Abstract: This item contains:1. Notes on a meeting between Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], and the Pasha [Büyük Sulaymān Pāshā, Governor of Baghdad] on 6 June 1802. The meeting mainly concerns the recent sack of Meshed Hossein [Shrine of Imām Huṣayn bin ‘Alī, Karbala] by the Wahabys [Wahhābī movement] and the possibility of a Persian [Iranian] expedition against the Wahabys via Bagdad. Jones offers to liaise with Persian representatives on the issue.2. A translation of a letter from Harford Jones to Meerza Bozurg [Mīrzā ‘Īsá Khān Farāhānī, Vizier to the Crown Prince of Persia] dated 12 July 1802. Jones advises against a Persian campaign against the Wahaby via Bagdad in light of logistical difficulties and the threat from Russia in the Caucasus, instead suggesting a route via Bahrein [Bahrain].3. A translation of a letter from Harford Jones to Meerza Reza Kooli [Mīrzā Rezā Qulī Navā’ī Munshī al-Mamālik, Principal Secretary to the Shah of Persia], repeating the above argument regarding the proposed campaign against the Wahaby4. A translation of a letter from an informant of Harford Jones ‘employed to the Northward’, dated 4 June 1802. The informfant reports Russian movements in the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea and developments in Khorassan [Khorasan].Duplicates of these documents are catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/256.Physical description: 1 item (5 folios)
Abstract: An abstract of two rukums [raqms, chancery letters] from Futteh Aly Shah [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] to the Prince Regent of Shiraz [Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mīrzā Farmānfarmā, Prince-Governor of Fars], sent from Subzewar [Sabzevar] and dated 9 and 12 Moharram/1 and 4 June 1800.The abstract reports on the progress of the Shah’s campaign in Khorassan [Khorasan], including the submission to the Shah of all local rulers except the rulers of Meshed [Mashhad] and Chenneron [Chenaran], troop movements, and the expected arrival of Afghan envoys at the Shah’s camp.The abstract is signed Captain John Malcolm, Envoy of the Governor-General of Bengal to Persia [Iran], and dated Shiraz, 29 June 1800.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copies of letters from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Government of India, dating from June 1826 to August 1826. Contained within are copies of six letters, numbered 7-9, 12, 14 and 15, from Macdonald Kinneir to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, and two letters, one of which is numbered 11, from Macdonald-Kinneir to the Governor-General of India, Lord Amherst. The letters concern the journey of Macdonald Kinneir’s mission to the Court of the Shah of Persia and the outbreak of war between Russia and Persia over a territorial dispute in the Caucasus [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], covering a period preceding and succeeding the outbreak of war. Included are details of:The illness and death of members of Macdonald Kinneir’s entourageMacdonald Kinneir’s views on the possible course and outcome of war between Russia and PersiaThe question of Great Britain paying a subsidy to Persia upon the outbreak of war with RussiaThe outbreak of war between Persia and Russia, and Persian military operations against RussiaThe outbreak of rebellions in territories ceded to Russia by the Treaty Gulistan in 1813, including Dagistan [Dagestan], Shirwan [Shirvan], Shekee [Sheki], Karabaugh [Karabakh], and the involvement of the former rulers of these territoriesReports of the alleged arrest of the Russian envoy sent to Persia to negotiate the territorial dispute, Prince Minchikoff [Prince Aleksandr Sergeevich Menshikov]Macdonald Kinneir’s planned intercession on behalf of Russian prisoners of war.Also detailed is a report of negotiations between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, and of the rebellion and dissolution of the Ottoman Janissaries.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 6 September 1826 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/131).Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 18 from HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia [Iran], Henry Willock, in camp at Ardebil [Ardabil], to HM Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, George Canning, of 18 August 1826. The letter concerns the opening stages of the war between Russia and Persia, which has broken out due to the disputed frontier. The letter reports the departure of the Russian envoy to Persia, Prince Minchikoff [Prince Aleksandr Sergeevich Menshikov], from Persia following the unfavourable conclusion of negotiations, and details the Persian successes following the opening of hostilities, including:The Persian occupation of Talish [Talysh] following an uprising by the local populationMilitary developments in Carabagh [Karabakh], Sheerivan [Shirvan] and Daghestan [Dagestan]The driving away of Russian troops from disputed territory at the lake of Gokcha [Lake Sevan]The Governor-General of Georgia, General Yermoloff [General Aleksey Petrovich Yermolov], having remained with his troops at Tiflis [Tbilisi]The nomination of an officer by the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] to travel to Constantinople [Istanbul] to encourage the Ottoman Empire to declare war on Russia.The letter also originally enclosed copies of correspondence between Prince Minchikoff and Willock concerning a gift of a crystal couch for the Shah (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/70/112-113).This document was originally enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 20 August 1826 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/109).Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 22 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, at the Royal Camp near Ahar, to the Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government of India, George Swinton, of 5 October 1826. In the letter, Macdonald Kinneir details his audience with the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār], in which the Shah reports the defeat of the Persian army [led by the Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] by Russia in the Caucasus, and requests that Macdonald Kinneir make representations to the Governor-General of India, Lord Amherst, for supplies of weapons and other military stores with which to fight Russia. Macdonald Kinneir also details his reply to the Shah, in which he indicates that recent fighting in India and Britain’s friendly relations with Russia would make it difficult to meet his request. He also details the advice he gave to the Shah for the defence of Persia, including recommendations to muster troops from across Persia, improve defences on the frontier with Russia, and to conduct an irregular campaign against Russian forces.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 2, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 13 October 1826 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/151).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 49 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 1 June 1827. The letter originally enclosed papers concerning the ongoing war between Russia and Persia in the Caucasus [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828] and other matters (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/3-10). This letter concerns the ongoing war, detailing the Russian siege of Erivan [Yerevan], giving an account of a battle between Russian and Persian forces, and reporting on the movements of the army of the Shah of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār]. The letter also covers: military events in Dagistan [Dagestan]; the disgrace of the former Vizier to the Prince-Governor of Fars, Mahomed Zekee Khan [Muḥammad Zakī Khān], resulting from a dispute with British officials over the imprisonment of Sheikh Abdool Russool of Bushire [Shaikh of Bushehr, Shaikh ʿAbd al-Rasūl Khān]; and an incident in which an individual bearing letters from the Government of India to Macdonald Kinneir was ‘plundered’ by ‘banditti’. A postscript also details the capture of communications between Russian generals (catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/9-10).This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 22 June 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/1).