 234-241), notably recommending that now is a good time to suggest to Ameer [Emir] Dost Mahomed Khan a reduction in ‘oppressive duties’ (especially on wool) levied on the import trade at Candahar [Kandahar], in order to boost commerce.Also included are a Resolutions of the Board approving of Jacob’s report, and forwarding extracts, or portions, of the Customs Department digest to the Government of India and other relevant departments and authorities.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
20. Persia and Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 34 of 1856, dated 10 May 1856. The enclosures are dated 8 March-29 April 1856.The enclosures chiefly comprise copies of despatches, with enclosures, to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, from: Charles Augustus Murray, HM Ambassador to the Court of Persia [Iran], then located at Tabreez [Tabriz]; and Richard W Stevens, HM Consul at Tehran. (Murray’s despatches mainly forward copies of Stevens’s despatches to him). The despatches are forwarded for information to the Government of India and Government of Bombay. They cover and include the following:Murray’s intention to proceed to Ooroomiah [Urmia or Orumiyeh] and then to Baghdad with the British diplomatic missionA copy of a letter (ff 165-166) that the Persian Government claims to have been written by William Taylour Thomson, former British Envoy at Tehran, to the Ruler of Herat, and which Murray asserts is a forgery intended to smear the reputation of the British mission and justify Persian aggression in HeratA copy of a circular letter (ff 169-171) from the Persian Sadr Azim [Ṣadr A‘ẓam, minister to the Shāh, also spelled Sedr Azem in this item] to all the foreign missions in Tehran, in which he explains his Government’s intentions regarding Herat and Candahar [also spelled Kandahar in this item], implying that Britain is supporting Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] who has occupied Candahar, and claiming that Persia is responding to calls for assistance from the relatives of Kohendil Khan [Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] and the Ruler of Herat. (Murray insists that letters supposedly written by relatives of Kohendil Khan are mostly fabrications)A commercial treaty about to be concluded between the Persian and Austrian GovernmentsIntelligence received by Stevens that Persia is sending a large force from Tehran to wrest Candahar from Dost Mahomed Khan and Persian military and propaganda preparations for thisMurray’s claims of ‘insulting’ behaviour towards him and the British mission and the Persian Government’s determination to quarrel with Britain causing costly disorder in Afghanistan, and Murray’s desire for hostile action against PersiaA translation, in French, of an article in the Tehran Gazettepublished by the Persian Government, stating the ‘true causes’ of Murray’s withdrawal from the Persian court (ff 178-185)Stevens’s assertion that the young Armenian named Meerza Melkom [Mīrzā Malkum Khān], sent by the Persian Government to the British Ambassador in Constantinople [Istanbul] to mediate the quarrel between the Persian Government and the British Mission, has in fact contributed towards the rupture with Murray, is pro-French, and is responsible for distributing anti-English newspaper articles in Constantinople and EuropeIntelligence received by Stevens, including from the native agent and news writer at Meshed [Mashhad], confirming the movements of the Persian Army under Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza [Sulṭān Murād Mīrzā] towards Herat with the aim of occupying it, and the besieging of HeratIntelligence that the Mooftee [Muftī] of Herat was seized, sent as a prisoner to Meshed, and insultingly paraded through the townVarying reports received by Stevens on whether Herat has been occupied by the Persian Army or is yet to be taken by Sultan Moorad Meerza’s force, and regarding the strength of the Herat garrison and determination of the Ruler and inhabitants of Herat to prevent Persian troops entering the townStevens’s refusal of presents sent to him by the Shah and Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the new year festival of Narooz [Nowruz or Navroz].Also included in the item are:Despatches from Commander Felix Jones, Acting Resident, Persian Gulf, relating to: his plan to tour the Gulf and intention to persuade the Al Ali [Āl ‘Alī] tribe to leave Demaum [Dammam]; the warning given to Sheikh Mahomed bin Abdullah, Chief of Demaum [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh, Shaikh of Dammam] not to allow the Al Ali to build homes in his territory; and the movements of Persian troops in the Province of Fars as reported by the British Agent at ShirazThe Government of India’s equivocal notice to the Government in Bombay regarding the latter’s authority to despatch an expedition to the Persian Gulf upon the sole requisition of Murray.Physical description: 1 item (43 folios)
