Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-5 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 9 February 1852. The enclosures are dated 3 September-19 November 1852.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Persia [Iran] and Afghanistan, including:Persian [Iranian] threats to re-take control of Bender Abbass [Bandar Abbas] from the Imam of MuscatPersian claims on Mohammera [Khorramshahr] and negotiations with the Ottoman Empire over their rights ‘to collect taxes and maintain soldiers’ thereOther events related to Persian-Ottoman border disputes, including the construction of an Ottoman fort at Katoor [Qotur] and Persian occupation of the island of Mehalleh [Minu] in the Shat ool Arab [Shatt al-Arab]Clashes between the Governor of Asterabad [Gorgon] and the Turkoman population of the province, including the damming of rivers to divert water away from Turkoman areasThe appointment of the Shah’s brother [‘Abbās Mīrzā Mulk Ārā Qājār] as Governor of Koom [Qom]An application to the Persian Government for redress after a British subject travelling from Lingah [Bandar Lengeh] to Muscat aboard a Persian ship was beaten and robbed by the crew because he was JewishReported intrigues against Syed Mahomed Khan [Sayyid Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy, Governor of Herat] and attempts to persuade him to accept Persian sovereigntyThe pillaging of Ghorian [Ghurian] and capture of its Governor by forces of the Sheikh of Merve [Merv]Restrictions and increased tariffs on exports from Bushire [Bushehr], particularly of wheat and horses, imposed by the Governor, and British complaints to the Persian Government (particularly after the seizure of a British vessel) leading to the Governor being summoned to TehranThe removal of Meerxa Tekkee Khan [Mīrzā Taqī Khān Farāhānī, also known as Amīr Kabīr], the Ameer Nizam [Amir-e Nezam], as Prime Minister, and the appointment of Meerza Aghan Khan [Mīrzā Āqā Khān Nūrī], the Itimad-ood-Dowleh [I‘timād al-Dawlah].The primary correspondents are: the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia; HM Chargé d’Affaires, Persia; the Prime Minister of Persia; the Foreign Minister of Persia; the British Embassy, Constantinople [Istanbul]; and the Russian Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia.Physical description: 1 item (138 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 9 of 1847, dated 25 January 1847. The enclosure is dated 14 November 1846.The item comprises copies of despatches forwarded, for the information of the Government of Bombay and the Governor-General of India, by Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia [Iran], to Viscount Palmerston, HM Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with relevant enclosures.The papers cover the following matters:The assumption by Hajee Meerza Aghasee, [Ḥājī Mīrzā Āqāsī], Prime Minister to the Shah of Persia, of the office and duties of Minister of Foreign Affairs and concentration ‘in his own person the entire functions of Government’ (f 103)A scheme proposed by the Assof-ood Dawleh [Āṣaf al-Dawlah] of Herat and the Governor of Khorassan to replace the current ruler of Herat (Yah Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy]) with Shah Passend Khan [Shāh Pasand Khān], Sheil’s strong rejection of the proposal, the refusal of Hajee Meerza Aghassee to support it since it would aggrandize the Government of Khorassan [Khorasan], the apparent concern of Yar Mahomed’s followers, and the purported wish of Yar Mahomed to have a British Agent at Herat as a defence against the Assof-ood Dawleh’s ‘plots’ and the Persian GovernmentSheil’s scepticism with regard to the claims made by Cazee Mahomed Hassan [Qāḍī Muḥammad Ḥasan], based on the enquiries he made (on Sheil’s behalf) during a trip to Khiva, about the fate of a certain ‘Hajee Ahmed Ahmed Arab’ (f 109) said to be the missing Englishman Mr Wyburd [Lieutenant William Henry Wybard] and also about another English man and woman reportedly held captive in Khiva, and Sheil’s opinion that the Cazee’s true motive was employment by the British GovernmentThe report by Cazee Mahomed Hassan, recently returned from Khiva, that the Khan of Khiva is concerned about Russian progress towards his territory, advancing, he believes, from their fort at Minkishlak [Mangyshlak], near the Caspian Sea, and Sheil’s consideration that despite his doubts about the Cazee’s general truthfulness, the report may well be trueThe refusal of Hajee Meerza Aghassee to accede to the demands of Prince Dolgorouki [Prince Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorukov], Russian Minister in Tehran, for Persia to allow Russian ships of war into the Persian harbours in the Caspian Sea, especially Asterabad [Gorgon], and Sheil’s opinion that a peremptory refusal will elicit a very strong response from Russia. Included is a copy of Hajee Meerza Aghassee’s letter to Dolgorouki stating that the requests are contrary to Persia’s treaty with Russia (f 114-116)Reports of the Persian Government’s plans to send a large force to the disordered province of Khorassan, and Sheil’s opinion that the reasons are: to overthrow the Asaf-ood-Dowlah [Āṣaf al-Dawlah] whose power and reputation have ‘reached a height displeasing to the Shah and insupportable to his rival the Prime Minister’ (f 117); to quash Jafer Koolee Khan of Boojnoord [Jaʿfar Qulī Khān of Bojnord], a powerful ‘chief’ obedient to the Governor of Khorassan instead of the Shah, and a possible ally of Russia; and events rendering north eastern Persia vulnerable to Tekeh [Teke] and Goklan Toorkomans [people of Turkmenistan]Sheil’s communications to Lieutenant-Colonel Williams, British Commissioner at Erzeroom [Erzurum], and Hajee Meerza Aghassee, regarding finalization of the draft Treaty between Turkey [Ottoman Empire] and Persia, including: the Aghassee’s complaints that the Turkish guard ship in the Shat-al-Arab [Shatt al-Arab River] is preventing (Persian) merchant vessels from entering the port of Mohemmera [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] and diverting them to Bussorah [Basra] where they have to pay custom dues; and Sheil’s suspicion that his copy of the draft Treaty was purposely delayed by the Russian courier from Erzeroom.Physical description: 1 item (27 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 133 of 1846, dated 14 November 1846. The enclosure is dated 14 September 1846.The enclosure consists of a copy of a despatch, with enclosures, from Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia [Iran], to Viscount Palmerston, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, relating to affairs in Persia. The despatch is copied to the Governor and President in Council, Bombay, and the Governor-General of India, for information.The papers notably cover the following matters:Arrangements at Erzeroom [Erzurum] for finalising the Treaty between the governments of Persia and the Ottoman Empire, notably the insertion of a tenth article authorising the appointment of ministers of both governments to implement the Treaty terms after ratificationCompensation to be paid by the Ottoman Porte [Government] in reparation for the recent attack on Meerza Tekkee Khan [Mīrzā Taqī Khān Farāhānī], the Persian Minister at Erzeroom, and his servantsThe proposed arrangement between the Political Resident at Bushire [Bushehr] and the Governor of Fars to engage a British vessel of war against any ‘chiefs’ of the Persian shores of the Gulf coast who commit ‘aggressions’ against British subjects or commerceSheil’s enquiries to the Khuleefa of Merve [Khalifah of Merv] relating to the fate of Mr Wyburd [William Henry Wybard]The mortality caused by the cholera outbreak in TehranIntelligence received by Sheil of: the arrival in Tehran of a dissident of Herat who wishes to persuade the Asef-ood-Dowleh [Āṣaf al-Dawlah], with the acquiescence of the Persian Government, to attack Herat; and the confederacy of opposition forming in Meshed [Mashhad] against Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān], Ruler of HeratThe Persian Government’s complaints regarding another violation of its territory by members of the Bilbass [Belbās or Bilbas] tribe of Turkish Koords [Kurds] in the south-west extremity of Azerbijan [Azerbaijan]The remonstrations of the Persian Government against the Turkish [Ottoman] vessel of war anchored near Mohemmera [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] to ‘molest Persian commerce by forcing vessels bound to that port to proceed to Bussorah [Basra]’ (f 103)The improbability of the Persian Government’s orders for the removal from Kermanshah of Abdoollah Beg, Chief of the Sheref Bainees [‘Abdullāh Beg, leader of the Sharaf Baynī] being enacted due to the inaccessibility of that territory.Physical description: 1 item (21 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 47 of 1856, dated 25 June 1856. The enclosures are dated 22 April-13 May 1856.The enclosures comprise copies of despatches sent by Richard W Stevens, HM Consul in Tehran, to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copies of which are forwarded for the information of the Government of Bombay and the Government of India. The despatches chiefly relate to the Persian [Iranian] military campaign against Herat, notably:Intelligence that the Persian Army of Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza [Prince Sulṭān Murād Mīrzā] defeated the Heratees in a battle at Ghorian [Ghurian] which is now garrisoned by the Persian ArmyThe apparent plan of the Shah [Shāh] of Persia to also conquer Kandahar [also spelled Candahar in this item] where there is purported opposition to Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], and the order of a detachment of Persian troops to Kandahar via Seistan [Sistan]Unverified intelligence received from the news-writer at Meshed [Mashhad] that the brother of the Ruler of Herat, Mahommed Youssuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf], and Essau Khan [ʻĪsá Khān], the anti-Persian vizier of Herat, have arranged terms of surrender with Sultan Moorad MeerzaIntelligence received from an Italian officer (ff 395-396) whose brother is attached to the Persian Army of Herat, alleging: Essau Khan’s defection to the Persians; the surrender of Herat due to scarcity of provisions; the garrisoning of Herat on the orders of the Shah; the poor condition of the Persian Army; and the agreement of the Heratees to all of Persia’s terms apart from the permanent occupation of Herat. (The copy of the original intelligence is in Italian, with an English translation. A duplicate of the Italian letter and translation is in IOR/L/PS/5/487, ff 426-436, ff 430-432)Intelligence brought to Tehran by the post-master of Semnaan [Semnan] claiming that Persian regular troops had entered Herat, the postponement of celebrations in Tehran following reports that the news was false, and punishment of the messengerReports in Tehran that Essau Khan in fact discovered Mahommed Youssuf in secret talks with the Persian Commander, ousted him in a coup, expelled him to the Persian camp ironically offering him as peeshkesh [peshkash, a fine or a present to the ruling authority on receiving an appointment or assignment of revenue], and did not surrender to the Persians.The item also covers the following matters:Russia’s expression of friendship for Persia by withdrawal of protection to the family of a Russian subject who died in Persia last year owing the Persian Government half a million tomansThe Persian prime minister’s intention to spread anti-English propaganda, in Bokhara [Bukhara], Khiva and Afghanistan, following the Ottoman Sultan’s firman placing his ‘non-Mussulman’ [non-Muslim] subjects on equal footing with ‘Mahommedans’ [Muslims] (referring to the Treaty of Paris March 1856 in which an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, France and Sardinia ended the Crimean War with Russia)Intelligence from Asterabad [Gorgan] of the murder of the Khan of Khiva by a group of Turcomans [Turkmen] of the Yamoot [Yomut] tribe, and fighting between Yamoots and Yoozbegs [Uzbeks] potentially leaving Khiva vulnerable to Russian ‘designs’The circulation in Tehran of an article originally printed by a Persian-language newspaper in Bombay [Mumbai], and Stevens’s assertion that only a complete retraction by the Persian Government of the ‘unfounded accusations’ and ‘calumnious statement’ contained in it will repair the ‘injurious effect’ (f 387) on Britain’s image.