Abstract: Extract from the journal of Captain John Nicholl Robert Campbell, the assistant to the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, during his visit to the camp of the Prince Royal [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia]. The journal details the communications between Campbell and the Prince Royal held on 21 September 1827 concerning Anglo-Persian relations and the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], including:The Prince Royal’s frustration at the failure of the British Government to acknowledge or respond to his communications on the subject of the war, which he attributes to a lack of interest in PersiaHis belief that Persia is entitled to a subsidy and mediation in the war from the British, as per Anglo-Persian treaty relations, on account of Russia being the aggressor in the warThe desire of both the Prince Royal and the Shāh of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] to send envoys to EnglandThe prospect of a timely agreement of peace with Russia so as to avoid greater pecuniary and territorial demands in the event of a prolongation of the warThe disrespectful behaviour of the leader of the Russian forces, General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia]The lack of funds available for the Prince Royal to continue to prosecute the war effectively.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1 in dispatch No. 67, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of October 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/67).Physical description: 1 item (17 folios)
Abstract: Copies of dispatches Nos. 59 and 60 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton.In dispatch No. 59, of 12 August 1827, Macdonald Kinneir reports the transmission of a letter, addressed from himself to General Peskavitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia], which was belatedly conveyed by the Prince Royal, Abbas Mirza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār], following the Russian capture of Abbasabad [‘Abbasabad], the reply to which was originally enclosed with this letter (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/36). He goes on to discuss the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], including:The failed attempt to negotiate an armistice and peace terms between Peskavitch and the Prince Royal, conducted by the Persian envoy Mirza Saleh [Mīrzā Ṣāliḥ Shīrāzī] and Peskavitch’s private secretary Gribiodoff [Alexander Sergeyevich Gribodoyev] (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/34)The poor conduct and missed opportunities in the war by both the Russians and PersiansThe deficient leadership of both the Shah of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] and the Prince Royal in the war.Dispatch No. 60, of 17 August 1827, originally enclosed confidential papers given to Macdonald Kinneir by his secret informant in the Prince Royal’s camp (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/37).This document was originally enclosed, numbered 2, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 20 August 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/33).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 73 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tassooch [Tasuj], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 1 November 1827, which was received on 25 February 1828. The letter concerns the events of the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], including:The capture of the fortresses of Abbasabad [ʿAbbasabad] and Erivan [Yerevan]The surrender of the capital of the province of Azerbijan [Azerbaijan], Tabriz, without a fightThe dissolution of the army of Abbas Mirza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] resulting from the widespread desertion of troopsAbbas Mirza’s unsuccessful attempts to meet with General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia] to negotiate for peaceThe ‘revolt’ taking place in Azerbijan [Azerbaijan] in favour of Russia, with an attendant list of the individuals and groups concerned and their motivations.Macdonald Kinneir concludes by reflecting on the possible outcome of the conflict, prognosticating the possible dissolution of the Persian Government and indicating his view that Russia has achieved an ascendant position in Central Asia.Macdonald Kinneir also details the circumstances of his having lent 3000 tomans to Abbas Mirza.The letter originally enclosed correspondence concerning peace negotiations and other matters relating to the war (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/85-97).Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 91 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 26 March 1828. The letter concerns the agreement between Macdonald Kinneir and Abbas Meerza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] for the abrogation of the third and fourth articles of the treaty existing between Britain and Persia [Definitive Treaty of 1814] (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/192-193). Macdonald Kinneir indicates that he offered Abbas Meerza the opportunity to reconsider the agreement and return the 200,000 tomauns [tomans] paid to him by the British ‘in case of repentance’, whereupon he received a reply from Abbas Meerza indicating that the money has already been paid to Russia for the evacuation of the Province [the Province of Azerbaijan].This document originally enclosed Macdonald Kinneir’s above communication with Abbas Meerza, and also correspondence between Macdonald Kinneir and the Shah of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/255-257).This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 34 to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 28 March 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/253).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Dispatch No. 38 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from Tabreez [Tabriz] and dated 14 December 1828.The letter discusses:The plans of the Prince Royal [‘Abbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] to travel to St Petersburgh [Saint Petersburg] to seek financial and territorial concessions from Russia, and possibly to travel from there to EuropeMacdonald Kinneir’s opinion of the character and popularity of the Prince Royal and his influence over Persia’s foreign policyThe deployment of troops by the Prince Royal against the Rouandiz [Rawāndiz Kurds], which Macdonald Kinneir suspects is aimed at acquiring territory from Turkey [Ottoman Empire]The movements of the Shah [Fatḥ-‘Ali Shāh Qājār].The letter also forwards a dispatch to the Governor-General of Bengal (IOR/L/PS/9/71/302 and 304).A duplicate of this letter is catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/303.Physical description: The letter was perforated in an attempt to stop the spread of disease.