21. Kelat, Candahar and Herat Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 54 of 1856, dated 28 July 1856. The enclosures are dated 19 June-7 July 1856.The enclosures chiefly comprise letters from Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Acting Commissioner in Sind [Sindh] to the Secretary to the Government of India, copied to the Government of Bombay. Jacob forwards intelligence he has received regarding the state of affairs in Herat, Candahar [Kandahar, also spelled this way in this item] and Kelat [Kalat, also spelled Khelat in this item], notably:Intelligence obtained by the Acting Political Superintendent North West Frontier, written by Moolla Ahmed [Mullā Aḥmad], the Wukkeel [vakil, representative] of the Khan of Kelat and the Wukkeel’s son, stating that an approaching Persian [Iranian] force threatens the territories of the Khan of Kelat. Included are copies of the letters in Persian with English translations (ff 442-443 and ff 445-446)Four original translations of letters (ff 452-460) forwarded to Jacob with the original Persian letters (not present in this item) by Captain William Lockyer Merewether, Acting Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, which allege that: the Persian Army has captured Herat; a detachment of the Persian Army, in support of the ex-Sirdars [sirdārs, leaders] of Candahar, is approaching Candahar with the aim of ousting Ameer Dost Mahomed [Amīr Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] and replacing him with Rehimdil Khan [Raḥam Dil Khān]; and the ‘uncivil people of the red face [English]’ who did not help the Candahar sirdars will ‘suffer a similar fate’ in ‘Hindoostan’ [India] at the hands of Persia (f 455). Also included is Merewether’s admission that information relating to the taking of Ghorian [Ghurian or Ghoryan] and investment of Herat was obtained orally from his conversations with Moolla Ahmed but was accidentally added to the translation of the first letterAn extract of a letter from the Khan of Kelat to Moolla Ahmed, residing in Jacobabad, forwarded to Jacob by Merewether, in which the Khan of Kelat reports that the Wuzzeer [vizier, minister] of Herat has thrown into confinement the Ruler of Herat and his household, plundered all his property, caused coinage to be minted in the name of the Persian King [Shāh], and hopes to be Governor of the city. The Khan also reports that ex-Sirdars of Candahar, Khooshdil Khan [Luynab, ʿAbd al-Hamid, Khushdil Khan] and Mahomed Omer Khan [Muḥammad Omar Khān Muḥammadzāy] and others have been captured by Dost Mahomed Khan’s soldiers, but that Rehimdil Khan is still at large in Ghilzee [Ghilji] country.Also included in this item is a letter from Jacob apologising for the tone of his previous letter and insisting that no disrespect was intended.Physical description: 1 item (25 folios)
22. Herat and Candahar Affairs
- Description:
- 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 49 of 1856, dated 8 October 1856. The enclosures are numbered 3-6 and are dated 11 June to 30 September 1856.They consist of: correspondence between the Secretary to the Government of India Foreign Department and the Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab and a translation of a letter from the Ameer of Cabool [Amīr of Kabul], Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], to the Governor-General of India, the Marquis of Dalhousie, regarding the treaty between the Ameer and the British Government; and a translation of a Candahar [Kandahar] news letter forwarded to the Government of India by the Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab, containing intelligence of the siege of Herat, and political affairs at Candahar.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
23. Memorandum of Intelligence from Candahar
- Description:
- Abstract: The memorandum, dated 18 May 1839, Kurrachee [Karachi], comprises a report by a merchant who left Candahar [Kandahar] on 29 April. It covers: the arrival of the British Army of the Indus at Candahar on 23 April 1839, the ‘submission’ of local chiefs to Shah Shoojah [Shāh Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni]; the ‘fleeing’ of the Barukzye [Bārakzay] brothers from Candahar; the dispatch by Dost Mahomed [Dōst Moḥammad Khān Bārakzay] of his family to Bukhara; the apparent lack of military opposition to the British force; the ‘delight’ of the inhabitants of Candahar at the arrival of the British; and the condition of the troops.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
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