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 24 of 1847, dated 12 March 1847. The enclosure is dated 14 January 1847.The item comprises copies of despatches forwarded, for the information of the Governor-General of India, by Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia [Iran], to Viscount Palmerston, HM Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with relevant enclosures.The papers cover a number of matters, notably including:1) Sheil’s advice to Major Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in Bushire [Bushehr], not to admit the claim of an Indian-Persian merchant to be considered a British subject, since his motive is likely to be the evasion of legal customs duties and because acquiescence would cause conflict with the Persian [Iranian] authorities.2) An arrangement concluded by Hennell with the Governor of Fars for the employment of British ships of war for the redress of grievances committed against British subjects in the Persian ports of the Persian Gulf, and the extension of similar protection to Persian subjects.3) Following instructions from Palmerston, Sheil’s attempt to offer the Ameer of Bokhara [Amir of Bukhara] a ransom of 15,000 tomans for the surrender of Colonel Stoddart, Captain Connolly and Lieutenant W H Wyburd [William Henry Wybard] at either Meshed [Mashhad] or Merve [Merv], including a copy of Sheil’s letter to the Ameer (ff 488-489) to be delivered via the ‘Khaleefa or Chief Priest’ at Merve and which is written to appear derived from the friends of the three men, not on behalf of the British Government4) An attempt made by Prince Dolgorukie [Prince Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorukov], Russian Minister in Tehran, to induce the Persian Government to issue a firman admitting Russian men of war vessels to the ‘back water of Enzellee [Bandar-e Anzali]’ (on the Caspian Sea), including copies of a letter from Dolgoroukie and the reply of Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājī Mīrzā Āqāsī, Prime Minister to the Shāh of Persia] which Sheil obtained from a ‘private source’ (ff 490-491).5) Sheil’s report of three incidents involving the use of torture – which had officially been abolished by a firman – and the protests made by both Sheil and Dolgoroukie and the actions taken in each case. The incidents relate to: a ‘barbarous act’ committed by Thamasp Meerza [Ṭahmāsp/Ṭahmāsb Mīrzā], a son of the late Shah and governor of a small district near Tabreez [Tabriz] named Binab, leading to his recall to Tehran; the apparent torture to death of a ‘Mahomedan’ [Muslim] servant of ‘a French adventurer named M. Ferrier’ suspected of robbing the latter’s house; and Sheil’s pecuniary punishment of two Mission staff for the methods they used to elicit confessions from persons suspected of robbing their houses.6) Intelligence from Meshed that Mahomed Akber Khan [Muḥammad Akbar Khān], son of Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy, Amīr of Afghanistan], has laid siege to Candahar [Kandahar] and applied for aid from Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān, ruler of Herat] (apparently because of the refusal of Kohendil Khan [Kuhandil Khān Muḥammadzā’ī, of Candahar] to join him in an attack on the English garrison at Shikarpore [Shikarpur]), and that their agents have arrived in Tehran apparently to seek Persian support against a supposed British invasion of Afghanistan.7) Following instructions from Palmerston, Sheil’s approach to the Government of Herat to ascertain its views on a closer relationship with England, including: a copy of a non-committal letter from Yar Mahomed Khan to Sheil (ff 500-501); a copy of Sheil’s letter to Yar Mahomed offering to send a member of the British Mission to Herat (ff 501-502); and Sheil’s report that the agent of Yar Mahomed claims the latter would not be averse to having an Englishman there, but that the anti-English feeling in Afghanistan currently makes this impossible.8) Sheil’s correspondence with Hajee Meerza Aghassee (ff 494-498) relating to his unsuccessful attempts to persuade the Persian ministers to agree to the suppression of the trade in enslaved persons in the Persian ports of the Persian Gulf, including the Shah’s refusal to commit to ‘a breach of the precepts of the Koran’ (f 494), and Aghassee’s claim that he himself supports abolition.9) Reports that five battalions (3000 men) have arrived in Tehran to form part of the force for the intended expedition to Khorassan [Khorasan], including: the planned objectives of the expedition in Asterabad [Gorgan], Boojnoord [Bojnord] and Kelat [Kalat]; and uncertainty regarding its command and the attendance of the Shah.10) A letter to Sheil from Meerza Kazim [Mīrzā Kāẓim], Agent of Hajee Meerza Aghassee at Meshed, regarding his investigations in Khorassan, Orgenjee [Urgench?], Bokhara, Herat, and Candahar, into the fate of the Englishman Mr Wyburd, ‘who gave himself the appellation and was known under the name of Hajee Ahmed’. Meerza Kazim encloses a letter from a merchant friend of his in Bokhara relating that ‘Hajee Ahmed’ arrived in Bokhara posing as an ‘Ottoman Turk’, stayed at the Court of the Ameer of Bokhara until the latter gave him to Naib Abdoos Semed Khan [Nā’ib ‘Abd al-Ṣamad Khān], and that at that man’s house he later hanged himself.Physical description: 1 item (23 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 21 dated 29 March 1856. The enclosures are dated 29 January-25 February 1856.The papers comprise:1) Copies of despatches of Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy to Persia [Iran], to the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, forwarded for information to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, with numerous enclosures. They cover subjects including the following:Reports in the
