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133. Persian Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 25 of 1844, dated 25 March 1844. The enclosures are dated 20 February 1844.The enclosures chiefly comprise despatches from Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Chargé d’Affaires at Tehran, to the Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General, enclosing copies of his despatches to the Earl of Aberdeen [George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen] Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with their respective enclosures notably letters from Sheil to E W Bonham, HM Consul at Tabreez [Tabriz], Lieutenant-Colonel Williams at Erzeroom [Erzurum], and Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Farrant, agent in Bagdad [Baghdad] for HM Ambassador in Constantinople [Istanbul].A wide variety of subjects are covered, notably including:Matters relating to the Persian Gulf, including: Persian [Iranian] plans to build fortifications at Bushire [Bushehr] (as well as Asterabad [Gorgan, formerly Astarabad] and Mazanderan [Mazandaran]); Persian objections to the British coaling station on the island of Karrack [Kharg] on the basis that Russia could use it as a pretext for establishing a fuelling station on one of the islands near Asterabad; and the arrival at Bushire of Sheikh Abdoollah [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], the former Chief of Bahrein [Bahrain], requesting assistance from the Resident and from the Governor of Sheeraz [Shiraz] to help restore him to possession of the islandThe conflicting claims of Persia and Ottoman Turkey with regard to possession of Mohemmera [Khorramshahr], particularly the tribe of Chaab [Banū Ka‘b tribe?] and the revenue of Fellaheea [Fellahiah] in Chaab territory. Includes reference to the memorandum by Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, on the background to the dispute (a copy of the memorandum is in IOR/L/PS/5/428 ff 437-487)Concerns of Sheil and the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Meerza Abool Hassan Khan [Mīrzā Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Shīrāzī, Īlchī Kabīr] concerning the increase of ‘aggressive’ Russian influence over the Shah and the Persian Government, notably: the local Russian Consul by-passing the authority of the Governor of Resht, province of Geelan [Rasht, Gilan]; Russian intimidatory activities in Asterabad and on the Toorkoman [Turkoman] coasts; and continued pressure by Count Medem [Aleksandr Ivanovich Medem], Russian Minister Plenipotentiary at Tehran, on the Shah and Persian Prime Minister Hajee Meerza Aghassee [Ḥājjī Mīrzā Āqāsī, Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam] for the abrogation of Article 14 of the Treaty between Russia and PersiaProgress of the negotiations between Persia and Turkey at Erzeroom [Erzurum], mediated by Britain and Russia, regarding frontier disputes, notably: arbitration of tribal incursions; arrangements for the return of plundered property; ineffectualness of the Turkish and Persian plenipotentiaries (representatives) at Erzeroom; Persian claims against Turkey over the capture of Kerbela [Karbala] and demands for the dismissal of the Governor of Bagdad [Baghdad]; rumours that Turkey is amassing a military force near Erzeroom and Persian response in kind; arguments over territorial rights in Sooleimanieh [Sulaymaniyah], Van, Kars, and Akhilska [Akhaltsikhe?]; and attempts by the Persian Prime Minister to make the Persian plenipotentiary at Erzeroom tone down his territorial demands and to confer with the British and Russian commissioners. Includes translations of letters from the Persian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Shah (ff 405-416)Information conveyed to Sheil by HM Consul General at Tabreez, regarding the conflict in Daghistan [Dagestan] between Russian and Lesgee [Lezgian, also spelled Lezgee in this item] forces (Persia had ceded Daghistan to the Russian Empire in the Treaty of Gulistan 1813 but was pro-Lesgee), notably: rumours of severe losses on both sides; the Lesgee attack on Russian forces at Avran [Yerevan?], capture of the Governor of Georgia and besieging of Derband [Derbent]; rumours of Russian plans to send 40,000 troops under the command of General Yermaloff [Aleksey Petrovich Yermolov], to the Caucasus to invade Daghistan as soon as weather permits; and Persia’s desire to drive Russia out of Georgia.Physical description: The enclosure numbers 3-4 are written on the verso of the last folio of each enclosure, which also contain an abstract of the contents of the enclosure.
