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37. Letters Outward 1837
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains letters sent outwards from the British Residency in the Persian Gulf by Samuel Hennell (the Resident), and Thomas Mackenzie (Acting Assistant in Charge of the Residency). The main recipient being John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Political Department of the Bombay Government. Other significant recipients are Edward M Wood, Secretary to the Military and Steam Departments of the Bombay Government; John McNeil, HM Minister Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary to the Court of Persia; and the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London.The correspondence includes material of a routine administrative nature; such as the movement of company ships, the transportation of mail, personnel matters, and so on. The trials of Noor Mahomed Beg [Nūr Muḥammad Beg] in conveying packets between Bushire and Tehran are outlined in more detail; a list of expenses he incurred in the process is also included. Additional topics covered include the suitability of various locations — Anjar, Bundar Maculla, Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye], and Muscat — for establishing a coal depot; the viability of relocating the base of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf from Bassidore [Bāsaʻīdū] to Anjar; the temporary occupation of Karrack by British forces; and the testing of the navigability of the Euphrates river through the ascent of an iron steamer.Included in the file are reports on the Resident's annual tour of the Arabian Coast. The main object being the renewal of the Maritime Truce, and its extension from a period of eight to twelve months. The Resident is also involved in trying to get the Arab Chiefs to formally recognise the restrictive line in the Persian Gulf; a neutral zone within which no hostility at sea will be tolerated.The efforts of the Resident to suppress the trade in slaves in the Persian Gulf is also featured; this being prompted by a complaint alleging that traders of the Joasmee [Āl Qāsimī] tribe had abducted women from the coast of Barbarah [Berbera] for the purpose of selling them as slaves. It also covers the Resident's efforts to prevent hostilities at sea between Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] and Debaye [Dubai], as a result of Shaikh Khuleefa bin Shakboot's [Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ] attack on the Sea Tower of the Fort of Debaye.In a similar vein, the file includes correspondence related to the Resident's efforts to mediate a settlement between the Chief of Bahrain, and his revolted dependants — Esa ben Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf], and Ibn Salamah [Ibn Salāmah] — residing at Aboothabee. It also discusses the complete abandonment of Wukrah [al Wakrah] by the Boo Eymeen [Bu Ajman] tribe, and their relocation to Aboothabee, and a request from the Beni boo Ally [Banī Bū ‘Alī] for a reconciliation with the Beni boo Hoossun [Banī Bū Ḥusayn].The file also covers the advances of Ameer Khaled [Amīr Khālid] — with the support of the Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā of Egypt — against Ameer Fysul [Amīr Fayṣul], the Wahabi Chief, in Nedgd [Najd], and the resulting threat this poses to the Chief of Bahrain, Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah.The correspondence also concerns itself with the perceived hostility, and obstructive attitude of the Prince of Shiraz against the British at Bushire. The replacement of Shaikh Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir] as Governor of Bushire by Mirza Abbas [Mīrzā ‘Abbās], and his subsequent replacement with Mirza Assadoollah [Mīrzā Assad ‘Allāh] following a dispute with the merchants of that place.Included is list of equipment received from India on the requisition of Sir Henry Bethune showing their subsequent distribution, along with another list estimating the cost of building a coal depot with a capacity for 1000 tons of coal.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: An original incomplete pagination sequence is also present in the file between ff 2-91. These numbers are located in the top outermost corner of each page. Please note that there are significant gaps present in this sequence.