Tehran Gazetteof the capture of Candahar [Kandahar] by Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], and his purported plans to capture HeartReports of the movement of Persian military forces to Khorassan [Khorasan] and Persian plans to repel Dost Mahomed Khan at Herat and any British force in the southern provinces of PersiaPersian claims that the British Government has broken its agreement not to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, following the production of: letters intercepted by the ruler of Herat, Prince Mohammed Yousuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf Khān, Regent of Herat], purportedly sent by the British Mission to Dost Mahomed Khan, which Murray insists were forged in order to provide a pretext to send troops to Herat; and letters delivered to Richard Stevens, HM Consul in Tehran (for Murray), said to be from ‘several chiefs of the principal Heratee Tribes and factions’ (f 339) proposing to support Britain against Persia (ff 341-342), which Murray claims are also forgeriesA copy of a lengthy anonymous paper (ff 346-356), which Murray claims is a ‘scurrilous libel’ originating from the Persian Government, intended for publication in Europe alleging the: misdemeanors of individual British officials in Tehran leading to the recent break in diplomatic relations; the duplicitousness of the British Government towards Persia; and active British support of Dost Mahomed Khan regarding Candahar and HeratCopies of six of translated letters, forwarded to Murray by Stevens, originating from the Sudr Azem [Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam, Persian Prime Minister], to various officials near the Persian borders with Afghanistan instructing them to cooperate with the approaching Meer Alum Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān, also spelled Meer Allem Khan in this item] who has been ‘nominated to the post of protecting the boundary of Herat and certain other duties’ (f 358)Reports that the ruler of Herat has asked the Persian authorities at Meshed [Mashhad] to delay sending an army in the hopes of settling amicably with Dost Mahomed KhanMurray’s modification of the demands he deemed requisite for the restoration of diplomatic relations with the Persian Government, including an apology, drafted by Murray, which he requires to be signed by the ‘Mooshtehids and Moollahs’ [mujtahids and mullahs] withdrawing their ‘charges and accusations’ against him and the British Mission (f 333)Reports from the British Agent at Sheeraz [Shiraz] of an agreement concluded between the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat and Prince Governor of Fars regarding the port of Bender Abbass [Bandar Abbas], including the principal terms (f 338-339)2) A letter from Murray to the Governor-General of India stating his intention to remain at Tabreez [Tabriz] and his opinion that it may be necessary to remove troops from India for a foreign expedition against Persia in order to ‘ensure for [Britain] repose and respect for many years to come’ (f 365).3) Copies of despatches from Stevens to Murray, covering various matters including:Reports relating to Dost Mahomed Khan’s activities, intentions towards Herat and rumoured deathPersian claims that William Taylour Thomson, former British Envoy at Tehran, administered anti-Persian bribesA protest by Stevens regarding restrictions on British Indian subjects at Kirman [Kerman] and Yezd [Yazd] with regard to wool exports from those provincesA report that the Persian Government has attempted to delay Dost Mahomed Khan’s advance to Herat by creating an alliance with him against BritainPersian instructions to officials in eastern Persia inviting them to cooperate with and place troops at the disposal of Meer Alum Khan for duty on the frontiers and ‘other services’The arrival in Tehran of the first interpreter of the Persian Embassy at St Petersburgh [St Petersburg], bringing news of: the embassy’s financial needs; the request of the Persian ambassador to return to Persia; rumours, said to be false, of a Russian proposal for an alliance with Persia; economic hardship in Russia and the population’s desire for peace [Crimean War 1853-1856]; a rumour that Emperor Alexander wishes to meet the Shah in Tiflis [Tbilisi] next year; and rumours, suspected to be false, that the Russian Government promised the Persian Government monetary inducements to occupy Herat and CandaharIntelligence of the movement of Persian military forces to Shiraz intended for Bushire [Bushehr], Kermanshah, and Mohamura [Khorramshahr].4) Despatches from Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Acting Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, notably covering the following matters:Murray’s advice that Jones neither take any action following the ‘maritime outrage committed by the dependents of the Sheikh of Chaab’ (f 378) nor alienate the chiefs of any other Arab tribes in southern Persia, especially since Mohumrah [Khorramshahr] is a potential landing point for a British expeditionConcern of the Persian authorities at Shiraz at the appearance of the steam vessels
Victoriaand