134. Vol 108: Native Letters Inward
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume consists of translations of (and substances of) letters in Arabic and Persian received by the British Residency in the Persian Gulf; the original letters are not present in the volume. The greatest proportion of this correspondence is from the Resident's native agents throughout the Persian Gulf at Bahrein [Bahrain], Lingah [Bandar-e-Lengeh], Muscat, Sharjah, and also from the News Writer at Shiraz. Most of the remaining correspondence is from various Chiefs/Governors/Shaikhs from across the Gulf, their relations, or subjects; leaders from Persia and Oman are the most heavily represented.Developments in Persia are a frequent inclusion in the correspondence, particularly with regard to news surrounding Shiraz, and the Government of Fars. Events surrounding the diplomatic rupture between the British and the Government of Bushire, and the temporary removal of the Residency to Karak [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] in March 1839 are also included, along with subsequent efforts by the Persians to induce the Resident to return.Updates on the situation in Nejde [Najd] can also be found within. These cover the defeat of Ameer Fysul [Amīr Fayṣul] by Koorshid Pacha [Khūrshid Pāshā], the Commander of Egyptian Forces in Nejde, and the subsequent establishment of Ameer Khalid bin Soud [Amīr Khālid bin Sa'ud] as the Governor of that province. It therefore also includes reports on the Commander's efforts to induce the submission of Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Chief of Bahrein, to Egypt; he claims that the island is a tributary of Nejde. This includes the further efforts of his agent, Mahomed bin Muttuk, to secure the submission of the various Arab tribes in Oman; a move requiring the occupation of Braymee, held by the Naim tribe which is hostile to Egyptian expansion. As a result, accusations of collusion with this agent — made by the Arab Chiefs against each other — can also be found within; the main belligerents being Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur [Sulṭān bin Saqr], Chief of the Joasmees [Qāsimī]; and Shaikh Kuleefa bin Shakboot [Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ], Chief of the Beniyas.The conflict between Esa bin Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf] of the Al Ali tribe with the Chief of Bahrein is also featured to an extent, along with the abandonment of the Al Ali by the Chief of Beniyas, as a result of the increasing threat from Egyptian forces from Nejde.The correspondence also includes material of a more routine nature, such as the relaying of letters and packets, to reports on the movements of British ships. It also includes reports relating to the restitution of property plundered at sea.Please note that Bahrein is also spelt Bharein, and Shiraz is also spelt Sheeraz within the volume.Physical description: Pagination: The volume contains an original pagination sequence, which commences at the first page of text and terminates at the last page; these numbers are written in ink (with additions in pencil), and can be found in the top outermost corners of each page. Page 225 has been omitted from this sequence; this is likely to be a result of human error.
135. Vol 116: 'Secret Letter Book Volume 3'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume consists of secret correspondence sent outwards by the British Resident in the Persian Gulf, Samuel Hennell. These letters are primarily addressed to either the Chief Secretary of the Government of Bombay (either Lestock Robert Reid or John Pollard Willoughby), or the Secret Committee at India House in London. The remainder are addressed to various officers of either the British Government, or the East India Company.The subject matter is primarily concerned with the expansion of Egyptian influence towards Bahrein [Bahrain] and Oman through the conquests of the Egyptian commander Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā]; the expansion of Egyptian power is viewed as a threat to British interests in the Persian Gulf. Much of the volume therefore concerns itself with the efforts of the Resident to unite the Arab tribes of Oman in resistance to the Egyptians. More specific details in relation to this subject are as follows:The expulsion of Sued bin Moottuk from Oman, and rumours of his possible return at the head of an Egyptian force to subdue the region.The efforts of the Resident to secure restitution for the Naeem tribe of Brymee for an attack made upon them by the Beniyas [Bani Yas] tribe of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi].Negotiations to arrange for the resettlement of Esa ben Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf] and the Al Ali tribe from Aboothabee to another part of the Persian Gulf, and/or affect a reconciliation with Shaikh Abdollah ben Ahmed [‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Shaikh of Bahrein.The Resident's mediation of a reconciliation between Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd, Imam of Muscat, and Sued Humood bin Azen, Chief of Sohar [Ṣuḥār].Ideas for enhancing the power of influence of the British in the Persian Gulf.The designs of Khorshid Pasha to conquer or subdue Bahrein, and the political position of Shaikh Abdollah ben Ahmed on the island.The deputation of Captain Akins Hamerton, 15th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, to Brymee to obtain information on the condition of the town's defences, and his later appointment as Political Agent to Muscat.To a limited extent the correspondence relays news from Persia, primarily from Shiraz. This relates to disturbances in that town, rumours related to the travel plans of the Persian Shah (Muḥammad ‘Alī Shāh Qājār), Persian warlike preparations, and any potential threat to the British at Karrack. It also contains a few updates on affairs at Bushire.The British occupation of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] is therefore also covered within the volume; primarily this concerns measures required to keep the garrison supplied, the health of the troops, and suggestions for the improvement of the island's defences. In addition, the matter of Shaikh Nasir's [Shaykh Nāṣir] expulsion from Karrack, and his later restoration to the Governorship of Bushire is also covered.Also discussed within the file is the inadequacy of the strength of the naval squadron stationed in the Persian Gulf, and various methods for addressing this. This is cited in a number of instances as a factor which prevents the orders of Government from being carried out. The volume contains a split index; the first part is located on folio 2, and the second part is on folio 141.Physical description: Condition: The binding of the volume has come apart, and the front and back covers have suffered significant damage. As a result, the remains of the covers have become detached from the volume.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence written in ink.
