Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 13 November 1847. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the forty-fourth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to an estimate for repairs to the buildings of the Residency at Bushire [Bushehr], submitted by Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Government of Bombay. The matter is referred to the Military Board.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48’, ‘Collection No. 2 of No. 139, Vol: 44.’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 492, and terminates at f 497, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. It covers a range of topics relating to the Persian Gulf. All of the material in the item dates from 1844-45, except for one letter which is from 1834.The item begins with discussion of the entry into Brymee [Al Buraymi, also referred to in the item as Braimee] and Oman of the forces of Saad bin Mootluk [Sa‘d bin Mutlaq], on behalf of Ameer Fysul [Amir Faysal bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Sa‘ud, also referred to in the item as Fysul Alli Suood and Fysul Bin Toorkee] the Wahabee [Wahhabi] leader [Emir of Najd]. This includes:The submission of the local authorities in Brymee to Saad bin Mootluk, and the presentation of gifts to him by several rulers from the Arabian coast of the GulfThe demands of Saad bin Mootluk for tribute from Syud Hamood bin Uzan [Sayyid Hammud bin ‘Azzan al-Bu Sa‘idi] and Syed Soowenee [Sayyid Thuwayni bin Sa‘id Al Bu Sa‘id, also referred to in the item as Syed Sooweynee and Syed Thooenee], the Acting Governor of Muscat [Acting Imam of Muscat], and the response of the latter, including a request to Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, for adviceCorrespondence between Hennell, the Government of Bombay and the Government of India regarding the implications of the above events for British interests in the Gulf, and what their response should be.Also covered in the item is the following:The wreck of two ships off Ejman [Ajman], and the actions of Shaik Abdool Azeez bin Rashid [Shaikh ‘Abd al-‘Aziz bin Rashid al-Nu‘aymi], the Chief of Ejman [Ruler of Ajman] in recovering the ships and cargoes and restoring them to their ownersThe question of how to deal with an attack on a ship from Karrack [Jazireh-ye Khark] carried out by Humud bin Mujudel [Hamad bin Majdal], the Chief of the Amaeer [‘Amayir] tribe, who is said to be under the protection of Shaik Mahomed bin Khaleifa [Shaikh Muhammad bin Khalifah Al Khalifah], the Ruler of Bahrein [Bahrain]The seizure by Shaik Faris [Shaikh Faris bin Ghayth], the Chief of the Chaab [Banu Ka‘ab], of a ship from Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi], and the mission of Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Assistant Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to Mohumrah [Khorramshahr] to try to persuade Shaik Faris to restore the ship and its cargoThe negotiations for the establishment of an alliance between Shaik Sultan bin Suggar [Shaikh Sultan I bin Saqr al-Qasimi] of Rasel Khymah [Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah], and Shaik Khuleefa bin Shackboot [Shaikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut al-Nahyan] of Aboothabee [Ruler of Abu Dhabi]The activities of Shaik Abdoollah bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifah], the former Ruler of Bahrein, who has received asylum from the Chief of Nabend [Damagheh-ye Nay Band] and is carrying out attacks on ships from BahreinThe appointment of Housseni Khan [Mirza Muhammad Husayn Khan Muqaddam Maragha'i] as Governor [Wali] of Fars, and the reinstatement of Shaik Nasir [Nasr III Al Mazkur] as Governor of Bushire [Bushehr]The arrangements made for the three men accused of the murder of Beebee Aseelah [Bibi Asilu], widow of Meerza Juwad [Mirza Javad Shirazi], the former Native Agent at Shiraz. Two of the accused are to be taken to Tehran, while the third, the victim’s brother, identified as Sultan, son of Hajie Jassem [Haji Jassim], has made a confession (included in the item) and is to remain behindA dispute regarding a possible increase in the duty to be charged on the export of horses from Bushire by British merchants, including a petition from the Bushire merchants, and correspondence from Hajee Mirza Aghasee [Haji Mirza ‘Abbas Aghasi], Prime Minister [Sadr-i A’zam] of Persia [Iran] and Mirza Hadayut Allah [Mirza Hidayat Allah], Moostowfaa [Mustawfi] of the Governor of FarsThe sanctioning of the payment required for a grant in perpetuity of the ground occupied as an English burial place at KarrackThe need for a new coating of mud on all the roofs of the Residency buildings at Bushire, and an estimate of the expenses this will incur.As well as those already mentioned, the main correspondents are: Moollah Houssin [Mullah Husayn], Native Agent at Shargah [Sharjah]; Heskeal Bin Yusoof [Hizqial bin Yusuf], Acting Native Agent at Muscat; and Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, Her Majesty’s Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia.The item contains a table of contents (ff 593-598), and the title page (f 592) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 49501, D/t 7557, Collection No. 1 of No. 44’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’. The item was originally divided into two parts, and the title page of the second part (f 694) contains the following reference: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 49501, Vol. 2, Collection No. 1 of No. 54’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 592 and terminates at f 700, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-14 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 24 January 1845. The enclosures are dated 22 November 1844-21 January 1845.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden, including: the provision of coal to a French ship, the