38. Letter from the Secretary to the Government of India to the Secretary to the Government of Bombay, enclosing Instructions from the Governor General to the Naval Commander in Chief
- Description:
- Abstract: This part consists of a letter to the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby) from the Secretary to the Government of India (Thomas Herbert Maddock), enclosing an extract of a despatch from the Governor-General of India to the Naval Commander in Chief. In the extract the Naval Commander in Chief is requested to send part of the fleet to rendezvous at Aden, as in the Governor General’s view the presence of one of the larger frigates in the Persian Gulf would be of great advantage, for the maintenance of British influence in the Eastern coasts of Northern Africa and in the African possessions of the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat. The Governor General also states in the extract that he wishes for a ‘respectable’ naval force to visit Mocha, for the protection of British interests, and he proposes that the one of the iron steamships of the Nemesisclass should be sent to China, and that the steamship Queenshould return to India, to Bombay.The letter from Maddock to Pollard requests that the Governor General’s wish for the rendezvous at Aden be communicated to the officer commanding the Squadron.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
39. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 18 of 1841, dated 26 March 1841. The enclosures are dated 10 August 1840 to 27 March 1841. They mainly consist of copies of correspondence sent and received by the Government of Bombay, relating to the Persian Gulf and Zanzibar.The correspondence is mostly between the following: the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby); the Secretary to the Government of India (Thomas Herbert Maddock); the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Samuel Hennell); the British Agent at Muscat (Captain Atkins Hamerton); the Superintendent of the Indian Navy (Captain Robert Oliver); and Commodore G B Brooks, Commanding the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf of Persia.The correspondence discusses matters including:The claim for compensation by Hajee Mahomed Ally Suffur (also spelled Hajee Mahomed Aly Jaffer) against the Shaikh of Kishm [Qishm, also spelled Kishin] for a quantity of sugar belonging to him, said to have been taken from the wreck of the buggalow Futeh Ool Ruhman(also spelled Futteh Ool Rahimanin this part) on the Island of QishmCaptain Hamerton proceeding on a mission to Zanzibar, and a deputation allowance of ten Rupees per day being granted to himThe suggestion of the Resident in the Persian Gulf that some small vessels should be attached to the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf, for the conveyance of important despatches to the Government of Bombay received via the Persian Gulf routeIntelligence received from Shiraz, including an account by the News Writer at Shiraz (Mirza Reza) of the ‘great disturbances’ which had recently taken place in the city, and news from other parts of Persia [Iran], including Kerman [Kirmān],Tehran, and Bushire [Būshehr]The proceedings of the Resident in the Persian Gulf in regard to the piracy stated to have been committed by Jubbur Rugragee (also spelled Jubber Ragragee) upon a boat belonging to Rasel Khyma [Ras Al Khaimah]The measures adopted by the Resident in the Persian Gulf for settling demands made against the Chief of Debaye [Dubai, also spelled Debayee], Shaikh Mookhtoom [Shaikh Maktoum bin Bati ibn Suhayl, also spelled Muckhtoom in this part], on account of the reported infractions of the maritime truce by his subjectsThe proceedings of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian GulfThe commanders and crews of the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat’s ships Carolineand Peidmontesebeing rewarded for the assistance they provided to the East India Company’s schooner Emilyin March 1840, when it was in danger of being shipwrecked in Muscat CoveDr Thomas Mackenzie, the Civil Surgeon of the Residency in the Persian Gulf, being granted permission to proceed to Europe on furlough, and Assistant Surgeon Andrew Weatherhead being appointed to succeed him as Civil Surgeon.This part also includes enclosures relating to Oman, Bahrien [Bahrain, also spelled Bahrein in this part], and the Nejddee Country [Nejd, also spelled Nejdee in this part].Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-40, on folios 391-397. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
40. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of Enclosures to a Despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 29 of 1841, dated 26 April 1841. The enclosures are dated 6 February to 26 April 1841, and are mainly letters, relating to the Persian Gulf.The enclosures mostly consist of correspondence between the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (John Pollard Willoughby) and the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell) at Karrack [Kharg Island].This part also includes: correspondence between the Government of Bombay and the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; and letters to the Secretary to the Government of India, the Envoy and Minister at Cabool [Kabul], the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, and the Assistant to the Resident in the Persian Gulf.In addition, this part includes: reports from the News Writer at Shiraz (No. 18), a ‘Bushire merchant’ (No. 36), the Agent at Shargah [Sharjah] (Nos. 39 and 44), and the Native Agent at Muskat [Muscat] (Nos. 57-58).Matters discussed in the enclosures include:Repairs and alterations to the Fort at Karrack recommended by the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Nos. 3-5)Whether any alterations in the coinage of Persia [Iran] had been made subsequent to the introduction of the New Mahomed Shah Rupee and Toman, and whether any further appreciation of these coins had taken place (Nos 15-17)The visit of Syed Humood ben Azan [Ḥamūd bin Azan Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Chief of Sohar [Ṣuḥār], to Bombay (Nos. 19-22)The arrival at