Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay and the Government of Bengal. The item is chiefly concerned with proceedings against Captain Nicolo Chiefala of the Greek vessel
Hellas, who is suspected of carrying out 'piratical' acts in the Red Sea by detaining and plundering several vessels which were under multiple foreign flags. In particular, the item relates to:Enquiries, mostly at Mocha and Bombay, into Chiefala's activities by a committee composed of the Superintendent of Marine, the Advocate General and the Senior Magistrate of PoliceEnquiries into claims that British subjects were employed on the
Hellasand that multiple English vessels provided assistance and provisions to her, including the English ship
Trois FrèresChiefala's claims that he had appropriate authorisations from the Greek and Mauritius Governments to purchase and arm a vessel for the purpose of molesting ships under Turkish control in the Red SeaAccounts and petitions from individuals whose ships were detained by Chiefala and individuals associated with the
Hellas, such as the Commander of the
Trois FrèresThe Government of Bombay's correspondence with multiple Governments in the Red Sea requesting further information and assistance in detaining Chiefala and his associates, Sailing Captain Samuel Lingard and Lieutenant DenhamA proclamation by the Government of Bombay forbidding British subjects from serving under foreign flags who intend to attack Turkish vessels; the Advocate General's opinions on the legality of this proclamation as well as the authority of the Government to make such a proclamation.Correspondents include: Governments of Bombay, Bengal and Madras; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Marine, Bombay; Anthony Hammond, Advocate General, Bombay; J D Devitre [James D De Vitre], Senior Magistrate of Police; the Governments of Goa, Mocha, Mauritius and Demaum [Ad-Dammān]; the Imaum [Imam] of Senna [Sana'a]; Residents at Cutch [Kutch], Mocha and in the Persian Gulf; the Native Agent at Mocha; Jean-François Hodoul, Commander of the
Trois Frères.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department No. 4', 'P.C. 980, Draft. 38. 1832' and 'Examiner's Offi-'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 157, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of correspondence between the Government of Bombay and Rear Admiral William O’Brien Drury, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station, regarding a proposal for increased British naval presence in the Gulf of Arabia [Red Sea] in order to resist French influence in the region.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 287, and terminates at f 294, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum by Edmund Neel, Assistant Secretary Political and Secret Department, India Office, it describes proposals made to the French Government for restricting the trade in arms on the Red Sea and on the Somali Coast, and subsequent arrangements to effect them between the Political Resident and the French Consul at Aden.The file includes a series of extracts from letters by the Political Resident at Aden, discussing draft regulations prohibiting the export of arms into Obokh and adjoining French territory for recommendation to the French Government, and deals with the confusion as to whether to restrict or suppress the arms trade entirely. It includes a 'Draft Convention' and 'Draft Order in Council' from 1887.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 78, and terminates at f 81, 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 78-81; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The item consists of correspondence and extracts of papers relating to French influence and activities in the Red Sea (often referred to as the ‘Arabian Gulph’) and Persia [Iran], sent to the Chairman of the Court of Directors, Charles Grant, and the Secret Committee.Matters covered include:French efforts to establish a trading and military settlement on the island of Cameran [Kamaran] through the agency of Syed Mahomed Akil [Sayyid Muḥammad ‘Aqīl]The preparations for and progress of an expedition to the Red Sea to counter French activitiesThe plunder and destruction of the American ship
Essexby Syed Mahomed Akil and his followersDiscussion of the legality of seizing Syed Mahomed Akil and his shipsAntoine-Alexandre Romieu’s mission to the Court of Persia as an agent of FranceFrench influence in Persia, Bagdad [Baghdad], and AleppoThe impact of any agreement reached between France and Persia on Anglo-Persian relationsA second French embassy to the Court of Persia following Romieu’s death in TehranHajee Mohsen’s [Ḥājī Muḥsin] deputation to Tehran to gather intelligence on French activities and to try and counter their influenceThe proposal of Sir Harford Jones, Resident at Bagdad, that he travel to Persia as British EnvoyThe dispatch of a Persian Embassy to FranceHostilities between Russia and Persia along the latter’s northern frontier.Correspondence regarding the Red Sea comes from the following: the Government of Bombay; Sir Edward Pellew, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station; the Government of Bengal; Lieutenant Charles Court, Commander of the