136. Vol 166: 1850 Squadron, Persian Gulf
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains letters relating to the Indian Naval Squadron of the Persian Gulf. The three main correspondents are the following: Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire; Commodore John Patterson Porter, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf; and Lieutenant James Tronson, Commander of the HC Brig Euphrates. Most of the correspondence is between Hennell and Porter; however, a small number of the letters received by Hennell and Porter respectively are written by Tronson. Two additional correspondents appear in a couple of the enclosed letters in this file: Lieutenant Frederick Erskine Manners and Captain Archibald MacDonald. The two main subjects of the letters in this file are the relations between the various chiefs of the Arab coast and the whereabouts of the pirate, Saheil ben Ateish. Many of the letters addressed to Hennell relay information obtained from the Native Agent at Sharjah, Mullah Husain.Physical description: This volume has an original pagination sequence and a foliation sequence:Pagination: The pagination sequence runs from 1 to 154. The sequence is complete, although not every page is numbered.Foliation: The foliation sequence is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the front cover of the file, on 1A, and runs through to the final page of the file, ending on number 47. It should be noted that 1A is followed by 1B and that folio number 9 is followed by 10A and 10B. This is the sequence used by this catalogue to reference items within the file.
137. Vol 33 Miscellaneous letters inward and outward
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains letters relating mainly to British naval patrols in the Persian Gulf, acts of piracy and hostilities between rival native chiefs as follows: two letters from the Chief Secretary, Political Department, Bombay Castle to the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire about a rumoured Persian attack on Bahrain planned by Hossain Ali Mirza, Prince of Sherauz [Shīrāz] (ff 1B-2v) and an attack on Dubai boats by the Chief of Abothebee [Abu Dhabi], Mahomed Been Shakboot, [Shaikh Muḥammed bin Shakhbut Āl Nahyān] (ff 9-14v); two letters of instruction from Captain Charles Sealy, Senior Marine Officer in the Persian Gulf to Captain George Walker, commanding the Honourable Company (HC) cruizer Ternate(f 5-5v) and Lieutenant George Herne, commanding the Honourable Company (HC) cruizer Nautilus(f 6-6v) regarding their sea patrol of the Pearl Banks between Shaga [Sharjah] and Bahrein [Bahrain] and the planned interception of two pirate boats returning from Zanzibar, together with a letter of reply from Lieutenant George Herne reporting the outcome (f 15-15v); a general letter of instruction from Captain Charles Sealy to all marine officers aboard HC cruizers stationed in the Persian Gulf, listing their sea patrol duties (ff 7-8v); a letter of enquiry from Henry Willock, the British envoy to Persia, to the British Political Resident at Bushire, about British and Indian exports shipped to Persian Gulf ports (ff 3-4v).The volume title ‘Bushire Residency Book No 33 Miscellaneous letters inward and outward 5 Jan 1824-25 May 1824’ is typewritten and appears on a modern title page that has been inserted at the front of the volume (folio 1A).Physical description: Foliation: the letters in the volume are numbered 1B, then 2 to 15, from front to back. A modern, typewritten tile page has been inserted in the front of the volume and is numbered 1A. The numbering is written in pencil in the top right corner, on the recto of every folio.The 7 letters in the volume were originally numbered in ink and in most cases, on both the recto and verso as follows: 71-73; 90-92, 204-206, 207, 219-228, 242.
