Abstract: The volume consists of a summary of the original journal of William Keeling concerning the Third Voyage of the East India Company to India, 1607-10. The summary was probably drawn up by an East India Company scribe in London. The extracts relate to Keeling's service as Captain successively of the
Dragon, 1607-08, and the
Hector, 1608-09. Keeling instructed the
Dragonto set sail for England on 23 November 1608 (folio 4).The two ships concerned were the
Dragon[full title the
Red Dragon]: voyage to Bantam, 1607-09 (Captain William Keeling, later Gabriell Towerson), and
Hector:voyage to Surat and Bantam (Captain William Hawkins, later William Keeling), 1607-10.The
Dragonleft the Downs on 12 April 1607; reached Saldania [Saldanha, Cape of Good Hope] on 17 December 1607, anchored at Abderacaria [Abd al Kuri, Socotra] on 25 April 1608, was at Priaman [Pariaman, Indonesia] in July 1608, and was at Bantam [Banten, Indonesia] from October to November 1608. The
Hectorwas at Banda [the Banda Islands] from February 1608 [New Style date February 1609] to August 1609, and at Bantam from August to October 1609.Note on front cover: '12 March 1606/7. Dragon, Consent, Hector' and '1606/7. 3Voyage' (folio 2).Inscribed: 'The princepall notes of the third voyadge [sic] to the East Indies by William Keelinge [Keeling] Governor Begunne the 12th of March Ann. Domino 1607' (folio 3).The summary covers: general navigational information; winds; the provisioning of the ship; descriptions of trading activity; commodities traded (especially pepper, spices, and cloth); references to Dutch trading activity; and general remarks.The decision to establish an English factory at Bantam, with Augustine Spaulding as Chief Factor, is described on folio 5.The dates of the entries (where indicated) are Old Style (Julian calendar).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 12; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The file consists of a printed volume regarding the field notes on Mesopotamia. The volume was prepared on behalf of the General Staff, India and printed by the Superintendent Government Printing, India.The volume is divided into the following chapters:I. History.II. Geography.III. Population.IV. Resources.V. Notes on the Turkish Army.VI. Maritime.VII. Administration.VIII Communications; Routes in Mesopotamia.The volume also contains a number of appendices: A. Important personages; B. Table of Distances (in miles); C. Weights, Measures, Currency, Chronology; D. Some notes for officers proceeding to Mesopotamia; Glossary of Terms.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 169; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The volume comprises hand written letters, notes, typed correspondence and printed reports relating to the proposed adoption of a distinctive Kuwait flag and certificates of nationality for marine craft belonging to Shaikh Mobarak [Shaikh Mubārak bin Ṣabāḥ Āl Ṣabāḥ] or his subjects. Further discussion surrounds the inscription of 'Koweit' in Roman script as well as Arabic script and the concerns of Shaikh Mobarak over this in the context of strained relations between Persia and Turkey. Shaikh Mobarak requested that Britain guarantee him protection against the Ottomans. The result was the continued use of the Turkish flag with Kuwait inscribed in Arabic letters, to illustrate the Shaikh's 'quasi-independence'. Correspondence discusses the concern of the Ruler of Kuwait over the ability of the British to protect him from the Ottoman Government and the special agreement between the British Government and the Shaikh of Koweit [Kuwait] which imposed certain restrictions on the Shaikh whilst implying a British guarantee of protection of Kuwait's territorial integrity. The correspondence discusses the relative merits of adopting the British flag and the inscription of the Muslim declaration of faith on the flag flown by the Shaikh in front of his palace. Correspondence in 1924 discusses the procedure of flying the flag of Kuwait on HM Ships when receiving a visit from the Shaikh of Kuwait.The principal correspondents in the volume include: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, Sir Louis Dane; the Political Agent at Kuwait, Stuart George Knox, and later James Carmichael More; the Second Assistant to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Viceroy; the Secretary of State for India, John Morley; the HM Ambassador to Constantinople, Nicholas O'Conor; the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Edward Grey; the Naval Commander in Chief, East Indies Station.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 57; 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 3-42; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The volume mainly comprises printed reports for each month from January to August 1909 entitled 'Memoranda of information received during the month of ... relating to affairs in Persia, and the Arabian shore of the Persian Gulf'. The memoranda are dated and despatched by the Officiating Deputy Secretary to the Government of India (L W Reynolds). Also included in the file are letters of instruction from Deputy Secretary to the Government of India to the Political Agent, Kuwait, emphasising the confidential nature of the reports and with instructions on the procedure of transfer and acknowledgement to be followed by successive Political Agents. Also included in the file are letters of receipt from the Political Agent, Kuwait (William Henry Irving Shakespear; Stuart George Knox; William George Grey).Each memorandum includes a table of contents. Topics covered in the memoranda include:Abu Musa and Hormuz red oxide concessionArabistan, Ahwaz-Borasjun and Khaf-Seistan telegraph linesappointment of an Italian agent at Muscatarms traffic in the Persian Gulfdhows arbitration awardinsecurity of Persian trade routesKarun irrigation projectLighting and buoying in the Persian Gulfmurder of subjects of Chief of Abu DhabiNajd affairsPerso-Aghan relationsPersian deputation to RussiaProposed loans to local rulersRelations with the Shaikh of Mohammerah and the Bakhtiari khansRiots and disturbances in Persiaroad concessionsShaikh of Kuwait's properties at FaoTour of Consul-General, MeshedPhysical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 89; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The volume mainly comprises printed reports for each month from October 1905 to December 1908 entitled 'Memoranda of information received during the month ... regarding external affairs relating to the Persian Gulf, Muscat and Arabian shore of the Persian Gulf'. The memoranda are dated and despatched from the Foreign Department of the Government of India.Topics covered in the memoranda include:arms trade at Muscat with Afghansproposed appointment of Italian consul at MuscatMuscat trade reportpiracy committed on a dhow near KuwaitNajd affairs and relations with the Ruler of Najd (Ibn Sa'ud)mining of red oxide on Abu Musa and Sirri islandsovercrowding of pilgrim ships in the Persian Gulfquarantine arrangements for the Persian Gulfpearling industry in the Persian Gulfnative dhows at Lingah flying the German flaglighting in the Persian Gulfinstallation of wireless telegraphy on vessels in the Persian GulfThe file ends with an acknowledgement by the Political Agent, Kuwait (William George Grey) of receipt of the Memoranda of Affairs from the Political Agent, Kuwait (William Henry Irvine Shakespear).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 65; 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 1-64; these numbers are also written in pencil but, where circled, are crossed through.