Karrack of Frederick Brenner, a Carmelite Friar, with the intention of officiating as a Catholic Clergyman to members of the Catholic Church residing on the Island (Nos. 26-28)Letters from Dr James Pringle Riach, attached to HM Mission at the Court of Persia, concerning his intention to travel to Ghorian [Ghōriyān] with an order from the Shah for the evacuation of the Fortress at Ghorian by the Persian troops, and for its immediate restoration to the Government of Herat (Nos. 30-32 and 50-51)The Resident in the Persian Gulf’s actions in relation to the Asseloo [Bandar-e ‘Asalūyeh] boats which had been cruising about for the ostensible purpose of seizing Congoon [Kāngān] boats (Nos. 40-41)The actions of Commodore George Barnes Brucks, Indian Navy, Commanding the Persian Gulf Naval Squadron, in the ‘settlement of claims’ existing against the Shaikhs of Biddah [Al Bidda] and Debaye [Dubai] (Nos. 46-48 and 56)The arrival of the Assistant to the Resident in the Persian Gulf at Paris en route to re-join his station in the Persian Gulf, and his request for permission to proceed to the Presidency after 1 June 1841 (Nos. 52-55)Copies of despatches from HBM Chargé d’Affaires at Persia (Justin Sheil) to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, enclosing translations of correspondence with the Prime Minister to the Shah, letters from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Persian Prince Reza Koolee Mirza, and firmans[orders] by the Shah (No. 65)The detention of the East India Company’s brig of war Tigrisin the Persian Gulf by the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Nos. 7-8), the despatch of the Company’s sloop of war Elphinstonefor service in the Persian Gulf (No. 8), the despatch by the Resident of the Company’s schooner Emilyto Bombay (Nos. 33-35), and its despatch from Bombay to the Persian Gulf (Nos. 66-67).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-67, on folios 422-434. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
41. Persian Gulf Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: Copies of correspondence relating to affairs in the Persian Gulf and Arabian coastline, chiefly British attempts to avert potential conflicts between Arab maritime rulers, the disruption of trade with India, acts of ‘piracy’, and the undermining of British influence in the area.The papers notably cover:Efforts of Captain Samuel Hennell, British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to mediate and promote resolution of the dispute between Abdoollah bin Ahmed, [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah] Shaik of Bahrein [Bahrain], and his ‘fugitive’ subject Esa bin Tareef [Shaikh ‘Īsá bin Ḥamad bin Ṭarīf Āl Bin 'Alī al-'Utbī] and members of his Al-i-Ally [Āl Bin 'Alī] tribe, who have taken refuge in Abothabee [Abu Dhabi] under the rule of Kuleefa bin Shakboot [Shaikh Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān], the Shaik of Abothabee [Shaikh of Abu Dhabi]. Includes: the Shaik of Bahrein’s secret pledge allowing all the ‘fugitives’ to resettle on the coast of Gutter [Qatar]; the British restrictive boundary line beyond which Arab maritime operations are ‘forbidden’; the role of the Indian Navy in facilitating negotiations and patrolling the GulfBritish policy with regard to a possible attempt by Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshīd Pāshā, also spelled Khoorshid and Koorsheid, and Pacha, in this volume], Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Forces in Nedgee [Najd, also known as Nejd], to conquer the island of Bahrein and ascertainment of the Shaik of Bahrein’s allegianceEvents on the island of Karrack [Kharg, also known as Khark], recently occupied by the British after an incident in Bushire [Būshehr] and deteriorated relations with Meerza Assud [Mirza Assad], Governor of Bushire, notably: the departure in April 1839 of Sheik Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir] to seek asylum in Koweit [Kuwait]; departure of the Belochee [Balochi] garrison from the fort and its take-over by the British; arrangements by Lieutenant-Colonel James Shirreff, Commanding the Detachment at Karrack, for martial law on the island and his difference of opinion with Hennell regarding the Persian ‘threat’Events in Bushire following the British departure, notably: arrangements for a British presence in the town; conditions at the Residency building; Persian attempts to persuade the British to return there including Hennell’s communications with the Prince of Shiraz, and the latter’s deputing of a negotiator, Mohamed Hussain Khan Sirdar, to promote re-establishment of friendly relations; Hennell’s refusal to return unless Meerza Assad is removed and refuting the latter’s claims that the British navy fired first on his people at Bushire; discussion of whether Mirza Assad was acting independently or upon orders from Shiraz or TehranIntelligence from Meerza [Mirza] Riza, the News Writer at Shiraz concerning purported Persian military operations towards Herat and BushireNaval tour of the Persian Gulf and Arabian coastline by Rear Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland and Lieutenant Edmunds, Assistant Resident Persian Gulf [also referred to as Captain in this volume], to ascertain: the political stance of various sheiks towards each other and the British, and potential for a united coalition against an attacking foe; the resistance capability of Bahrein; and the views of the Bahreini people towards the Egyptians and the British. Includes Maitland’s report, with notes taken by Captain Edmunds, of the meetings held with the different sheiks between 22-30 April 1839 (ff 503-511).The principal correspondents are: Captain Hennell, and John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai].Other correspondents include George Barnes Brucks, Commodore of the Squadron of the Indian Navy in the Persian Gulf; John Croft Hawkins, Commander and Senior Officer, Bushire; and Lieutenant-Colonel Shirreff.There is a note before the papers commence stating: ‘Enclosure in Bombay Secret Letters No. 65-6, dated 18th May 1839, is missing from this collection’.Physical description: The papers are not in chronological order.