Panther, at Mocha; the Government of Madras; Searkrun/Searkum Kirjee, East India Company Broker at Mocha.Correspondence regarding matters in Persia comes from the following: Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussorah [Basra]; John Barker, Consul General at Aleppo; Harford Jones, Resident at Bagdad, and John Hine, Acting Resident at Bagdad; William Bruce, Acting Resident at Bushire [Bushehr]; Alexander Stratton, Ambassador at Constantinople; Leopold Sebastiani, Prefect of the Catholic Mission in Ispahan [Isfahan]; and Lord Viscount Castlereagh, First Commissioner for the Affairs of India.Physical description: The papers are arranged in rough chronological order, from the left to the right.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence enclosed within letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai], the India Board, and the Foreign Office. The item relates to:Suggestions by the above correspondents for suppressing the trade in enslaved people from the coasts of Abyssinia [Ethiopia] and Burbarra [Berbera] to the [other] ports in the Red SeaInformation supplied by Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Political Agent at Aden, in which he outlines Massowah [Massawa], Sauken [Sawākin], Tedjaura [Tadjourah], Zeyla [Saylac], and Burbarra as the principal ports in the Red Sea involved in the trade in enslaved people and provides his opinion on whether the rulers of these ports could be persuaded to abandon the trade (folios 198-200)A report by Commander Denton, Senior Naval Officer in the Red Sea, with the results of his enquiry into the allegation that Mallim Yousef Yacoob [Mu‘allim Yūsuf Yaʿqūb], Government Agent at Judda [Jeddah], and Hassain Effendi [Hasan Efendi], former Governor of Massowah, had sold enslaved people to a number of French men (folios 201 verso to 202 recto)A report by Commander A H Nott which provides details on the main ‘articles of export’ from the port of Massowah, namely: enslaved people; musk; ivory; ghee; gum; and hides. Particular attention is paid to where the enslaved people come from, how they are acquired, how much tax is levied for each individual, and the fact that many of them are Abyssinian Christians.Nott's report also provides brief details on the ‘annual yield’ of Dahlad Island [Dahlak Kebr] as well as the current political statuses of the ‘State of Abyssinia’ and Gondar [Gonder]. It can be found at folios 205-212.In addition to the above correspondents, the item includes correspondence from Rear Admiral Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 3228, Draft 714, 1841’, ‘Collection No. 4 of No. 34’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 193, and terminates at f 213, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions which are most likely to be the enclosures to extract Political Letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 1 December 1845 and 31 December 1845, copies of which can be found at IOR/F/4/2157/103838.The item relates to an agreement reached between Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and His Highness Said Saeid bin Sultan, Imaum of Muskat [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Imam of Muscat, also referred to as the Sultan of Muscat] on 2 October 1845. The agreement relates to the suppression of the ‘slave trade’ [trade in enslaved people]. The item’s correspondents include: the Imaum; Captain Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and the Company’s Agent in the Dominions of the Imaum of Muskat; and the governments of Bombay and India.In particular, the contents relate to:The different articles of the agreementDifferences in the translations of the agreementHamerton’s report to the Earl of Aberdeen, George Hamilton-Gordon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, providing details on his discussions with the Imaum in relation to the agreementAdditional articles suggested by the Imaum.Enclosures to the correspondence include: a copy of the agreement in English (ff 816-817); a copy of the agreement in both English and Arabic (ff 820-822); and a copy of the additional articles proposed by the Imaum in both English and Arabic (f 840).The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5410, Draft 786/46’, ‘Collection Vol: 2’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 812, and terminates at f 841, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Genre/Subject MatterPencil sketch on paper.The sketch shows a maritime / topographical view of Jibel el Teer (Jabal al-Tair Island), a roughly oval-shaped volcanic island northwest of the Bab el-Mandab strait in the Red Sea.Two raised peaks are illustrated at the centre of the island, while the right of the island a curved cliff face appears to drop towards the sea.InscriptionsRecto, in pencil:Right edge: ‘137’Upper right corner: ‘Jibel el Teer – Red Sea. 13 Novr 1850’ ‘Lat: 15º 32’ N. Long: 41º55’ E.’Upper centre: ‘extinct Volcano’Temporal contextThis sketch is part of a series of six drawings over consecutive days, 11–13 November 1850, during the journey between Aden and the Red Sea.Physical description: Dimensions:165 x 280 mm [landscape]Format:Pencil sketch on paper, pasted into volumeCondition:The sketch is in good condition with surface residue throughout.Foliation:On paper: ‘137’On mounting paper ‘34’
Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:Maritime view in the Red Sea, at the northwest of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, of Gibel Tir [Jebel Al-Tair], meaning ‘bird mountain’.Temporal context:This drawing was likely made during Henry Yule’s return journey to India with his new wife, Anna Maria White, in 1844.Inscriptions:Recto:Lower right, pen and ink: ‘Gibel Tir’Upper right, ink stamp: ‘70’Verso:Centre, ink stamp: ‘India Office Library 12 Dec 1919’Upper left, pencil: ‘37’Physical description: Dimensions:140 x 226 mmMaterials:Watercolour and pencil on watercolour paperCondition:Thick surface dirt throughout and on recto with staining originating from adhesive on upper edge.