138. Vol 65: Letters Inward
- Description:
- Abstract: This file consists of correspondence relating to the Indian Navy in the Persian Gulf. Most of the correspondence is addressed to Major David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, by the Commanding Officer of the Indian Navy in the Persian Gulf, William Sowden Collinson. In addition, there are several letters addressed to Wilson by other marine officers, plus copies of correspondence between Collinson and some of his fellow marine officers. A significant amount of the correspondence in this file exists in the form of reports of the general proceedings of individual East India Company ships. Each report is divided into two columns: the first column, which has the heading 'Orders Received', consists of instructions issued to the ship's commanding officer, either by the Senior Marine Officer or by the Resident in the Persian Gulf; the second column, which has the heading 'Detail of Execution', contains the commanding officer's account of how the orders have been carried out. The first of these reports (see ff 4-8), which concerns the Honourable Company's surveying ship, the Benares,commanded by Stafford Bettesworth Haines, ranges in date from 30 June 1829 to 14 August 1829. The first set of orders, which appears in the left-hand column, is issued by Thomas Elwon, Senior Marine Officer; the remaining orders are given by Major David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf. Haines's responses to these orders appear in the right-hand column. The next report (see ff 26-27), which relates to the general proceedings of the Honourable Company's brig of war, the Tigris,commanded by John Sawyer, ranges from 12 to 27 March 1830. In addition, there are similar reports for the Euphrates,commanded by William Denton (see f 35 and ff 46-47, dated 30 May-3 June and 15 June-2 July 1830 respectively), and the Elphinstone,commanded by William McDonald (see ff 38-41, dated 13 March-26 May 1830). Other marine officers who feature in this file as correspondents include William Lowe, Henry Windham, Edward Wyburd and John Sawyer. Most of the correspondence is concerned with relations between local Arab rulers. The letters received from the various marine officers consist of accounts of their visits to the Arabian coast. Details found in these letters include:News of fortifications being built at Manamah [Al-Manāmah] and Maharraq [Al-Muḥarraq], Bahrain;References to letters addressed by David Wilson to Abdoolah Ben Ahmed [Shaikh Abdullah ibn Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah] of Bahrain, requesting that the latter relinquish property which has purportedly been taken by his men from vessels belonging to the Chief of Moobat;Reports on relations between the Imam of Muscat [Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and Abdoolah Ben Ahmed;News of a peace having been concluded between Sooltan Ben Sugger [Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Ra's al-Khaymah and Sharjah] and Sheik Thanoon [Tahnun bin Shakhbut Āl Nahyān, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi];Speculation that the predatory incursions of some Bedouin tribes into the territories of the Imam of Muscat are being encouraged both by Sooltan Ben Sugger and by the opposite branch of the Imam's own family;Reports on the growing power of the Wahabee [Wahabi] Chieftain, Toorkee Ben Sood [Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Āl Sa‘ūd, founder of the Second Saudi State];News of an attack by the Imam of Muscat on the town of Sohar [Ṣuḥār].In addition, there are two letters addressed to Wilson which are not written by marine officers. The first is a letter signed by a number of Armenians from Julfa [Jolfā], in Ispahan [Eşfahān], in which the Resident is thanked for having sent a vaccin inoculator [ sic] to that place. The second item is a statement, addressed to the Bushire authorities by Alexander Ogilvie, Chief Officer of the Poop(and signed by a number of witnesses), in which Ogilvie complains of having been subjected to abusive language by one of the ship's passengers.Physical description: Foliation: There is an incomplete foliation sequence and a complete foliation sequence. The complete foliation sequence is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 47. This is the sequence which has been used by this catalogue to reference items within the file.