Crocodile, that called at Aden, and information learnt about French movements and intentions in the region; and construction work to improve the defences at Aden.The primary correspondents are: the Political Agent, Aden; the Executive Engineer, Aden; and the Government of India.There is one item in French, a letter from Captain C Robin of the
Crocodile(folio 215).Physical description: 1 item (28 folios)
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-41 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 30 November 1844. The enclosures are dated 27 August-27 November 1844.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden and East Africa, including:Reports that an army led by the Imam of Sana [Sana’a] is marching in the direction of Aden, with the apparent intention of attacking Lahidge [Lahej], and has reached as far as Ereem [Yarim], but has been halted by news of the usurpation of Sana by the Imam’s uncleReports that the Sultan of Ourlghee [Aulaqi] also intends to attack Lahidge, but requires permission from the Sultan of Fouthelee [Fadhli] to march through his territoryA request from M Houssain Fudthel [Sultan Muḥsin bin Faḍl al-‘Abdalī], Sultan of Lahedge, for shot and powder to aid in his defenceThe high rate of illness among the troops at Aden, a request for the worst cases to be invalided out, and the need for reinforcementsReports of a massacre and mass enslavement committed by the King of Shoa [Shewa]Payment of a grant to the Assistant Political Agent, Aden, to cover his expenses from his tour of the coast of East AfricaThe need of extensive repairs to, or replacement of, the building currently housing the Political Agent’s office and the Agency Treasury.The primary correspondents are: the Political Agent, Aden; Lieutenant-Colonel William Croker, commanding the troops at Aden; the Sultan of Lahedge; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Quartermaster-General, Bombay; and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (85 folios)
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-11 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 31 December 1844. The enclosures are dated 11 November-20 December 1844.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden and East Africa, including:An agreement to six months’ peace between the Sultans of Lahidge [Lahej] and Fouthelee [Fadhli], preventing a planned attack on Lahidge by the Sultan of Ourlghee [Aulaqi]Reports that an army led by the Imam of Sana [Sana’a] remains at Ereem [Yarim], but is gaining followersAn outbreak of smallpox in AdenThe need of repairs to the only remaining minaret in Aden.The primary correspondent is the Political Agent, Aden.Physical description: 1 item (19 folios)
Abstract: This file contains correspondence between officials at the French consulate in Bombay [Mumbai] and the British Political Agency in Muscat concerning the refurbishment and upkeep of the vacant French Consulate building in Muscat.In addition to this correspondence, the file also contains details and costs of specific maintenance work that was carried out during this period, some of which is in Arabic.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 41; 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 2-32; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence between ff 30-39, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Enclosures nos. 3-46 to dispatch no. 110 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 31 December 1841. The enclosures are dated 30 October-28 December 1841.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden, including:A blockade of Shugra [Shuqrah] and the Fouthalee Coast [Fadhli Sultanate]Promises from the Sultans of Fouthalee and Lahidge [Lahej] to come to Aden to make peaceDiscussions about the relief of troops at Aden and a possible reduction of the garrisonStipends and pensions granted to rulers in the area around Aden, as well as to the family of a murdered Arabic interpreterPayments for the maintenance of the Agency building.The primary correspondents are the Political Agent, Aden, and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (126 folios)
Abstract: This file consists of letters written and received by James Felix Jones, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire. Aside from Jones, the two most prominent correspondents are Henry Lacon Anderson, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, and Commodore Griffith Jenkins, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf. Other correspondents include: Henry Young, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; Cecil Beadon, Secretary to the Government of India, Fort William; and George Frederick Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of India, Allahabad.The two main subjects of this file are the condition of the naval station at Bassidore [Bāsaʻīdū] and Britain's assumption of the sovereignty of India. The letters received from Griffith Jenkins are primarily concerned with the status of the naval station at Bassidore. In one of his letters to Jones (ff 5-8), dated 18 March 1858, Griffith Jenkins remarks on the total inefficiency of the naval establishment at Bassidore and solicits Jones's aid in presenting this issue to the Government so that arrangements can be made for its repair. The file includes a letter to Griffith Jenkins from a committee which has been appointed to report on the condition of the public buildings at Bassidore. This letter (ff 28-33), dated 18 March 1859, submits the committee's report on the condition of the port, the water tanks, the storehouses, the houses for liberated slaves, the smithy, the hospital and the sepoys' quarters at Bassidore.In his letters to Henry Lacon Anderson, Jones discusses the distribution of the ships of the Indian Naval Squadron and expresses his opinion on whether it is advisable for British subjects to engage in pearl fishing in the Persian Gulf.Jones's correspondence with Henry Young