42. 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 26 of 1856, dated 16 April 1856. The enclosures are dated 7 October 1855-12 April 1856.The enclosures relate to British policy towards the intended migration of the Al Ali [Āl ‘Alī] tribe, residing at Ges [Kish, also was known as Kenn, also spelled Geis in this item], to the Arabian coast in the neighbourhood of Kutiffe [Al-Qaṭīf], and British reaction to their actual migration to Demaum [Dammam]. They cover the efforts of Lieutenant Frederick Disbrowe, Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf, and Commander Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Acting Resident, Persian Gulf, to prevent a further attack on Bahrein [Bahrain] and disorder in the Gulf from disrupting British trade, and chiefly comprise their letters to or correspondence with the following:Mahomed ben Khuleefa, Sheikh of Bahrein [Shaikh Muḥammed bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, also spelled Khulifa in this item]Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, and other senior Indian Navy officers and vessel commandersSheikh Mahomed ben Abdullah, Sheikh of Demaum [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh, Shaikh of Dammam], who was in dispute with the Sheikh of Bahrein over re-establishing his claim to the ‘chieftainship’ of Bahrein and who had attacked Bahrein the previous yearAli bin Sultan [Alī bin Sulṭān], chief of the Al Ali tribe, who had allied with the Sheikh of Demaum in the attack on Bahrein in the previous yearThe Wahabee Ameer [Wahhābī Amīr] Fysul [Fayṣal bin Turkī bin ‘Abdullāh, Āl Sa‘ūd], Ruler of Nedjid [Najd]The British Agent at BahreinThe Government of Bombay.The papers notably cover and include:Disbrowe’s dissuasion of the Sheikh of Bahrein from undertaking offensive action against the Al Ali and advice to confine himself to defensive actionsThe Wahabee Ameer’s claim that he would prefer Ali bin Sultan and his Al Ali followers not to migrate to his territory, but that he would not be ‘inhospitable’ to them if they did locate in Wahabee country, and the Government of Bombay’s belief that the Ameer in reality supports hostilities against the Sheikh of BahreinWarnings given: by Disbrowe to Ali bin Sultan, not to break the agreement he made with Captain Arnold Burrowes Kemball, former Resident in the Persian Gulf, to give three months’ notice of any intention to move from Ges; and by Jones to the Sheikh of Demaum that harbouring the Al Ali is a violation of his agreement with KemballThe belief of Disbrowe and Jones that, despite his denials, the Sheikh of Demaum instigated the migration of the Al Ali to his territoryThe instructions given by Disbrowe and Jones to commanding officers of the Naval Squadron in the Gulf regarding measures to enforce the removal of Ali bin Sultan and his followers from Demaum, including issuing warnings, ultimatums, threats and, as a last resort, capturing the Al Ali’s boats and valuables and taking them to Bassidore [Basaidu], whilst carefully restricting any actions of force to sea and portsThe authorisation by the Honorary Board, Bombay, to Jones to assemble a sufficient naval force and use coercion to make the Al Ali leave Demaum, including permission to burn their boats.Physical description: 1 item (48 folios)
43. 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 45 of 1856, dated 25 June 1856. The enclosures are dated 5 May-19 June 1856.The enclosures chiefly comprise copies of the correspondence of Commander Felix Jones, Acting Resident, Persian Gulf, with Commodore Richard Ethersey, Indian Navy, Commanding the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, and the Government of Bombay, relating to the removal of the Al Ali [Āl ‘Alī] tribe from Demaum [Dammam].They notably cover and include:Jones’s and Ethersey’s agreement to make a demonstration of naval strength at Demaum with the Ajdaha, Semiramisand Falkland, and if that fails to bombard the town and fort of Demaum, followed if necessary by further coercive measures including the blockading of the port and destruction of any captured Al Ali boatsEthersey’s reservations regarding the agreed measures to be taken at Demaum, due to: the inadequacy of naval resources to carry out the Demaum action in addition to policing the Gulf and searching vessels for enslaved persons; the unsuitability of the Ajdahafor the shallow seas around Demaum; and the urgent need for the