Abstract: Translation of a letter from Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] to the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, dated 4 Ṣafar [AH 1243] [27 August 1827]. Abbas Meerza details the recent Persian victory over Russian troops near Eutch Keleesia [an Armenian religious site, possibly at present-day Vagharshapat] during the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828] (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/39). He describes the fighting between the Russian and Persian troops, detailing the losses sustained by the Russians in terms of fatalities and prisoners taken, and the military stores and equipment captured during the battle. He also emphasises the magnitude of his victory, praising the conduct of his troops in action. He concludes with a request for military equipment from Macdonald Kinneir, including a spyglass, a rifle and some boots.A note is included in the letter, presumably added by the translator, describing the practice of granting a reward for every prisoner or decapitated head delivered to Abbas Meerza, and which also explains that the King [Shāh] only provides rewards for heads, resulting in living prisoners often being killed by his troops for the reward paid for their heads.This document was originally enclosed, numbered 2 in dispatch No. 64, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 5 September 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/38).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 2 October 1873 and received by the India Office Political Department on 27 October 1873, forwarding copies of a letter from the Bombay [Mumbai] Government reporting that no receipt was taken from Moosa Yoosuf [Yusuf Ali Kenadid?], the Regent of Mijjerteyn [Majeerteen] country for the $873 paid to him as compensation for the dhow captured by the
Daphnein 1869. The letter forwards a copy of a letter from the Political Resident, Aden, in which he states it is 'not customary to take receipts from Somali Chiefs' and that since 'Somali is not a written language' giving a receipt for a cash payment 'would not be understood'. The despatch is in reply to the Secretary of State for India's Political No. 76 of 4 June 1873.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 66, and terminates at f 70a, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The sequence contains three foliation anomalies: f 66a, f 68a, and f 70a.
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 66 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in camp at Sooraab [Sirab?], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 22 September 1827. The letter concerns the recent Persian victory over Russia in a battle near Eutchkilisea [an Armenian religious site, possibly at present-day Vagharshapat] during the ongoing war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], reporting the capture of Russian prisoners, including a number of officers. Letters concerning the battle were also originally enclosed (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/48-49). Macdonald Kinneir gives an account of the fighting, as related by Russian officers, during which the Persian forces were led by Prince Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] and the Sirdar of Erivan [Sardar of Iravan or Yerevan, Ḥusayn Qulī Khān Qājār], including the events of the battle, the performance of Abbas Meerza’s troops, and the casualties sustained by the Russians. Macdonald Kinneir also comments on the Persian practice of decapitating prisoners, which Abbas Meerza is attempting to put a stop to, and also gives details about the composition of the Persian artillery which took part in the battle.This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 22 September 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/50).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)