concerns the dissemination throughout the Gulf of copies of Her Majesty's proclamation on Britain's assumption of the sovereignty of India. Included with the received letters from India are printed extracts from the Government of India Act (1858) (ff 54-62), as well as translations of the aforementioned proclamation in Persian (handwritten, ff 43-46), Arabic (printed, f 48) and English (printed, ff 63-64).Further items on this subject include letters, both in Arabic (it is not clear whether the letters in Arabic are originals or transcriptions) and in English, from the Imam of Muscat, Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘id Āl Bū Sa‘īd, to Felix Jones (see ff 74-77 and f 80), in which Jones is informed that Her Majesty's assumption of the sovereignty of India was marked with the decoration and illumination of Muscat for three successive nights. In addition, there is a copy of a letter to the Resident which is written in Persian (ff 78v-79, name of correspondent unclear). These items are followed by translated purports of letters from the British Agents at Muscat and Sharjah (Khojeh Hiskale and Hajee Yacoob – see f 81 and ff 84-85 respectively), which convey the acknowledgements of the Imam of Muscat and other local rulers.Physical description: Foliation: This file has a foliation sequence, which is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio of writing, on number 1, and ends on the final folio before the back cover, on number 96. This is the sequence that has been used to reference items within the file.
Abstract: The volume consists of letters sent outwards from the office of the Resident in the Persian Gulf. The subject matter focuses on British relations with various powers in and around the Persian Gulf during 1823; more specifically, on enforcing the provisions of the General Treaty with the Arab Tribes of the Persian Gulf (1820), and talk of an intended Persian invasion of Bahrain. It also outlines the outcome of a tour of the Arabian coast by John Macleod in January 1823.Other matters covered include the state of the Residency house at Bushire, and an investigation into William Bruce's involvement in the case of Muḥammad Nabī Khān, along with some limited reporting on the possibility of Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rasūl Khān being removed from the position of Governor of Bushire by Prince Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mirzā.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences on the first page of text and continues through to the 3rd folio from the back of the volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: A pagination sequence also runs through the volume between ff 2-191; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the top outermost corners of each page.
Abstract: This volume consists of contemporaneous copies of outward letters from the Bushire Residency. Most of the letters are written by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Ephraim Gerrish Stannus. A small number of letters are written by the Assistant Surgeon at Bushire, James Pringle Riach, who was temporarily in charge of the Residency during Stannus's absence. Most of the letters are addressed to East India Company officials at Bombay, of which the most prominent recipients are the following: William Newnham, Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay; John Wedderburn, Accountant General, Bombay; and Mountstuart Elphinstone, President and Governor in Council, Bombay. Many of the letters to William Newnham contain copies of the Resident's correspondence with a number of local rulers, including: Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Sharjah and Ra's al-Khaymah; Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rasūl Khān, Governor of Bushire; His Royal Highness Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mīrzā, Prince of Shiraz; and the Imam of Muscat, Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Sa‘īd. Other recipients include a number of commanders of East India Company ships as well as Henry Willock, His Majesty's Chargé d’Affaires at the Court of Persia, and his brother, George Willock, Secretary in Charge of the British Mission, Tabrīz. The letters in this volume cover a range of topics, including the following: the accounts and expenses of the Bushire Residency; trade, both at Bushire and at other Persian ports; relations between Rahma bin Jabir and the ruler of Bahrain; the estate of the former Governor of Bushire, Muhammad Nabi Khan; a dispute between Tahnun bin Shakhbut, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi, and his brother, Muhammad bin Shakhbut Al Nahayan, former Shaikh of Abu Dhabi; speculations on the intentions of Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī; the Resident's concerns about the reduced scale of the marine establishment; the costs involved in carrying out alterations and repairs on the Residency building; updates from Stannus regarding an act of piracy, which is reported to have been committed to the south of Muscat by two boats from Sharjah.Physical description: Pagination: There is a pagination sequence, which is written in pencil, in the top right corners of the rectos and the top left corners of the versos. Not every verso has been numbered, but the sequence is consistent. The sequence begins with the first item of correspondence, on number 1, and ends on the last page of writing, on number 144.Foliation: The foliation sequence is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio after the front cover, on number 2, and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 76. This is the sequence which has been used by this catalogue to reference items within the volume.Condition: The folios in this volume have suffered from insect damage. Parts of the bottom edges of the front cover are missing, as are parts of the bottom edges of the first dozen or so folios within the volume.