139. Vol 80: Translation Book 1833 (Native Letters Inward)
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume consists of translations and substances of letters (in Arabic and Persian) sent to the British Resident in the Persian Gulf; the volume consists of translations only, so no originals can be found within. This correspondence is primarily from the Resident's native agents stationed throughout the Gulf at Bahrein [Bahrain], Lingah [Bandar-e-Lengeh], Muscat, Shargah [Sharjah], and Shiraz. It also contains translations of correspondence received from various rulers across the region; such as Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur [Sulṭān bin Saqr], Chief of the Joasmees [Āl Qāsimī]; and the Imam of Muscat, Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd. Primarily the subject matter consists of updates on recent events in Nejde [Najd], Oman, and Persia.More specifically for Persia, this includes political disturbances related to the declining authority of Fat′h Ali Shah Qajar, and military preparations at Shiraz for a contest over the succession between Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mirzā (Governor of Fars) and his brother the Prince Royal, Abbas Mirza [‘Abbās Mīrzā]; interrupted by the death of the latter. Reports on the movements of key figures, and outbreaks of disease are also common.The extension of Wahabee [Wahhabi] power over Oman, and their conflict with Bahrein is also covered. The Wahabee are attempting to reduce the Shaikhs of Bahrein to submission, along with the rest of Oman; other efforts to resist the Wahabees are also mentioned (such as those of the Imam of Muscat), as are repeat outbreaks of war between the Joasmee and Beniyas tribes; on both land and sea. The events surrounding the murder and usurpation of Shaikh Tahnoon [Ṭaḥnūn bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān], Chief of the Beniyas [Bani Yas], by his brothers, Khuleefa bin Shakeboot [Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān] and Sultan bin Shakeboot [Sulṭān bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān], are also covered.Incidents of piracy and efforts to affect the restitution of plundered property are reported on, as is the conveyance of correspondence, and packets throughout the region.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the title page and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The volume contains the following foliation corrections; 1, and 1A.Pagination: An original pagination sequence with gaps is present in the file between ff 3-122; these numbers are written in ink, and are located in the top outermost corners of each page. Some numbers have been lost as a result of damage to the corners of the folios.
140. Vol 99: Secret Letters Outward
- Description:
- Abstract: The file consists of letters sent outwards from the British Residency in the Persian Gulf; the position of Resident in the Persian Gulf is held by Samuel Hennell during this period, with the exception of a brief period at the start of the file when the position is held James Morrison. This correspondence is predominantly addressed to the following recipients: John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Secret and Political Departments of the Government of Bombay; and the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors, London. The remainder consists of correspondence sent to various officers/officials of the British Government, and the East India Company, with a tiny minority being addressed to the officials/rulers of other powers. The subject matter relates to affairs affecting the position of the British in the Persian Gulf.Material concerning British relations and trade with Persia is heavily featured in the file; it covers events leading up to, and shortly subsequent to the withdrawal of the British Residency from Bushire in March 1839. Therefore, it also concerns itself with the British occupation of the island of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye], which was undertaken without the permission of the Persian Government, and the reaction of the authorities of Bushire in response; the British view this response as hostile to their interests, and it is used to justify their withdrawal. The Persian siege of Herat (1837-1838) is also briefly discussed due to the impact it has on diplomatic relations between Britain and Persia; much of the material in the file therefore relates to the possibility of a diplomatic rupture between the two states.The expansion of the influence of Muhammad Ali Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā] of Egypt into Central Arabia as a result of the conquest of Nedgd [Najd] by Khurshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā] — Commander-in-Chief of Egyptian forces in Najd — is another prominent topic in the file; Khurshid Pasha successfully defeating and imprisoning Ameer Fysul [Amīr Fayṣul], the Wahabi Chief. Much of the material therefore concerns the attempts of the Resident to thwart the expansion of this influence to Bahrain, and the Maritime Arabs of the Arabian Coast (Trucial Oman), which he fears would undermine British influence in the Gulf.Other subjects covered more briefly include:The return of property belonging to Prince Ruza Kooly Mirza, which was left on deposit in the Residency Treasury at Bushire.British fears that the Russians are using Armenian priests as spies against British India.The arrival of Nawab Hajeah, widow to the late Prince at Shiraz with some of her descendants, and their wives, and children, followed by their detention by the Governor of Bushire, and their subsequent flight — with the assistance of the Resident — to Bussorah [Basra].The position of Shaikh Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir], former Governor of Bushire, at Karrack; the Shaikh fled Bushire following a rupture with the Government of Fars, which he feared would seek to imprison him.The Resident's efforts to affect a settlement between Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah, Chief of Bahrain, and his 'revolted dependant' Esa ben Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf].The file contains an original index, which can be found at the front of the volume.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The file contains the following foliation errors: 34, and 34A; 79, and 79A; 98, and 98A.Pagination: An original pagination sequence is also present in the volume between ff 3-126; these numbers are written in ink, and are located in the top outermost corner of each page.