Semiramisto return to Bombay [Mumbai] for repairsJones’s hope that a brief show of naval strength at Bahrein [Bahrain] and his negotiations with the Sheikh of Demaum [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh, Shaikh of Dammam] will achieve the British objective, his reluctant agreement that the Semiramisreturn to Bombay before the monsoons set in, and his decision to retain the Constanceat Bushire [Bushehr] during the temporary withdrawal of the Ajdahaand FalklandEthersey’s provision of the Ajdahafor Jones’s visit to Demaum and tour of the Gulf, due to the inadequate cabin accommodation on his own vessel the FalklandJones’s report to the Government of Bombay on his proceedings at Bahrein regarding the Al Ali, including: his meetings with Sheikh Mahomed ben Khuleefa [Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, Shaikh of Bahrain], the Sheikh of Demaum and with Ali ben Sultan [Alī bin Sulṭān], chief of the Al Ali; the agreement of Jones and the Sheikh of Bahrein not to force the Al Ali to return to Geis [Kish, also was known as Kenn] due to its unsuitable living conditions, and proposal that the Al Ali go to Kuweit [Kuwait], Grane [Kuwait] or Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi]; Jones’s encouragement of those Al Ali who wish to reconcile with the Sheikh of Bahrein and return to the island without punishment; Jones’s consent to the Sheikh of Demaum’s request (f 367) to allow the Al Ali to remain at Demaum until the month of Ramadhan [Ramadan] has ended; Ali ben Sultan’s compliance following Jones’s threat to bring the squadron to Demaum; Jones’s pleasure that he has achieved a ‘peaceful resolution’ and relief at the avoidance of a potentially ineffective and expensive blockadeJones’s orders to Ethersey that the Semiramisshould go to Bombay should any important despatches arrive at Bushire for India.In this item Jones also reports unverified intelligence from the Acting Native Agent at Muscat that the agents of the Imam of Muscat and Persia [Iran] at Kishm [Qeshm] have agreed that the Imam will take possession of Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas].Physical description: 1 item (25 folios)
44. Aden Affairs
- Description:
- 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 92 of 1840, dated 31 October 1840. The enclosures are numbered 3-42 and are dated 1 September to 27 October 1840. They mostly consist of correspondence relating to Aden affairs.The enclosures concern matters including:The Political Agent at Aden, Captain Stafford Bettesworth Haines, reporting the arrival at Aden of the Honourable Company’s sloop of war Elphinstone, brig Euphrates, and steamer Victoriacarrying the mail, and forwarding the reports of the Commanders of the Elphinstoneand the Euphratesto the Government of BombayThe proposed appointment by Haines of Mr Hatchatoor as Agent at TadjouraThe amount of reward to be paid to the Commander, Captain Warden, and crew of the barque Arielfor assistance provided at Aden over several days in November and December 1839, and the Political Agent at Aden paying Warden 200 German Crowns on account of the two brass guns which he suppliedThe approbation of the Government of India of the ‘gallantry’ with which the attack on Aden by ‘a large body of Arabs’ on 5 July 1840 was repulsedHaines reporting that he has ordered the Elphinstoneto return to Aden for subsequent despatch to the Persian Gulf, and the Government of Bombay referring him to previous instructions for the detention of the Elphinstoneat Mocha during the ‘present settled state of affairs’, for the protection of British interests in that areaThe crediting of money raised from the sale of goods recovered from the barque Duria Dowlut, which was wrecked at Aden in 1837, to the Government of MadrasThe political state of affairs in the neighbourhood of AdenMeasures taken by the Political Agent at Aden to counteract attempts to establish French influence on the eastern coast of AfricaOvertures from the King of Shoa [Shewa] to establish friendly relations with the British Government, and the question of whether or not it would be advisable to send a British mission to ShoaHaines’s opinion on the strength and description of the force required to proceed into the interior from AdenThe Government of Bombay informing the Government of India that it is impossible at present for it equip a force of the strength and description considered necessary