Abstract: Volume containing journals and other descriptions of journeys in and around the Arabian Peninsula and India, particularly sea and river journeys. The volume contains:‘Captain Wainwright's Remarks on the Navigation of the Persian Gulph 1809-1810’ (folios 3-28), containing a description of the navigation of the Gulf and the ports, anchorages and other notable places along its coastline, written by Captain John Wainwright of the East India Company ship
Chiffonne‘Captain Sadlier's Diary of his Mission to Arabia 1819-20’ (folios 29-192), containing a description of an expedition across Arabia by Captain George Forster Sadlier to deliver a confidential message from the Government of Bombay to Ibrahim Pacha, commander of the Egyptian forces in the Wahhabi War (also known as the Ottoman-Saudi War). The message to Ibrahim, offering military support to future Ottoman actions against the Wahabees [Saudis] and Joasmee [Al-Qasimi], is included on folios 37-40. A letter containing instructions to Sadlier is on folios 33-37. Folios 40-61 describe Sadlier’s journey from Bombay [Mumbai] to Bushire, April-June 1819, calling at Muscat in May to inform the Imam of his mission. Sadlier’s journey from Kuteef [Qatif, also written as Katief and Katuffe] to Yambo [Yanbu] is described in brief on folios 29-33. The same journey, Sadlier’s interactions with Ibrahim, and his return journey as far as Jeddah are described in detail on folios 61-190‘Captain Bedford's Journals of the Survey of the Burrampooter River - 1824 & 1825’ (folios 193-304), containing a description by Captain James Bedford of a survey of the Burhampooter [Brahmaputra] River, also called the Dihung [Dihang] River. A small sketch map of part of the river is included on folio 260. Folios 303-304 contain a brief vocabulary of the Mismee [Mishmi] language‘Captain Bonamy's Memoranda on the North West Frontier of British India and of the importance of the River Indus as connected with it's [sic] defence 1830’ (folios 305-383), containing a description of the area and notes on the defence of British India against a theoretical invasion by Russia‘Lieutenant Welsted's Memoir regarding the Red Sea and Steam Navigation between Europe & India 1832’ (folios 384-497), containing a description of the navigation of the Red Sea and the ports, anchorages and other notable places along the coastline, written by Lieutenant James Raymond Wellsted [written as Welsted or Welstead] of the East India Company ship
Palinurus, as part of a survey under the command of Captain Thomas Elwon of the East India Company ship
Benares. A description of the ‘inhabitants to the Northward of Juddah’ [Jeddah] is included on folios 460-473‘Lieutenant Wybard's Journal of an Excursion into Arabia 1832’ (folios 497-534), containing a description of a journey into Arabia by Lieutenant J W Wybard in September-December 1832. Folios 499-509 contain Wybard’s journal describing his journey from Bushire to Bussora [Basra] on the East India Company ship
William IV, from Bussora to Bahrein [Bahrain] and then to Ajeer [Uqair] on various Arabian vessels, overland from Ajeer to Ehiasa [Hofuf], and an aborted attempt to reach Readth [Riyadh] before returning by the same route. Folios 509-513 contain descriptions of Ehiasa and Bahrein. Folios 517-532 contain a description of ‘the Arab Tribes on the Banks of the Euphrates and Tigris’. Folios 533-534 contain ‘A Map of the Oases of El Hasa’ [El Ahsa] [IOR/L/MAR/C/587, ff 533v-534].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 538; 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 is present in parallel between ff 193-534; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.The foliation sequence does not include the front cover, nor does it include the leading flyleaves.