Ajdahafrom Bombay, and Persia’s removal of their troops and armaments from the island of Karrack [Kharg, also known as Khark]The continuing dispute between the Imam of Muscat and Persian Government over Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas] and the alleged plans of the Imam to attack Karrack and Bushire, and to recruit mercenaries from Gulf Arab tribes and tribes in Mesopotamia [Iraq] subject to [Ottoman] TurkeyIntelligence from the British Agent at Shiraz on Persian military strength, and the strategy of the Prince Governor of Fars regarding BushireJones’s correspondence with Murray, the Governor of Bushire, and the Commodore of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf, to quell the alarm caused by recent British Squadron target practice exercises in the Bushire Roads.Physical description: 1 item (63 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 24 dated 2 April 1856. The enclosures are dated 29 February-24 March 1856.The papers comprise:1) Copies of despatches of Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy to Persia [Iran], at Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, forwarded for information to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, including relevant enclosures. They include the following matters:Intelligence that Persia has negotiated a commercial treaty with France and allegedly attempted to introduce a clause whereby police superintendence of Gulf commerce would in future be entrusted to France, and has a similar projected treaty with the United States of America, which Murray criticizes as proof of the ‘hypocritical semblance of friendship’ (f 444) of the Persian Prime MinisterClaims of the: disarray, weakness and mutinous disposition of the Persian Army; and the Persian Government’s unpopularity with the local populace, including reports of rebellions in Khorassan [Khorasan] and Isfahan against the central and local authoritiesA description of the state of affairs in Herat, including Murray’s assertions that: news of the seizure and occupation of Herat by Persian forces is entirely without foundation; the present ruler of Herat, Prince Mahomed Yoosuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf Khān, Regent of Herat], did not recover the throne with either aid from or the knowledge of Persia; Prince Yoosuf wishes to be independent but has probably solicited the support of the Persian Government in response to internal enemies and the advance of Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy]; Persia may use the situation to incite trouble in Afghanistan in order to divert troops from India to that area and has recruited influential inhabitants of Herat to promote the Shah’s capture of that town and Candahar [Kandahar]Intelligence regarding Persian military movements at Kirmanshah [Kermanshah] and the despatch of troops, guns and ammunition to the southern frontier of Persia.2) Copies of despatches from Richard Stevens, HM Consul at Tehran, to Murray, forwarded for information to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, with relevant enclosures. They cover a number of matters including the following:French and [Ottoman] Turkish concerns regarding Persian military movements and preparations in KermanshahReports and rumours of: Persian intentions to capture Herat in order to deflect Dost Mahommed Khan’s purported plans; Herat’s successful capture by Persian forces; and Persia’s intention to seize CandaharDetails of Persian military command appointments, for forces due to proceed to Affghanistan [Afghanistan], Mohamera [Khorramshahr], Seistan [Sistan] and Bushire [Bushehr] (f 457)News that the Persian Government has authorised Jean David to conclude a commercial treaty with Austria similar to that concluded last summer with France (f 467), and copy of a draft treaty he has been authorised to conclude with the United States of America (ff 458-465)Copy of a note containing the Persian Prime Minister’s instructions to the Persian Ambassador at St Petersburgh [St Petersburg] to ensure that Russia considers the situation of Persia during the [Crimean War, 1853-1856] peace negotiations with Britain (f 466)Substance of an article in the
Tehran Gazetteby the Persian Minister of Foreign Affairs accusing Britain of supporting Dost Mahomed Khan (ff 469-472); substance of a circular by the Persian Prime Minister addressed to all Foreign Missions explaining the reasons compelling Persia to adopt measures against Dost Mahomed Khan; and copies of twelve letters ostensibly from Affghan sirdars [Afghan leaders] professing their loyalty to the Shah and the Persian Government (ff 478-491)Copy of a letter which, Stevens states, the Persian Government ‘pretends was written by Mr Secretary Thomson to Syd Mahommed Khan [Sayyid Muḥammad Khān] of Herat’ apparently undermining the Persian Government and promoting British interests in Herat (ff 492-493).3) Copies of despatches of Commander James Felix Jones, Acting Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, maintaining that the steam vessels
Victoria,
Adjahaand the HC [Honourable Company] sloop of war
Cliveare required at Bushire considering the political situation with Persia.4) Copy of a despatch from the Secretary to the Government of India, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, indicating a reluctance to escalate the quarrel with Persia due to uncertainty regarding Persia’s true intentions in Afghanistan, and emphasising that until orders are received from the Secret Committee which show that the despatch of an expedition is called for by the British Government, the Government of Bombay should not comply with Mr Murray’s requisition for troops, but may however institute naval and military preparations for an expedition.Physical description: 1 item (61 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Meerut) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1838, dated 8 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 September 1837-7 February 1838.The primary correspondents are: Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling and other variations also used in this item].Enclosures 3-120 and 126-128 (ff 49-505 and ff 525-532) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this spelling and variations of ‘Ranjit’ also used in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshwar and Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and other political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s critical remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to Wade’s own political analyses. The correspondence takes place amid a rumoured then an actual Persian expedition to conquer Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:British relations with Maharajah Runjeet