by the British authorities at Aden, for an attack on Lahedge [Lahej].The correspondence is mainly between Haines and the Government of Bombay, and between the Government of Bombay and the Officiating Secretary to the Government of India.Other correspondents include: Captain Sanders, Commander of the Honourable Company’s sloop of war Cliveand Senior Naval Officer at Aden; Lieutenant Richard Ethersey, Commander of the Elphinstone; Lieutenant W Barker, Commander of the Euphrates; the King of Shoa; and Reverend F L Karff.The enclosures also include copies of commercial treaties entered into, in September 1840, between the East India Company and the following: the Governor of Zeyla [Zeila], Syed Mahomed bar [Sayyid Muḥammad Barr]; and the Governor of Mocha, Sherriff Hussein bin ali bin Hydar al Hassenee [Sharīf Ḥusayn bin 'Alī bin Ḥaydar].Physical description: 1 item (106 folios)
45. Aden Affairs
- Description:
- 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 54 of 1843, dated 18 July 1843. The enclosures are numbered 3-43 and are dated 21 March to 17 July 1843.The enclosures mostly consist of correspondence, minutes of the Governor of Bombay subscribed to by the Board, and audits of disbursements, relating to affairs of Aden and the Northeast African coast. They concern matters including:The Political Agent at Aden, Stafford Bettesworth Haines, reporting that relations between the Arab tribes in the neighbourhood of Aden continue to be ‘tranquil’, that supplies into Aden are plentiful, and that the three convicts who escaped from confinement had not yet been apprehendedHaines reporting the return of the Honourable Company’s brig of war Tigrisfrom Zanzibar and the north-east coast of Africa, and submitting a report by the commander of the Tigris, Lieutenant William Christopher, of his proceedingsThe approval of the Governor of Bombay in Council of Christopher’s proceedingsThe Government of Bombay enquiring of the Government of India whether there is any objection to the Government of Bombay publishing a portion of the journal which would promote commerce with the places at which Christopher ‘met with a friendly reception’Haines making a requisition on the Senior Naval Officer at Aden, Lieutenant Young, for the services of one of the Honourable Company’s vessels of war to proceed to Mussowah [Massawa or Mitsiwa], and from there to visit all ports along the Northeast African coast as far as Bunder Gassim [Bosaso]The proposal of the Governor of Bombay in Council, George Arthur, for the reduction of the Garrison at Aden by the withdrawal to Bombay of the detachment of the 16th Regiment Native Infantry, without reliefHaines submitting the names of persons who have received grants of land for building upon at Aden, his opinion that those people are hesitant to erect permanent buildings until a final decision has been passed by Government regarding the camp limits at Aden, and his proposals for the amount of Quit Rent to be leviedAn investigation by Haines into the conduct of the Aden Police Jemedar [Jemadar], and a party of Police, resulting in the Jemedar being found not guilty of theft, but guilty of assault on the Duffedar [Dafadar] of the Poona [Pune] Auxiliary Horse, Bahadoor Singh [Bahādur Singh], and the opinion of the Governor of Bombay in Council on the punishment which should have been imposed on the JemedarAudits by the Civil Auditor, Bombay, Edward Eden Elliot, on the disbursements of the Political Agent at Aden during the periods May to October 1841, 1 November 1841 to 31 January 1842, and 1 February to 31 April 1842The Government of Bombay commenting on certain items in Haines’s disbursements and cautioning him to limit his expenditure on the entertainment of different ‘Chiefs’ visiting Aden, and on presents given to visiting ‘Chiefs’, as much as possibleHaines being informed by the Government of Bombay that it does not approve of the tone of a letter from him, in which he provides an explanation for expenditure on the entertainment of ‘Chieftains’ visiting Aden, and on presents for themHaines’s explanation, requested by the Government of Bombay, for debiting to Government 250 Rupees per month for the salary of Shaik Tyeb Ibrahimjee [Shaikh Ṭayyib Ibrāhīmjī, also spelled Sheikh Tyeb Ibramjee in this item] during the period he was employed as Coal Agent at Aden, and also charging to Government the same rate of salary when Shaik Tyeb Ibrahimjee was sent by Haines to Maculla [Mukalla] to purchase provisions.The main correspondents are the following: Haines; the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, L R Reid; the Secretary to the Government of Bombay, John Pollard Willoughby; Lieutenant William Christopher, commanding the Honourable Company’s brig of war Tigris; and HM Consul and Honourable Company’s Agent in the Dominions of the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat, Captain Atkins Hamerton. Other correspondents include Seid ibn Sultan [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Imaum of Muscat.Physical description: 1 item (219 folios)