Abstract: Genre/Subject MatterPencil sketch on paper.The sketch shows a maritime / topographical view of Jibel Jan, which is likely to refer to Djebel Jan on the coast of latter-day Djibouti.The view was sketched from on board ship and shows a series of flat-topped islands leading away from the coastline on the right of the horizon.InscriptionsRecto, in pencil:Right edge: ‘135’Lower left corner: ‘Jibel Jan – 13 Novr 1850.’Temporal contextThis sketch is part of a series of six drawings over consecutive days, 11–13 November 1850, during the journey between Aden and the Red Sea.Physical description: Dimensions:162 x 270 mm [landscape]Format:Pencil sketch on paper, pasted into volumeCondition:The sketch is in good condition with scuffing in the upper right as well as some dark spot staining throughout and a purple stain in the lower left corner.Foliation:On paper: ‘135’On mounting paper ‘32’
Abstract: Covers the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, including hinterlands to a width of approximately 150 miles beyond which detail diminishes. Comprises a base map, overprint and manuscript additions.The base map is produced from British Admiralty Chart No. 748B titled 'Indian Ocean - Northern Portion' dated 15 November 1918 and filed at Maps B.A.C. (748B.). Portrays marine hydrology, including sands, rocks and depths by soundings, inland hydrology, relief by hachures and spot heights, railways, roads and tracks, settlements and place names. Bears the notes 'Drawn for engraving by E J Powell' and 'Engraved by Davies Bryer & Co.'A red overprint portrays the sea line including geographical reference points, some of which possess reference letters although no key is present.Manuscript additions relate to the sea line and also accentuate the coastline.The verso bears the annotation 'Arabia'.Physical description: Materials: Printed in colour, with manuscript additions in crayonDimensions: 290 x 676mm, on sheet 405 x 763mm
Abstract: Genre/Subject MatterPencil sketch on paper.The sketch shows two, presumably sequential, maritime / topographical views of a series of small islands in the Red Sea.The view was sketched from on board ship and shows eight or nine rocky islands. In the upper view, the sun can be seen going down or coming up behind the largest island. The island on the far left of the upper view may be identical with that on the far right of the lower view. Illegible inscriptions alongside each of these islands may be intended to indicate as such.InscriptionsRecto, in pencil:Right edge: ‘133’Lower left corner: ‘Isabera Islands – Red Sea – 13 Novr 1850’Temporal contextThis sketch is part of a series of six drawings over consecutive days, 11–13 November 1850, during the journey between Aden and the Red Sea.Physical description: Dimensions:162 x 280 mm [landscape]Format:Pencil sketch on paper, pasted into volumeCondition:The sketch is in good condition with only minor surface residue throughout and a number of small dark stains dotted across centre and lower left of the image.Foliation:On paper: ‘133’On mounting paper ‘30’
Abstract: Imprint:Published by John Walker, Geographer to the Honourable East India Company.Distinctive Features:Relief shown by hachures. Depths shown by soundings.Nautical chart of the Red Sea from Suez to Jiddah [Jeddah] compiled from the surveys carried out by the Bombay Marine’s officers showing the route of Palinurus.Includes seven coastal profiles in margins with notes on latitude and longitude variations.Notations concerning the coastal topography and navigation, regions and tribes cover the face of the map.Shows positions for safe anchorage with shoals and rocks represented by crosses.Physical description: Dimensions:1880 x 1207 mm, on sheets 1017 x 677 mm