Abstract: The file comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to a the sinking of SS
Dahpuin Muscat harbour.Issues discussed include:Claims for compensationThe effect of the wreck of the
Dahpuon anchorage in Muscat harbourAttempt at salvage of the wreck of SS
DahpuThe sinking of the wreck to remove any hazard to shipping.The principal correspondents in the file are: the Political Agent, Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Commander in Chief, East Indies Station; Secretary to the Government of India, External Affairs Department; the Naval Intelligence Centre, Colombo; the Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf; and the Sultan of Muscat (Sa‘īd bin Taymūr).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 90; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Journal of the voyage of the
Nassaufrom England to Persia, Bombay, and Suratt [Surat], and back (Captain John Lloyd), 1694-1696. The
Nassauwas at Gombroon [Bandar Abbas] from 30 January to 11 February 1695.The volume is inscribed with the single word 'John' on folio 4.The Journal consists of daily entries recording navigational information, winds, weather, contact with English ships, sightings of other vessels, commodities carried (especially when the ship was lying at Gombroon, folios 45-48), deaths of crewmembers, and general remarks.The Journal employs astrological symbols to indicate the days of the week.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 74; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The volume includes a sequence of blank pages, ff 75-93, which have not been digitised.
Abstract: Journal of the voyage of the East India Company ship
Hindfrom Surat to Macao, and then back towards Surat (Master William Broadbent), 1644-45 (dates given are for arrival unless otherwise indicated): left Swalow Hole [Suvali, Surat], 26 April 1644; 2 May 1644, Goa; 13 June 1644, Poolagar; 7 August 1644, Mackow [Macao]; 12 August 1644, wintered at the Islands of Don John [Typa Anchorage, Macao], 4 November 1644, Mokow [Macao]; 20 December 1644, Malaca [Malacca]; 5 January 1644 [Old Style]/5 January 1645 [New Style], sighted the island of Nicobar.Parts of earlier covers are preserved on folios 4-5. They include text in various hands. That on folio 4 is inscribed 'Company's Ship Hind', and lists the main places covered by the journal. That on folio 5 is inscribed 'Richard Mathew['s] Journall Begunne Apr [April] 1644'.The journal contains regular entries, dated at the top centre of each page. The left hand margin contains runs of readings of latitude, longitude, and variation, and occasional notes. There are also frequent sketches of coastlines seen from the sea, with settlements and buildings indicated, and descriptive text below.The journal records: navigational information; winds; weather; sea conditions; the provisioning of the ship; and sightings of other vessels.The journal employs Old Style (Julian calendar) dates.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 28; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The volume contains three fragments of journals for three different ships:
Hopewell,
Hinde[
Hind] and
Faulcon[
Falcon]. Between each set of journal entries are several blank pages.The order of the journals that appear in the volume are as follows:Journal on
Hopewell(10 December 1641-30 November 1643) (folios 4-33)Journal on
Hind(26 April 1644-22 June 1644) (folios 34-50)Rough journal on
Falcon(25 September 1645-16 October 1649) (folios 51-74).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 78; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Journal of the voyage of the East India Company ship
Williamfrom England to Swally (various spellings) [Surat] and Batavia [Jakarta] (various spellings) (Captain Christopher Brown), 1626-29 (dates given are for arrival unless otherwise indicated): left the Downes [Downs], 16 April 1626; 30 July 1626, Johaney [Anjouan]; 3 October 1626, Surat; 27 May 1627, Batavia; 17 December 1627, left Surat; 6 January 1627 [New Style date 6 January 1628] Comerrone [Bandar Abbas]; 24 February 1627 [New Style date 24 February 1628], Surat; 12 April 1628, left for England; 2 September 1628, Baye of Saldaney [Saldanha Bay]; 28 January 1628 [New Style date 28 January 1629], the Downs.The title on the original front cover (folio 2) is only partly legible. It indicates that the journal was compiled by Andrew Warden.The journal contains regular dated entries, with navigational readings and notes in the left hand margin.The journal records: navigational information; winds; weather; sightings of other vessels; and general remarks.The journal includes a description of a joint attack on Bumbaye [Bombay/Mumbai] by English and Dutch ships on 15 October 1627. The attack resulted in the capture of the fort, castle, and town, and the removal of all the best commodities (folio 13).The journal employs Old Style (Julian calendar) dates.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 73; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The volume includes a sequence of blank pages, ff 57-71, which have not been digitised. Pagination: the file also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Journal of the voyage of the East India Company ship