46. Aden Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 36 of 1856, dated 12 May 1856. The enclosures are dated 9 April-10 May 1856.The papers concern events on the north east coast of Africa, as reported to the Government of Bombay by Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan, Political Resident at Aden. They specifically cover the following matters:Reports by Raffaello Barroni, Agent to Walter Chichele Plowden, HM Consul in Abyssinia [now Ethiopia], of disorder alleged to be fostered by the Governor of Mussowah [Massawa] and the resultant plunder carried out by Egyptian soldiers in nearby Abyssinian provinces, and the trafficking of prisoners taken by Egyptian troops on the ‘slave market’ at MussowahProceedings relating to Haj Shermarkie [Ḥājjī Sharmārkī ‘Alī Ṣāliḥ, also spelled Shermarkay and Shurmarkie in this item], the deposed Governor of Zailah [Saylac, or Zeila, Somalia, also spelled Zeylah in this item], including: Coghlan’s deputation of his assistant, Lieutenant Robert Lambert Playfair, to travel on the HC [Honourable Company’s] steam vessel Queento investigate Shermarkie’s alleged ‘piracy’ and attempts to blockade and re-take Zailah; Playfair’s account of his visits to the coastal ports of Zailah, Ain Tarad [El Darad, or Ceel Dhaarand], Berbera and Tajourah [Tadjoura], including a description of the mediation he conducted on board the Queenbetween the mutually hostile Shermarkie and the new Governor of Zeylah, Haj Aboo Bekr bin Ibrahim [Ḥājjī Abū Bakr bin Ibrāhīm, also spelled Aboo Bukur Dunklee in this item]; and the offer of asylum at Aden to Haj Shermarkie on condition that he does not leave without permission from the Political Resident or use Aden as a base to organise further attacks on ZailahThe trade in enslaved persons in Zailah and Tajourah and Playfair’s opinion that it will never be suppressed unless British vessels have permission to search Turkish [Ottoman] vessels at sea and land enslaved persons on shore.Coghlan also reports on the water shortages at Aden, reduced water allowances, and continuing efforts to improve the water supply.The principal correspondents are Coghlan and the Government of Bombay. Coghlan’s despatches contain numerous enclosures including letters and reports from: Playfair; Barroni; the Governor of Yemen; and Haj Shermarkie (letters written in September 1855, in which Shermarkie complains of his recent deposition and reminds Coghlan of his previous acts of loyalty towards Britain).Physical description: 1 item (24 folios)
47. Aden Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 33 of 1856, dated 28 April 1856. The enclosures are dated 14-26 April 1856.The enclosures comprise copies of reports and correspondence relating to the deployment of the HC [Honourable Company’s] sloop of war Elphinstoneand steamship Queento the Arabian and African Red Sea coasts, targeted at intimidating insurgent forces and quelling disturbances in: Mecca and Juddah [Jeddah, also spelled Jedda and in this item]; Hodeida [Al Hudaydah, also spelled Hodeidah in this item]; Mussowa [Massawa, also spelled Massowah and Massowa in this item]; and Zeylah [Saylac, or Zeila, Somalia].The papers notably include:Letters and reports by Captain John James Frushard, Indian Navy, Senior Naval Officer, Aden, on the Elphinstoneto: Stephen Page, HM Acting Vice-Consul and Officiating Agent at Judda, requesting Page to forward any proclamation made by the British Government and the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire abolishing the trade in enslaved persons in the Hedjaz [Hejaz]; Camil Pacha [Muḥammad Kāmil Pāshā, also written Mehmed Kiamil Pacha in this item] Governor of the Hejaz, announcing his arrival at Juddah to assist in quelling the disturbances in Mecca; William Marcus Coghlan, Political