Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (17 May 1856, Number 22) and the Government of Bombay (27 May 1856, Numbers 39-40). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatch from the Governor General (folios 23-34) is concerned with the advancement of Persian forces against Herat, and appeals for assistance to the British authorities in India and Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan]. The dispatch includes translated transcripts of letters sent between from Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan, Regent of Herat], Dost Mahomed, the Chief Commissioner for Punjab (John Laird Mair Lawrence), and the Governor General of India (James Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie).The section from Bombay (folios 35-36) consists of a report of the advancement of Persian forces towards Herat, the deployment of Indian naval vessels in the Persian Gulf, and proposed terms by Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan (Political Resident at Aden) for the raising of the blockade of Berbera.Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of two secret despatches from HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray residing at Baghdad (1 September 1856, Numbers 77 and 78). The subject matter is Murray's conviction that the Persian Government is set on evading the British Foreign Secretary's demand for the withdrawal of Persian forces from Herat.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray, residing at Baghdad (20 and 26 June 1856, Numbers 57 and 59-60).The subject matter consists of the advance of the Persian Army against Herat, the policy of the British Government towards Afghanistan, and negotiations underway at Constantinople regarding the diplomatic rupture between Britain and Persia.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This bundle contains summaries of two secret dispatches from HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray, residing at Baghdad (18 and 25 August 1856, Numbers 73 and 76). They outline matters which – in the view of Murray – should be settled before diplomatic relations are resumed with the Persian Government. A demand made by Lord Clarendon, Foreign Secretary [George Villiers, 4 Earl of Clarendon] for the withdrawal of Persian troops from Herat is also discussed, as are the measures required to disrupt Southern Persia.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries of official secret letters received from HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray residing at Baghdad (9-10, 15, 19-20 and 22 December 1856). This amount of content for each entry therefore varies.The main topics covered are Murray's assessment of articles published in the Tehran Gazette respecting Herat, reports of reinforcements being despatched from Tehran for Mohammerah and Herat, and British demands for the removal of Mirza Aqa Khan Nuri (Sadr-i-A'zam, Grand Vizier of Iran) from office.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of letters from Sir James Outram received 7 July 1857, consisting of summaries of letters sent from Mohamra [Mohammerah, now Khorramshahr] and Baghdad to Lord Clarendon (George William Frederick Villiers, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) (17 May, 23 May, and 4 June 1857), and a summary from Outram sent from Baghdad (6 June 1857).The summaries of letters relate to matters including the evacuation of Mohamra, Outram’s intention to proceed to Baghdad ‘in order to settle on the Commissioners to proceed to Herat’, the discharge of Baggage Cattle, and the Commissioners proceeding to Tehran and from there to Herat.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray, residing at Baghdad (14, 22, and 26 July 1856, Numbers 63 and 65-66).The despatches discuss correspondence that has taken place between the Persian Government and Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister-regent] respecting Herat, ‘insults and injuries’ against the British Mission and Consulate in Tehran, and Murray's views as to the demands the British Government should make for the restoration of diplomatic relations with Persia.Physical description: 1 item (5 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries of letters received from HM Minister to Persia [Iran], Charles Augustus Murray (17 September 1857, Number 96; 20 September 1857, Number 97; 25 September 1857, Number 98; 2 October 1857, Numbers 101-102; 3 October 1857, Number 104; 5 October 1857, Numbers 109 and 111-113).The summaries relate to matters including: the punishment of a Persian regiment for running away at Mohamra [Mohammerah, now Khorramshahr]; the Persian troops all being withdrawn from Afghanistan, and a large Persian force being prepared to march around 22 October 1857 against the Turcomans [Turkmens] of Serekhs, under the command of Prince Sultan Morad, and Prince Sultan Morad soliciting British assistance against the Turcomans; and the Jewish prisoners from Herat.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from HM Consul at Tehran, Richard W Stevens (30 April and 1 May 1856, Numbers 23-25). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The subject matter is primarily the Persian siege of Herat, though the publication of accusations against the British Government by the Persian Government in a Bombay newspaper is also discussed.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of three summaries of secret letters received from HM Minister to Persia, Charles August Murray residing at Baghdad (29 September, 8 and 10 October 1856, Numbers 81 and 83-84). They consist of brief updates on Persia and Herat.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This bundle contains summaries of two secret dispatches sent by HM Consul at Tehran, Richard W Stevens (31 May 1856, Numbers 30-31).This includes a letter received from the Newswriter at Meshed [Mashhad] reporting that Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan, Regent of Herat] has been captured by Persian forces besieging Herat. The second despatch is reporting the deputation of Ferokh Khan as Persian Ambassador to Paris.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from HM Consul at Tehran, Richard W Stevens (24 September, 2, 8, 13, 14, 15, and 18 October 1856, Numbers 64-66, 68-69, 71-73, and 75).The subject matter includes the size and composition of the Persian Army besieging Herat, the tactics of the besieging and besieged forces at Herat, an alleged plot by Sheeah [Shia] residents to open the gates of Herat and reprisals by Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister-Regent of Herat], the transfer of Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan] as prisoner to Tehran, the reaction of the Persian Court to rumours of British activity in the Persian Gulf, and a Turkish demand for the destruction of Persian fortifications near Mahumrah [Mohammerah].Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)