Singh, including: the issue of the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers of Sinde [Amīrs of Sindh] by Runjeet Singh; intelligence reports by Wade’s munshi [secretary] (ff 52-56, ff 110-115); correspondence regarding a potential meeting between Runjeet Singh and the Governor-General of India; and reports of Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson on affairs on the Peshawar frontier (ff 265-268, ff 272-274, ff 277-289)Relations of Herat with Persia and British policy regarding them, including: news of the arrival in Tehran of an envoy from Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat; and views of Burnes and Wade on the ‘designs’ of Persia on Herat (ff 297-301)British policy towards Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], Ruler of Cabool, including: Burnes’s reports from Cabool on his meetings with Dost Mahomed (ff 134-141, ff 360-369); Burnes’s and Wade’s views on the ambitions of Dost Mahomed regarding branches of his family in Candahar [Kandahar; this spelling is also used in this item] and Peshawar, and his relations with Persia and Russia; British encouragement of Dost Mahomed to seek a reconciliation with their ally Runjeet Singh; Burnes’s and Wade’s assessment of the geo-political situation on the western frontier of British dominions in India and the aim of maintaining a balance of power advantageous to Britain between Cabool, Candahar, Herat, Persia, the Punjab and Sinde and which might avert any alliances with Russia (ff 78-82, ff 345-358)Burnes’s activities with regard to Candahar, and Candahar’s relations with Cabool and Persia, including: Burnes’s efforts to prevent Sirdar Kohin Dil Khan [Sirdār Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son Mahomed Omar Khan [Muḥammad Umar Khān] with an envoy, to conciliate Persia (ff 235-237); Kohin Dil Khan’s and his chief advisor’s letters to Dost Mahomed expressing obedience to the Ameer of Cabool, fear of Persia and the desire to depose the Ruler of Herat who repeatedly threatens to attack Candahar (ff 379-383); and Burnes’s instructions to Lieutenant Robert Leech, whom he deputes to Candahar with an offer of monetary and military support in the event of Persia conquering Herat (ff 471-477)Dost Mahomed Khan’ s relations with Russia and Persia, and British policy regarding them, including: Burnes’s alarm at the arrival in Cabool of a Russian agent, Captain Waitcawitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] (ff 444-449); Wade’s detailed views on the positions of Persia and Russia in connection with Dost Mahomed and Afghanistan and the policy of discouraging the latter’s ‘ambitions’ (ff 415-421); and Macnaghten’s disapproval of Burnes’s promise of troops and pecuniary aid to the rulers of Candahar in the event of the Russian-supported Persian capture of Herat (ff 451-457)The Persian expedition against Herat, including: news of the defeat of Ghurian [Ghuryan, also spelled Ghoorian in this item] and siege of Herat; and Wade’s suggestion that Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger, detained by the Herat authorities, act as a mediator (albeit without authority from the Government of India), provide intelligence, and ensure that Kamran Shah resists Persia.The following matters and documents are also included:Wade’s response to overtures of friendship made to him by Mir Alam Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān], Ruler of Bajour, and Fatah Khan Panjtari, [Fatḥ Khān, Ruler of Panjtar] (ff 124-125)Disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool caused by differences between the Governor of Mooltan [Multan] and the Ruler of Bhawalpoor (ff 132-133, ff 152-153)A report by Lieutenant Leech, Bombay Engineers, entitled ‘Description of the Khyber Pass and of the Tribes inhabiting it’ (ff 143-150)Praise by Wade and Burnes of intelligence provided by Charles Masson in Cabool (ff 180-183)Burnes’s emphasis on conciliating the Lohani [a Pashtun tribe] ‘chiefs’, described by Wade as ‘meritorious merchants’ (f 184)Burnes’s report on the ‘commercial views and prospects of Russia in Central Asia’ (f 203), notably Russia’s relations with the rulers of Bokhara, Khiva [also referred to as ‘Orgunge’] and Kokan (ff 199-207)Burnes’s deputation of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood to Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg] Uzbeck ruler of Koondooz [Uzbek ruler of Kunduz], to treat the eye ailment of Moorad Beg’s brother (ff 251-263), and Macnaghten’s approbation for Burnes’s improvement of British relations with Koondooz.Enclosures 121-125 (ff 506-524) comprise despatches between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde, and Macnaghten, notably regarding the apparent procrastination of the Ameers of Sinde over the establishment of a British Resident in their territory. Also covered is the progress made by Lieutenant Thomas Greer Carless in his survey of the Indus and Kurachee [Karachi] Harbour.Physical description: 1 item (505 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 39 of 1856, dated 27 May 1856. The enclosures are dated 22 March-23 May 1856.The enclosures notably comprise the following:A despatch from the Secretary to the Government of India to the Secretary to the Government of Bombay concerning the situation with regard to Herat and current Persian [Iranian] aggression against the town, and whether or not instructions from the Secret Committee debar the Government of India from all action in the matter. The despatch covers:The original request by Mahomed Yusuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf, also spelled Yoosuf and Yussuf in this item], Ruler of Herat, for Persian assistance against a feared attack by Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], and his dismissal of the Persian envoy who was sent to liaise with the Persian Army but actually joined them in their advance towards Ghorian [Ghurian or Ghoryan]The subsequent hoisting of the British flag in Herat and request of the Ruler and inhabitants of Herat for British money