Resident, Aden, describing proceedings of the Elphinstoneand Queenat Hodeida and with Mahmud Pasha, Governor of Hodeida, against the Assyr [‘Asīr tribe], and reporting the small French presence in the Red Sea portsLetters and reports by Lieutenant G N Adams, Indian Navy, Commanding the Queen, to Coghlan and Rear Admiral Sir Henry John Leeke, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy, reporting his proceedings at Mocha and Hodeida, Juddah, and Mussowa, including conditions on board ship and running aground on the way to AdenLeeke’s commendation of Frushard and Adams, notably for their ‘zeal and energy’ which saved Hodeida from being ‘cruelly murdered and robbed’ (f 146) by the AssyrCoghlan’s instructions that the Queenconvey the Assistant Political Resident, Lieutenant Robert Lambert Playfair, to Zeylah to investigate reports that Haj Shermarkay [Ḥājjī Sharmārkī ‘Alī Ṣāliḥ], former Ruler of Zeylah, has blockaded the port and committed acts of ‘piracy’ in the vicinity, and to take any necessary action to prevent the interruption of supplies.The principal correspondents are: Coghlan, Frushard, Adams and Leeke.Physical description: 1 item (19 folios)
48. Aden Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 28 of 1856, dated 16 April 1856. The enclosures are dated 12 March-16 April 1856.The enclosures comprise copies of reports and letters forwarded by Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan, Political Resident in Aden, and Coghlan’s correspondence with the Government of Bombay. They chiefly relate to the deployment of the HC [Honourable Company’s] sloop of war Elphinstoneand steamship Queento the Arabian and African Red Sea coasts, targeted at intimidating insurgent forces and quelling disturbances in: Mecca and Judda [Jeddah, also spelled Jedda in this item]; Hodeida [Al Hudaydah]; and Mussowah [Massawa, also spelled Massowah and Massowa in this item].They specifically cover:The uprising led by the ‘rebel’ Shereff of Mecca, Aboo Montallib [Sharīf ‘Abd al-Muṭṭalib bin Ghālib bin Musā‘ad], purportedly in protest at the abolition of the slave trade by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire; the Shereff’s alleged intention to attack and plunder Judda; the Shereff’s retreat to Taief [Taif, also spelled Tayf in this item] with his followers and his desertion by them after an engagement with Ottoman soldiers; the re-establishment of order in Judda and Mecca; and the prospective arrival of the new Shereff of Mecca, Ebu Aoun [Muḥammad bin ‘Abd al-Mu‘īn bin ‘Awn]The unsuccessful attempt of the Assyr [‘Asīr tribe, also spelled Asseer in this item] to attack the ports of Hodeida and Mocha in order to drive the Turks [Ottoman local authorities] from Yemen, and then to attack Aden, including: the retreat of British merchants and their families to the safe harbour of Ras Majarmla [Ra’s Mujamilah]; the approach of the Assyr ‘in great numbers’ (f 75) at Hodeida; the arrival of the Elphinstoneand Queenat Hodeida; the defence of the port organised by the Governor of Hodeida (without British help); the retreat of the Assyr due to sickness and inadequate provisions; and the rumoured death from cholera of the leaders and up to 10,000 members of the Assyr forceAn uprising in Mussawah said to be caused by the violent and oppressive policies of the authorities, and its abatement following the arrival of the Elphinstoneand the mediation of the deputy Governor of Mussawah with the ‘rebels’.This item also covers: the logistics of organising the return of the Elphinstoneand Queento Mussawah, Judda and Hodeida in April to avert renewed disturbances at those places; intelligence received by Coghlan, from the Government of Bombay, of certain ‘Sumalee’ [Somali] and Arab individuals employed by the Political Agency ‘who are not to be depended upon’ and if not closely watched would ‘betray their employers to the Asseer [‘Asīr] Arabs, who are approaching in the direction of Aden’ (f 101); and Coghlan’s assertion that all land entrances to Aden are secured and known ‘traitorous’ individuals are being watched.The principal correspondents are: Coghlan; the Government of Bombay; Captain John James Frushard, Indian Navy, Senior Naval Officer, Aden, on the HC ship Elphinstone; Stephen Page, HM Acting Vice-Consul and Officiating HC Agent at Judda; and Lieutenant G N Adams, Indian Navy, Commanding the HC steamship Queen.Physical description: 1 item (38 folios)