Abstract: Dispatch No. 38 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from Tabreez [Tabriz] and dated 14 December 1828.The letter discusses:The plans of the Prince Royal [‘Abbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] plans to travel to St Petersburgh [Saint Petersburg] to seek financial and territorial concessions from Russia, and possibly to travel from there to EuropeMacdonald Kinneir’s opinion of the character and popularity of the Prince Royal and his influence over Persia’s foreign policyThe deployment of troops by the Prince Royal against the Rouandiz [Rawāndiz Kurds], which Macdonald Kinneir suspects is aimed at acquiring territory from Turkey [Ottoman Empire]The movements of the Shah [Fatḥ-‘Ali Shāh Qājār].The letter also forwards a dispatch to the Governor-General of Bengal (IOR/L/PS/9/71/302 and 304).A duplicate of this letter is catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/301.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Dispatch No. 29 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from Tabreez [Tabriz] and dated 27 December 1828.The letter covers:The plans of the Prince Royal [‘Abbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] to travel to St Petersburgh [Saint Petersburg]The arrival in Persia of an agent of the Grand Signior [Sultan of the Ottoman Empire], asking for assistance and alleging that Russia, France, and Britain intend to partition the Turkish [Ottoman] EmpireMacdonald Kinneir’s efforts to dissuade the Persian Government from launching military action to acquire territory from TurkeyThe difficulties presented by Macdonald Kinneir’s lack of accreditation to the British Government.The letter also forwards various correspondence (not enclosed).Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: Copy of a letter from Lieutenant Ronald Dugald Harcourt Macdonald, in Zengan [Zanjan], to the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, of 27 December 1827. Lieutenant Macdonald reports that the Prince [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] has requested that he transport a sum of 50,000-60,000 tomans to Tabreez [Tabriz] for safekeeping by Macdonald Kinneir. He indicates that he refused the request, but has forwarded it on to Macdonald Kinneir at the Prince’s asking, having intimated that to do so might potentially ‘give umbrage’ to the Russians.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1 in enclosure No. 14, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 16 March 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/201).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copy of a letter from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Governor-General of India, Lord Amherst, of 8 April 1827. The letter is labelled private and confidential, and concerns the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], detailing:The interest of the Duke of Wellington in Britain intervening to preserve the 'independence and integrity of Persia'The intention of General Yermoloff [General Aleksey Petrovich Yermolov, Governor-General of Georgia] of opening a campaign against Persia at the head of a large army in May 1827The unsuccessful expedition of General Madatoff [General Valerian Madatov] across the Araxes [River Aras] into Persian territoryThe reaction of Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] to Britain’s refusal to award Persia the subsidy stipulated for in Anglo-Persian treaty relationsThe eagerness of France and the Austrian Empire to develop relations with Persia.Macdonald Kinneir also considers the conclusion of the war, indicating that he expects that Russia will claim Erivan [Yerevan] and other Persian territory north of the Araxes. He also expresses his concern that Persia will subscribe to unfavourable peace terms with Russia, reflecting on the intentions and character of the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār]. In addition, he discusses the potential for the expansion of Russian influence in Persia, and surrounding areas including Khiva and Bokhara [Bukhara], and the attendant risks to British territory in India.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 21 April 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/214).Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: Copy of a letter from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Teheran [Tehran], of 21 December 1826. The letter originally gave no addressee but is ‘supposed to be addressed’ to the Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government of India, George Swinton. The letter details Macdonald Kinneir's communications with the Prince Royal, Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār], the Shah of Persia [Fath-'Ali Shāh Qājār], and senior Persian ministers concerning proposals for the dispatch of the Persian Foreign Minister, Meerza Abool Hussan Khan [Mīrzā Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Shīrāzī] to St Petersburgh [St Petersburg] to negotiate peace with Russia in the Caucasus [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. The letter details Abbas Meerza's willingness to send an ambassador, and reports the Shah's decision to send Meerza Mahomed Ali [Mīrzā Muḥammad ʿAlī Khān Shīrāzī] to St Petersburgh as a precursor to a mission by Meerza Abool Hussan Khan. Macdonald Kinneir also gives his reasons for recommending Meerza Abool Hussan Khan as ambassador, and details the discussion of other matters concerning the war between Russia and Persia, including Russian preparations for a renewed offensive and Abbas Meerza's military situation, the possibility of Britain making subsidy payments to Persia, the diplomatic mission of Daoud Khan [Prince Dāvūd Khān Zādūriyān] to Constantinople [Istanbul], and the mission of Mr Noskoff [Ivan Fyodorovich Noskov]. The letter also originally enclosed:A memorandum of a conference between Macdonald Kinneir's assistant, John McNeill, and Abbas MeerzaThe transcript of a letter from Abbas Meerza to Archduke Constantine [Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich of Russia]Translations of two documents given to Meerza Mahomed Ali for his mission to St PetersburghA letter from Major William Monteith to Macdonald Kinneir.These documents are now catalogued, numbered 1-5, as IOR/L/PS/9/70/158-162.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1, in Macdonald Kinneir's letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 23 December 1826 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/156).Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)