and an Agent to aid their resistance of the Persians, and the Government of India’s wish to disclaim any connection with those actionsThe Government of India’s belief that they cannot assist Herat as the Secret Committee’s instructions were based on Persia and Herat combining against Dost Mahomed Khan rather than Persia acting against both Herat and Candahar [Kandahar, also spelled this way in this item]Disapprobation by the Government of India of Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Acting Commissioner in Sind [Sindh] for effectively speaking in the name of the British Government on a matter of national importance by replying directly to Mahomed Yusuf that the British Government had no intention of interfering in Herat.The enclosures also include:Copies of intelligence (ff 257-261) received by Jacob from the Acting Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind relating to Herat (notably from sources in Kelat [Kalat]), and forwarded to the Governor of Bombay, reporting the besieging of Herat by the Persian Army, the apparent intention of Dost Mahomed Khan to send an army for its relief, the surrender of Mahomed Yusuf to the Persian force and the advance of a portion of the Persian Army towards Candahar against Dost Mahomed KhanCorrespondence of Rear Admiral Sir Henry J Leeke, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy, with the Government of Bombay, regarding which vessels should remain in the Persian Gulf during the monsoon season, including: Leeke’s strong recommendation that the
Ajdahaand
Semiramisbe ordered back to Bombay [Mumbai] before the monsoon for repairs and that the
Victoriais better suited for the Gulf; the Government of Bombay’s agreement that the
Semiramisreturn to Bombay when the
Victoriaarrives at Bushire [Bushehr], but that the
Ajdaharemains at Bushire on the express wishes of the Political ResidentCorrespondence of Commander Felix Jones, Acting Resident, Persian Gulf, with the Government of Bombay, concerning a ‘venomous article’ in the
Bombay Timeson the supposed cause of the rupture between the British Mission at Tehran and the Persian Government, including his admonishment of Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, regarding the impropriety of naval officers discussing public questions in their private letters.Physical description: 1 item (36 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 53 of 1856, dated 28 July 1856. The enclosure is dated 19 May 1856.The enclosure comprises copies of despatches sent by Richard W Stevens, HM Consul in Tehran, to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copies of which are forwarded for the information of the Government of Bombay and the Government of India. The despatches notably cover and include:The bastinado (punishment by caning the soles of the feet) of the post-master of Semnaan [Semnan], convicted of bringing false news of the capture of HeratIntelligence from a European (Italian) officer attached to the Persian [Iranian] Army at Herat that the Ruler of Herat, Mahommed Youssuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf], has been sent a prisoner to the Persian camp by his Vezier [vizier, minister] Essau Khan [ʻĪsá Khān], that the Vezier has ‘sold himself to the Persians’ (f 428) and with other Heratee leaders has agreed to all Persian surrender terms apart from the admission of troops into Herat (ff 430-432. (The copy of the original intelligence is in Italian, with an English translation. This is a duplicate of a document in item IOR/L/PS/5/487, ff 381-396, on ff 395-396).Stevens’s belief that Essau Khan has not surrendered but has: pretended to espouse the Persian cause; got the Persian Army to withdraw to Bernabad [Baranabad] 25 miles from Herat; ‘set the Persians at defiance’ (f 429) after disposing of the Ruler of Herat to the Persian camp; and infuriated the Shah [Shāh] and Persian CommanderReports of great Persian losses during attempts to storm Herat, and the assembling of more Persian troops in Khorassan [Khorasan] and Teheran [Tehran]Authorisation given by the Persian Sadr Azem [Ṣadr A‘ẓam, minister] to the Commander of the Persian Army at Herat to confirm Essau Khan in power provided he allows the town to be garrisoned by Persian troopsThe Sadr Azem’s claim that Persian troops have occupied the forts of Laush, Jeven [Lash-e Juwayn?] and Kohak, former dependencies of KandaharDetails of the present distribution of the Persian Army (f 434)Intelligence that prior to peace negotiations in Paris (to end the Crimean War) Russia amassed war stores at Lankeran [Lankaran] and Bakoo [Baku] for troops collected at Astracan [Astrakan], which would have been sent to Herat to assist PersiaIntelligence regarding friendly relations between the Governor of Asterabad [Gorgan] and Russian agents stationed there.Physical description: 1 item (11 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 34 of 1856, dated 10 May 1856. The enclosures are dated 8 March-29 April 1856.The enclosures chiefly comprise copies of despatches, with enclosures, to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, from: Charles Augustus Murray, HM Ambassador to the Court of Persia [Iran], then located at Tabreez [Tabriz]; and Richard W Stevens, HM Consul at Tehran. (Murray’s despatches mainly forward copies of Stevens’s despatches to him). The despatches are forwarded for information to the Government of India and Government of Bombay. They cover and include the following:Murray’s intention to proceed to Ooroomiah [Urmia or Orumiyeh] and then to Baghdad with the British diplomatic missionA copy of a letter (ff 165-166) that the Persian Government claims to have been written by William Taylour Thomson, former British Envoy at Tehran, to the Ruler of Herat, and which Murray asserts is a forgery intended to smear the reputation of the British mission and justify Persian aggression in HeratA copy of a circular letter (ff 169-171) from the Persian Sadr Azim [Ṣadr A‘ẓam, minister to the Shāh, also spelled Sedr Azem in this item] to all the foreign