Abstract: The item mainly relates to affairs in the Persian Gulf. It chiefly comprises copies of despatches of Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident, Persian Gulf, to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai], with relevant enclosures, such as letters to and from Hennell, reports, and translations of letters. It also includes: Willoughby’s acknowledgments of receipt; Hennell’s reports to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors, EIC; and Willoughby’s communications with Thomas Herbert Maddock, Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General. Hennell’s despatches were sent from the island of Karrack [Khark, also known as Kharg, also spelled Karrak in this item], the Residency having relocated to the island following a dispute with Mirza Assad, the Governor of Bushire [Bushehr].The main subjects covered are:Arrangements for strengthening the defences of Karrack, by repairs to the wall and fort of the town, organisation of the ammunition stores and the erection of new buildings; departure from Karrack of Sheik Nasir [Shaikh Nāṣir Āl Mazkūr II, a former Governor of Bushire]; conversion of the island into a military post and imposition of martial lawHennell’s efforts to monitor and influence Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pasha], Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Forces in Nedgd [Najd, also known as Nejd], in view of the latter’s recent encroachments on the coastline of the Persian Gulf and purported plan to conquer the island of Bahrein [Bahrain], including: sending letters of ‘warning’ to Khorshid Pasha; dispatching the Assistant Resident, Lieutenant Thomas Edmunds, to Bahrein and Koweit [Kuwait]; instructing HM Consul in Egypt to demand an explanation from the ruler of Egypt, Mahomed Ally [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pasha al-Mas'ud bin Āghā] of his policy in the Persian Gulf ; ascertaining the policy of Abdoollah ben Ahmed [‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Sheik of Bahrein [Shaikh of Bahrain], and the sheik's estimation of the likelihood of an Egyptian invasion; ascertaining the ‘disposition, the strength and the relative interests’ (f 62) of the main rulers in the Persian Gulf towards Khorshid Pasha (see ff 62-66) and influencing them against assisting the Egyptian force in obtaining supplies of grainConsideration of the possibility of Khorshid Pasha turning his attentions to Bussorah [Basra] and Mohumrah [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] if there is a rupture of relations between Egypt and the [Ottoman] Porte and a battle between Ibrahim Pasha [Kavalali] (unrecognised Khedive of Egypt and Sudan) and Hafiz Pasha [Hafiz Osman Pasha] in SyriaAversion of a possible war between Bahrein and Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] over the ‘fugitive’ from Bahrein, Esa bin Tareef [Shaikh ‘Īsá bin Ḥamad bin Ṭarīf Āl Bin ‘Alī al-‘Utbī], and members of his Alli Ally [Āl Bin ‘Alī] tribe, who are residing in Aboothabee, and news that the Shaik of Bahrein has signed a treaty of peace with Kuleefa bin Shakboot [Shaikh Khalīfah bin Shakhbut Āl Nahyān], the Shaik of Abothabee [Shaikh of Abu Dhabi]Rumours of a Persian force marching from Tehran into Khorassan [Khorasan] to occupy HeratDelays in the transmission of overland (mail) packets, notably with regard to events in Syria between [Ottoman] Turkey and Egypt, and investigation of different routes, including via Damascus, transmission times, charges and possible couriers.There is a note at the beginning of the item stating that the ‘Enclosure in Bombay Secret Letter No. 75, dated 12th June 1839, are missing from this Collection’.Physical description: 1 item (42 folios)
Abstract: The file concerns the transfer of the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf from Bushire to Bahrain in 1946, and the conversion of the Royal Navy Base in Bahrain for the use of the Political Resident.The file is composed solely of internal correspondence between British officials including the India Office, Admiralty, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf, the Secretary of State for India, HM Treasury, the Public Works Department of the Government of India, the Ministry of Works, the Commonwealth Relations Office.The correspondence relates specifically to the following:new buildings required at the Naval Base, including four architectural drawings (ff 359-361, f 285)conversion of Jufair Naval buildings as site for the new Residencywireless transmitting stationlist of building and works at the Naval Base taken over by the Political Resident in August 1946 (ff 304-319)estimate of costsplan of empty land situated at Qadhibia (outskirts of Manama), Harbour of Bahrain, which has been sold by the Government of Bahrain to the Government of Great Britain (f 208)air conditioning in the new Residency buildingregulations relating to the occupation of Embassy and Legation houses, the property of, or leased by, His Majesty's Government (ff 122-125)Ministry of Works report of visit to Bahrain and plans to build a new Residency (ff 107-117)Admiralty's need to reoccupy buildings in the Naval base at Jufair.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 368; 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 4-368; these numbers are also written in pencil, but the majority are not circled, where these have previously been circled they have been crossed through.