141. Ext 2103/44 'Presentation of naval sword to Shaikh of Bahrain'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains correspondence concerning the presentation of a naval sword to His Highness the Shaikh of Bahrain [King of Bahrain] on behalf of the Royal Navy. The initial proposal was made by Senior Naval Officer, Persian Gulf (Captain John Montagu Howson), to the Commander in Chief, Eastern Fleet, and the Naval Officer in Charge, Bahrain. Further correspondents include the Under Secretary of State, India Office, and the Foreign Office (Charles William Baxter). Folio 5 includes the sword inscription text and folio 2 provides a Bahrain Intelligence Summary extract reporting on the presentation.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the 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.
142. Sketch of Doha and the proposed site of Decca station
- Description:
- Abstract: Distinctive Features:Shows Doha and the nearby area, including the proposed site of Decca station.Enclosed is a letter from the General Manager of Bahrain Petroleum Company Limited requesting to the Sheikh of Qatar the lease of the land for an electronic survey Station, on 22 May 1949 (IOR/R/15/2/459, folios 60-64).Physical description: Materials: photocopy of a drawingDimensions: 277 x 218 mm.Foliation: The map has been foliated in the top right hand corner with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
143. Letters Outward
- Description:
- Abstract: The volumes consist of letters outwards from the British Residency in the Persian Gulf. Most of these letters were originally penned by Samuel Hennell (Resident), with a few towards the end of the second volume penned by Thomas Edmunds (Assistant Resident). Most of these letters are addressed to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay in the Political and Secret Departments; Lestock Robert Reid, Acting Chief Secretary to the Bombay Government; George Barnes Brucks, Commodore of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf; the Secret Committee of the Court of the Directors of the East India Company, London; and Robert Taylor, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Bagdad [Baghdad]. The remaining correspondence is directed towards various officers/officials/servants of the British Government and the East India Company. Some letters also have translations of correspondence to and from various rulers in and around the Persian Gulf enclosed.Much of the correspondence concerns the conquest of Nedgd [Najd] by Khorshed Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā], Commander of Egyptian Forces in Central Arabia, and the establishment of Ameer Khalid [Amīr Khālid] — also known as Khaled ben Saood — as ruler of that province. Much of the correspondence therefore concerns itself with Khorshed Pasha's efforts to extend Egyptian influence throughout the rest of the Arabian Peninsula and therefore extend the power of its ruler Mahomed Ally Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā]; the British are specifically concerned about Bahrein [Bahrain], Bagdad, Bussora [Basra], Koweit, and the various rulers of Oman submitting to becoming vassals of Egypt. Much of the subject matter therefore relates to the Resident trying to check the advancement of Egyptian power in order to maintain Britain's dominant position, its reputation, and prestige in the Persian Gulf. A specific example being the removal of Sued ben Mootluk, an Agent to Khorshid Pasha operating in Oman; the agent was claiming to have been empowered to rule Oman on Khorshid Pasha's behalf.Another major topic concerns political relations between Britain and Persia. A diplomatic rupture between the two states takes place, and all communications between the Resident and the Government of Fars is therefore suspended. The correspondence covers events in Southern Persia leading up to — and following — the removal of the British Residency from Bushire on 29 March 1839 to Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye]; a diary of events leading up to the removal of the Residency is enclosed. The correspondence also concerns itself with the British force stationed — without the permission of the Persian Government — on the island of Karrack, along with subsequent reports of disturbances surrounding Shiraz and Bushire.Other matters featured in the volumes include a visit to the Persian Gulf by Sir Frederick Maitland, Commander-in-Chief of the East Indies and China, aboard HMS Wellesley; efforts by the British to prevent the abduction of Africans for sale as slaves in the Persian Gulf; and discussions relating to the deployment of the ships of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf.It also contains material of a routine nature such as the transmission of letters, packets, and parcels; and the issuing of disbursements.The volumes appear to have been subjected to a degree of weeding, as evidenced by the gaps present in the original pagination. As a result, some letters are only present as fragments (i.e. only the opening or ends of some letters remain).Physical description: Condition: The volumes are by and large in good condition, though on a small number of folios the ink has faded; in consequence, the text is therefore difficult to read on these folios. A very small number of folios have also suffered physical damage at the edges, and therefore a small proportion of the text has been lost.Foliation: The foliation sequence runs through two physical volumes. This sequence commences at the first folio of the volume one and terminates at the back cover of volume two; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The volumes contain the following foliation corrections; f. 111, and ff. 111A-F.Pagination: There is an original pagination sequence, which is written in ink, that is also present in the volumes between ff. 1-220; these numbers are located in the top outermost corner of each page. There are a large number of gaps in this sequence, indicating that a degree of weeding has been undertaken at some point in the past.