missions in Tehran, in which he explains his Government’s intentions regarding Herat and Candahar [also spelled Kandahar in this item], implying that Britain is supporting Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] who has occupied Candahar, and claiming that Persia is responding to calls for assistance from the relatives of Kohendil Khan [Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] and the Ruler of Herat. (Murray insists that letters supposedly written by relatives of Kohendil Khan are mostly fabrications)A commercial treaty about to be concluded between the Persian and Austrian GovernmentsIntelligence received by Stevens that Persia is sending a large force from Tehran to wrest Candahar from Dost Mahomed Khan and Persian military and propaganda preparations for thisMurray’s claims of ‘insulting’ behaviour towards him and the British mission and the Persian Government’s determination to quarrel with Britain causing costly disorder in Afghanistan, and Murray’s desire for hostile action against PersiaA translation, in French, of an article in the
Tehran Gazettepublished by the Persian Government, stating the ‘true causes’ of Murray’s withdrawal from the Persian court (ff 178-185)Stevens’s assertion that the young Armenian named Meerza Melkom [Mīrzā Malkum Khān], sent by the Persian Government to the British Ambassador in Constantinople [Istanbul] to mediate the quarrel between the Persian Government and the British Mission, has in fact contributed towards the rupture with Murray, is pro-French, and is responsible for distributing anti-English newspaper articles in Constantinople and EuropeIntelligence received by Stevens, including from the native agent and news writer at Meshed [Mashhad], confirming the movements of the Persian Army under Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza [Sulṭān Murād Mīrzā] towards Herat with the aim of occupying it, and the besieging of HeratIntelligence that the Mooftee [Muftī] of Herat was seized, sent as a prisoner to Meshed, and insultingly paraded through the townVarying reports received by Stevens on whether Herat has been occupied by the Persian Army or is yet to be taken by Sultan Moorad Meerza’s force, and regarding the strength of the Herat garrison and determination of the Ruler and inhabitants of Herat to prevent Persian troops entering the townStevens’s refusal of presents sent to him by the Shah and Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the new year festival of Narooz [Nowruz or Navroz].Also included in the item are:Despatches from Commander Felix Jones, Acting Resident, Persian Gulf, relating to: his plan to tour the Gulf and intention to persuade the Al Ali [Āl ‘Alī] tribe to leave Demaum [Dammam]; the warning given to Sheikh Mahomed bin Abdullah, Chief of Demaum [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh, Shaikh of Dammam] not to allow the Al Ali to build homes in his territory; and the movements of Persian troops in the Province of Fars as reported by the British Agent at ShirazThe Government of India’s equivocal notice to the Government in Bombay regarding the latter’s authority to despatch an expedition to the Persian Gulf upon the sole requisition of Murray.Physical description: 1 item (43 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 54 of 1856, dated 28 July 1856. The enclosures are dated 19 June-7 July 1856.The enclosures chiefly comprise letters from Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Acting Commissioner in Sind [Sindh] to the Secretary to the Government of India, copied to the Government of Bombay. Jacob forwards intelligence he has received regarding the state of affairs in Herat, Candahar [Kandahar, also spelled this way in this item] and Kelat [Kalat, also spelled Khelat in this item], notably:Intelligence obtained by the Acting Political Superintendent North West Frontier, written by Moolla Ahmed [Mullā Aḥmad], the Wukkeel [vakil, representative] of the Khan of Kelat and the Wukkeel’s son, stating that an approaching Persian [Iranian] force threatens the territories of the Khan of Kelat. Included are copies of the letters in Persian with English translations (ff 442-443 and ff 445-446)Four original translations of letters (ff 452-460) forwarded to Jacob with the original Persian letters (not present in this item) by Captain William Lockyer Merewether, Acting Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, which allege that: the Persian Army has captured Herat; a detachment of the Persian Army, in support of the ex-Sirdars [sirdārs, leaders] of Candahar, is approaching Candahar with the aim of ousting Ameer Dost Mahomed [Amīr Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] and replacing him with Rehimdil Khan [Raḥam Dil Khān]; and the ‘uncivil people of the red face [English]’ who did not help the Candahar sirdars will ‘suffer a similar fate’ in ‘Hindoostan’ [India] at the hands of Persia (f 455). Also included is Merewether’s admission that information relating to the taking of Ghorian [Ghurian or Ghoryan] and investment of Herat was obtained orally from his conversations with Moolla Ahmed but was accidentally added to the translation of the first letterAn extract of a letter from the Khan of Kelat to Moolla Ahmed, residing in Jacobabad, forwarded to Jacob by Merewether, in which the Khan of Kelat reports that the Wuzzeer [vizier, minister] of Herat has thrown into confinement the Ruler of Herat and his household, plundered all his property, caused coinage to be minted in the name of the Persian King [Shāh], and hopes to be Governor of the city. The Khan also reports that ex-Sirdars of Candahar, Khooshdil Khan [Luynab, ʿAbd al-Hamid, Khushdil Khan] and Mahomed Omer Khan [Muḥammad Omar Khān Muḥammadzāy] and others have been captured by Dost Mahomed Khan’s soldiers, but that Rehimdil Khan is still at large in Ghilzee [Ghilji] country.Also included in this item is a letter from Jacob apologising for the tone of his previous letter and insisting that no disrespect was intended.Physical description: 1 item (25 folios)