Phoenix(spelled 'Phenix' throughout the record) from England to Borneo, and back (Captain John Carswell), 10 December 1704-17 September 1708 (dates given are for arrival unless otherwise indicated): left the Downes [Downs], 5 January 1704 [Old Style]/5 January 1705 [New Style]; 7 May 1795, Cape of Good Hope; 25 June 1705, Johana [Anjouan]; 29 July 1705, Gomorun [Bandar-e ʻAbbās]; 7 December 1705, Batavia [Jakarta]; 19 January 1705 [Old Style]/19 January 1706 [New Style], Banjare [Banjarmasin]; 28 April 1706, Tonborneo [Tomborneo]; 15 August 1706, Banjarmasin; 1 January 1706 [Old Style]/1 January 1707 [New Style], Madura [Madura Island, Indonesia]; 11 April 1707, Batavia; 26 October 1707, Cape of Good Hope; 24 December 1707, St Hellena [Saint Helena]; 14 April 1708, Lisbone [Lisbon]; 12 September 1708, St Helens [Portsmouth].The ship was at Bandar Abbas from 29 July to 30 August 1705; at Banjarmasin and Tomborneo from 19 January 1705/6 to 3 December 1706; at Madura from 1 January 1706/7 to 4 April 1707; and at Batavia from 11 April to 26 July 1707.Inscribed: 'This is my Original Journall the Phenix, Jno. Carswell' (folio 1).Marked: 'Recd [Received] y. 2. Novemb. [2 November] 1708' (folio 1).The journal records: navigational information (including runs of latitude readings in the left hand margin); weather; sea conditions; references to the ships with which the
Phoenixsailed in convoy; the provisioning and maintenance of the ship; sightings of seabirds; cargoes carried (especially cloth at Bandar-e ʻAbbās, and bricks, pepper, and tea on Borneo); sightings of other (particularly Dutch) vessels; and reports of the deaths of crew members from disease.Also included are a brief description of the island of Anjouan (folio 25); an account of a clash with local people at Madura, which resulted in the apparent murder of a number of members of the ship's crew (folios 71-72); references to the destruction of the Company's factory at Banjarmasin in 1707 (folio 80); and sketches of coastline, including Java, Madura, and Crocatore [Krakatoa] (folio 129).The journal also includes a note (folio 5a) dated January [circa 1740?] referring to another ship named 'Phenix' [
Phoenix], Master, David Arthur, bound to Barbadoes [Barbados] with a cargo of slaves. The note lists a number of contemporary events.The journal is double-dated where applicable, giving both Old Style (Julian calendar) and New Style (Gregorian calendar) dates.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 133; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This volume consists of a journal recording the voyage of the East India Company ship
Princess Louisa, from England to Mocha and Bombay, and back to England. The entries are dated 29 August 1733 to 26 April 1735. The Captain of the ship was Richard Pinnell.The entries start from 29 August 1733 when the ship was at Deptford, after which it anchored at Gravesend on 24 September 1733, and in the Downs on 31 October 1733. The journal also records the ship anchoring at the following places: Table Bay (16 February to 7 March 1733/34); Mocha (9 May to 23 July 1734); Bombay (9 August to 12 September 1734); Cochin (22 to 25 September 1734); Table Bay and Cape Bona Esprance [Cape of Good Hope] (11 to 26 December 1734); St Helena (12 to 29 January 1734/35); and the Downs (14 April 1735). (Both Old Style and New Style dates are given.)Entries for when the ship was at sail (from 5 November 1733, when the ship was in the Downs Channel, onwards) consist of tables recording the following: hours (H), knots (K), fathoms (F), the course of the ship, wind direction, weather, and observations and transactions. The observations and transactions mostly consist of the following: wind and other weather conditions; sightings of, and encounters with, other ships; sightings of land; the course of the ship; and birds and fish observed and caught.Entries for when the ship was in port mainly record: wind and other weather conditions; actions performed by the crew; the arrival of other ships; and cargo being unloaded from, and loaded onto, the ship (including chests of treasure, and iron and steel being unloaded from the ship, and bales of coffee being received on the ship, when the ship was at Mocha).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 133; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The volume includes a sequence of blank pages, ff 113-132, which have not been digitised.