Abstract: Covers south-west Asia. Portrays hydrology, relief by hachures and some spot heights, roads and tracks, expedition and other historical routes, settlements, place names and administrative boundaries. A legend refers to the expedition and other historical routes as depicted in colour, although the colour is absent from this copy. Manuscript additions in coloured ink and crayon relate to place names.Drawn from materials furnished by Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, Royal Artillery by J & C Walker, Geographers. Published by Longman & Co, London.Physical description: Materials: Printed, with additions in coloured ink and crayonDimensions: 598 x 730mm, on sheet 686 x 928mm
Abstract: Copy of a memorandum regarding the unsuitability of iron steam vessels for use on the Euphrates and Indus rivers. (With a note in pencil, by unknown author, criticizing the tone of the memorandum and asking for another opinion).Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)
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 91 of 1840, dated 31 October 1840. The enclosures are numbered 1-5 and are dated 28 August to 26 October 1840. They consist of correspondence relating to the Euphrates Flotilla and the Indus Flotilla.The enclosures concern matters including:The Government of India stating that Lieutenant Henry Blosse Lynch may be permitted to proceed to England on sick certificate, leaving Lieutenant Campbell in charge of his commandDeficiencies in the size of crews and number of engineers on the ExpeditionThe opinion of the Superintendent of the Indian Navy, Captain Robert Oliver, on the crew required for the vessels of the Euphrates FlotillaThe Ameers of Khyrpoor [Amīrs of Khairpur] not levying duty on merchandise while it is in transit on the Indus.The correspondents are the following: the Government of India; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Lestock Robert Reid; the Political Agent in Lower Sinde [Sindh], Major James Outram; and the Political Agent in Upper Sinde, Ross Bell.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-18 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 17 January 1852. The enclosures are dated 16 June 1851-17 January 1852.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to four separate subjects.Folios 85-97 cover a complaint from the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia [Iran] that tents supplied to the British Mission at Tehran by the Government of Bombay in 1849 have proven to be of inferior quality to previous batches, and an enquiry into the tendering process and specifications of the tents.Folios 98-99 consist of an extract from a resolution by the East India Company Secret Committee relating to the establishment of steam navigation on the Indus and Punjab rivers for the purposes of communication.Folios 100-103 cover attempts to reduce the volume of communications between departments of the Government of India.Folios 104-113 cover the trade in enslaved persons within the dominions of the Imam of Muscat and Oman (including Zanzibar), and efforts against it by both the Imam and the British.The primary correspondents are: the Envoy in Tehran; the Government of Bombay; the Government of India; the Secret Committee; and the British Consul, Muscat.Physical description: 1 item (33 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: The enclosures (not included in the volume) cover the following: return of Sir Henry Bethune to Persia with the rank of Major General, and the recall of Lieutenant Colonel William Passmore; the appointment of Captain Benjamin Shee to replace Colonel Passmore as commander of the British detachment in Persia; the appointment of Captain Justin Sheil as Secretary of the Legation in Persia, and of Lieutenant George Poulett Cameron and Lieutenant George Woodfall to serve in the detachment in Persia.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: The enclosures cover the following: the instructions of the Political Agent in Sindh Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pottinger to the officers of the Indian Navy surveying the Indus River; the chart of the Indus prepared by Lieutenant Thomas Carless of the Indian Navy, and his observations on the difficulties of navigating the river extensively; a report by Lieutenant Carless on the mouths of the River, with his remarks on the Indus River Delta; the journal of Munshi Mohan Lal Kashmiri on his journey from Mithankot to Shikarpur, with the remarks of the Political Agent in Ludhiana Captain Claude Martine Wade on the dangers posed by the Mazari Tribe; the arrival of a qasid from Kabul for Abd al-Ghiyas Khan Barakzai in Ludhiana, also carrying letters for the Governor General of India (George Eden, Earl of Auckland) and the Political Agent Captain Wade, declaring Amir Dust Muhammad Khan Barakzai’s desire for closer ties to Britain; a letter