144. Letters Outward 1837
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains letters sent outwards from the British Residency in the Persian Gulf by Samuel Hennell (the Resident), and Thomas Mackenzie (Acting Assistant in Charge of the Residency). The main recipient being John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Political Department of the Bombay Government. Other significant recipients are Edward M Wood, Secretary to the Military and Steam Departments of the Bombay Government; John McNeil, HM Minister Plenipotentiary and Minister Extraordinary to the Court of Persia; and the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London.The correspondence includes material of a routine administrative nature; such as the movement of company ships, the transportation of mail, personnel matters, and so on. The trials of Noor Mahomed Beg [Nūr Muḥammad Beg] in conveying packets between Bushire and Tehran are outlined in more detail; a list of expenses he incurred in the process is also included. Additional topics covered include the suitability of various locations — Anjar, Bundar Maculla, Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye], and Muscat — for establishing a coal depot; the viability of relocating the base of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf from Bassidore [Bāsaʻīdū] to Anjar; the temporary occupation of Karrack by British forces; and the testing of the navigability of the Euphrates river through the ascent of an iron steamer.Included in the file are reports on the Resident's annual tour of the Arabian Coast. The main object being the renewal of the Maritime Truce, and its extension from a period of eight to twelve months. The Resident is also involved in trying to get the Arab Chiefs to formally recognise the restrictive line in the Persian Gulf; a neutral zone within which no hostility at sea will be tolerated.The efforts of the Resident to suppress the trade in slaves in the Persian Gulf is also featured; this being prompted by a complaint alleging that traders of the Joasmee [Āl Qāsimī] tribe had abducted women from the coast of Barbarah [Berbera] for the purpose of selling them as slaves. It also covers the Resident's efforts to prevent hostilities at sea between Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] and Debaye [Dubai], as a result of Shaikh Khuleefa bin Shakboot's [Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ] attack on the Sea Tower of the Fort of Debaye.In a similar vein, the file includes correspondence related to the Resident's efforts to mediate a settlement between the Chief of Bahrain, and his revolted dependants — Esa ben Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf], and Ibn Salamah [Ibn Salāmah] — residing at Aboothabee. It also discusses the complete abandonment of Wukrah [al Wakrah] by the Boo Eymeen [Bu Ajman] tribe, and their relocation to Aboothabee, and a request from the Beni boo Ally [Banī Bū ‘Alī] for a reconciliation with the Beni boo Hoossun [Banī Bū Ḥusayn].The file also covers the advances of Ameer Khaled [Amīr Khālid] — with the support of the Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā of Egypt — against Ameer Fysul [Amīr Fayṣul], the Wahabi Chief, in Nedgd [Najd], and the resulting threat this poses to the Chief of Bahrain, Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah.The correspondence also concerns itself with the perceived hostility, and obstructive attitude of the Prince of Shiraz against the British at Bushire. The replacement of Shaikh Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir] as Governor of Bushire by Mirza Abbas [Mīrzā ‘Abbās], and his subsequent replacement with Mirza Assadoollah [Mīrzā Assad ‘Allāh] following a dispute with the merchants of that place.Included is list of equipment received from India on the requisition of Sir Henry Bethune showing their subsequent distribution, along with another list estimating the cost of building a coal depot with a capacity for 1000 tons of coal.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: An original incomplete pagination sequence is also present in the file between ff 2-91. These numbers are located in the top outermost corner of each page. Please note that there are significant gaps present in this sequence.