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 53 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, at the Royal Camp at Karatuppa [Qareh Tappeh], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 8 June 1827. The letter concerns the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War 1826-1828], reporting the assumption of command of the Russian army on campaign by General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky], and his advance towards Nukshirvan [Nakhchivan], pursued by the army of Hussan Khan [Ḥasan Qulī Khān Qājār]. The letter also details the capture of a Russian supply convoy by Hussan Khan’s troops, and reports the Shah of Persia’s intention to advance to Khoee [Khoy] to meet Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] to discuss the war.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 10 July 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/21).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 70 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 8 October 1827. Macdonald Kinneir relates news from the Prince Royal [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] of the capture of the fortress of Sirdarabad [Sardari Berd, or Sardar’s Fortress] by Russia, and the renewed siege of Erivan [Yerevan] by General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia]. Macdonald Kinneir reports that he will, at the Prince Royal’s request, travel to Khoee [Khoy], and indicates his belief that the Prince Royal has no option but to quickly accede to the peace terms offered by the Russians at Abbasabad [ʿAbbasabad] (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/34 and 37).The letter also originally enclosed copies of letters from the Prince Royal (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/76-82).This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 26 to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 5 November 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/72).Physical description: 1 item (1 folio)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 71 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Khoee [Khoy], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 12 October 1827. Macdonald Kinneir provides updated information regarding the fall of Sirdarabad [Sardari Berd, or Sardar’s Fortress], the details given in his previous report being incorrect (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/75), and describes the military situation in the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. He reports the desertion and subsequent capture of Sirdarabad by Russia following a mutiny by troops from Irak [Arak], and details the ongoing siege of Erivan [Yerevan] and the strong Russian position along the line of the Arras [River Aras]. He also describes the weak military position of the Persians, detailing the retirement of the forces of the Shah of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] back to Tahran [Tehran], and the inability of the Prince [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] to pay for the upkeep of his army, both of which have allowed the Russians to advance unopposed.This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 26 to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 5 November 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/72).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 73 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tassooch [Tasuj], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 1 November 1827, which was received on 25 February 1828. The letter concerns the events of the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], including:The capture of the fortresses of Abbasabad [ʿAbbasabad] and Erivan [Yerevan]The surrender of the capital of the province of Azerbijan [Azerbaijan], Tabriz, without a fightThe dissolution of the army of Abbas Mirza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] resulting from the widespread desertion of troopsAbbas Mirza’s unsuccessful attempts to meet with General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia] to negotiate for peaceThe ‘revolt’ taking place in Azerbijan [Azerbaijan] in favour of Russia, with an attendant list of the individuals and groups concerned and their motivations.Macdonald Kinneir concludes by reflecting on the possible outcome of the conflict, prognosticating the possible dissolution of the Persian Government and indicating his view that Russia has achieved an ascendant position in Central Asia.Macdonald Kinneir also details the circumstances of his having lent 3000 tomans to Abbas Mirza.The letter originally enclosed correspondence concerning peace negotiations and other matters relating to the war (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/85-97).Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 81 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Deckargun [Azarshahr], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 18 January 1828. Macdonald Kinneir reports the breakdown in negotiations for a peace treaty to end the war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828] and the subsequent intention of General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia] to recommence hostilities in the Province of Azerbijan [Azerbaijan], owing to the latter’s mistrust of the Persian Government’s alleged desire for peace. Macdonald Kinneir reports the plan for the renewed Russian campaign, indicating his belief that in spite of the winter conditions the Russians might be able to occupy Zungan [Zanjan], and also relates a rumour that the Persian Government had attempted to deceive the Russians by sending stones instead of money as reparation payments.The letter originally enclosed documents relating to the peace treaty and the breakdown of negotiations (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/171-182).This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 21 January 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/154).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Copy of a letter from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Governor-General of India, Lord Amherst, of 8 April 1827. The letter is labelled private and confidential, and concerns the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], detailing:The interest of the Duke of Wellington in Britain intervening to preserve the 'independence and integrity of Persia'The intention of General Yermoloff [General Aleksey Petrovich Yermolov, Governor-General of Georgia] of opening a campaign against Persia at the head of a large army in May 1827The unsuccessful expedition of General Madatoff [General Valerian Madatov] across the Araxes [River Aras] into Persian territoryThe reaction of Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] to Britain’s refusal to award Persia the subsidy stipulated for in Anglo-Persian treaty relationsThe eagerness of France and the Austrian Empire to develop relations with Persia.Macdonald Kinneir also considers the conclusion of the war, indicating that he expects that Russia will claim Erivan [Yerevan] and other Persian territory north of the Araxes. He also expresses his concern that Persia will subscribe to unfavourable peace terms with Russia, reflecting on the intentions and character of the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār]. In addition, he discusses the potential for the expansion of Russian influence in Persia, and surrounding areas including Khiva and Bokhara [Bukhara], and the attendant risks to British territory in India.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 21 April 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/214).Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)