from Nawwab Jabbar Khan Barakza'i to the Governor General, and two dispatches from Charles Masson on the arrival of the Russian Ambassador Jan Prosper Witkiewicz in Bukhara; the kharitas dispatched by the Governor General to Dust Muhammad Khan and Nawwab Jabbar Khan; a letter and present from Mir Nur Muhammad Khan Talpur of Hyderabad to the Political Agent in Sindh; a note from Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to Lala Kishan Chand about the Indus navigation scheme, and the Political Agent’s request for instructions on the Maharaja’s application for firearms; the instructions of the Governor General to Captain Wade on the Maharaja’s application; the memoranda on the navigation of the Indus by the Deputy Secretary to the Government [of India] in the Political Department Charles Edward Trevelyan, with particular reference to Afghanistan and Sindh, and an appendix on the proclamation announcing the reopening of Indus navigation; a minute from the Governor General to the Board on papers regarding the Indus and adjacent countries; the appointment of the Assistant Political Resident in Kutch, Captain Alexander Burnes, to conduct a mission to the countries bordering the Indus to complete the reopening of Indus navigation; the deputation of Colonel Pottinger and Captain Burnes to Hyderabad to reopen the Indus navigation; the private letters from the British Ambassador to Persia Henry Ellis to the Governor General on whether commissioned and non-commissioned British officers should continue to serve in Persia, and whether it would be advisable to take substantive measures towards the unification of Afghanistan, and endeavour to strengthen that country through the provision of military assistance, with the opinions of Thomas Robertson, Governor General Auckland, and the Commander-in-Chief in India Sir Henry Fane.Physical description: 187 folios
Abstract: The enclosures (not included in the volume) cover the following: demand by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for tribute from the Amirs of Hyderabad, Mirpur and Khairpur in Sindh; the confirmation of the capture, by the troops of Ranjit Singh, of Mir Bahram Khan Mazari’s capital Rojhan; the three kharitas from Ranjit Singh to his Wakil in Ludhiana for the appointment of a medical officer; the instructions of the Governor General (George Eden, Earl of Auckland) to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pottinger and Captain Claude Martine Wade in Sindh and Ludhiana in connection with the departure of Ranjit Singh’s army for Shikarpur and Sindh; the transmission of the correspondence to the Lieutenant Governor of the North-Western Provinces Sir Charles Metcalfe, and the Governor General’s expectation of possible assistance from Metcalfe; the deputation of Captain Alexander Burnes on a mission to Kabul, with instructions and necessary arrangements; the British Government position on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s designs on Shikarpur and Sindh; the postponement of the date for the embarkation of His Majesty’s 20th Regiment for England; the pursuit of Mir Bahram Khan by the army of Ranjit Singh, the army’s detour to Badhani on the right bank of the Indus, and the destruction of the fortress of Ken [Kin] on its return despite its being held by Sindhi troops; the transfer of the duties of Captain Wade to the Political Agent at Umballa [Ambala] in his absence; the decision of Colonel Pottinger to proceed to Hyderabad following a message from Nur Muhammad Khan; a request from Captain Burnes for permission to travel to Bombay in preparation for his mission, and explaining the circumstances regarding the delivery of presents, forwarding the latest intelligence from Kabul, proposing the employment of Charles Masson in government service, and submitting an application for the appointment of a medical gentleman to accompany the mission; a request from the Political Agent at Ludhiana for instructions to negotiate with Ranjit Singh; the successful conclusion of negotiations with Ranjit Singh and the departure of the 20th Regiment; the permission of Ranjit Singh for the passage of Captain Burnes and his mission via the Indus to Attock; the abandonment of offensive operations by the army of Ranjit Singh against the Amirates of Sindh; the course of action proposed by Governor Metcalfe if Ranjit Singh does not abandon the invasion of Sindh; a request from the Ottoman Wali of Baghdad Ali Riza Pasha al-Laz for the dispatch of military stores; the instructions of the British Government in India to the Envoy in Persia Henry Ellis on the proposed campaign by Muhammad Shah Qajar of Persia against the Amirate of Herat, the results of the negotiations with Maharaja Ranjit Singh regarding his campaign against Sindh, and the appointment of Captain Burnes on a mission to Kabul and Qandahar in Afghanistan.Physical description: 11 folios