Abstract: Copy of General Orders issued by Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Ronald Macdonald, Military Secretary, and Deputy Adjutant General HM Forces Bombay [Mumbai].The orders concern the organisation and command structure of the Army of the Indus, henceforth to be under overall command of Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Abstract of contents to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of India, dated 20 August 1841. The enclosures listed are not included in the volume; there is a note on folio 649 stating that the enclosures were sent to the East India Company Court of Directors, 10 November 1841.The enclosures listed are dated 11-16 August 1841 and consist of copies of correspondence and other papers relating to the disposal of grain seized at Ghuznee [Ghazni] by the so-called ‘Army of the Indus’ during the First Anglo-Afghan War.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence relating to the crisis in Britain’s relations with Persia in the early 1840s, in the wake of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42) and the siege of Herat (1838), which led to British occupation of the island of Karrak [Jazīreh-ye Khārk] in the Persian Gulf.The volume’s contents, sent and received by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain Samuell Hennell, relate to:Reports from British officials in Persia on the state of Anglo-Persian negotiations over British occupation of Jazīreh-ye Khārk and the restoration to the Persians of the fortress of Ghoriān, near the border town of Herat;Various reports, written by Hennell, and based on his tour of the Gulf, on the possibilities of occupation by the British of Bahrain [written as Bahrein throughout] or Grane [Kuwait], for the purposes of establishing a naval station in the Gulf;A report, written by Hennell, on relations between Muscat and Bahrain, and the prospects of an attack on Bahrain by the Imam of Muscat’s forces;An assessment, written by Hennell, of Bahrain’s climate, considered by the Resident to be too harmful to the ‘European constitution’ for permanent occupation of Bahrain by British forces;Egyptian territorial ambitions in Arabia and the Gulf, and measures to counter Egyptian influence;Relations between the Al Khalifah at Bahrain;The political situation at Bushire, including the removal of the Bushire Governor;Discussion between officials over whether the British Residency should remain at Jazīreh-ye Khārk (as desired by Hennell) or return to Bushire;Hennell’s absence through sickness, and his insistence that an assistant to the Resident is required.Some of the letters in the volume (folios 42, 61) have incorrect dates assigned to them (1853 and 1851 respectively); these dates have been omitted from the volume’s assigned date range.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence begins on the title page and ends of the last folio of content (i.e. text); these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: An original sporadic and incomplete pagination sequence is also present between ff 6-67; these numbers are located in the top outermost corner of the page when present.Condition: Many of the pages have suffered water damage, and are damaged at the edges, resulting in the loss of some text.
Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial statements and some local newsletters, relating to diplomatic, military and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 931-1264, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret Department, and Secret and Separate Department, 26 November 1838-21 July 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from January to April 1839 but the volume includes some from November and December 1838 and May 1839. Copy letters end on folio 810. Folios 811-838 contain: ‘List of Packets to the Hon’ble [Honourable] the Secret Committee of the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Per "Water Witch"’. The list includes dates and correspondents only.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister with the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Henry Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Thomas Herbert Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde [Sindh]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon, Political Assistant on Duty in the Bhawalpore Territory [Bahawalpur]; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat (late on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul]); Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent, on a Mission to Bhawalpore; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, Commanding Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Eldred Pottinger, British Political agent, Herat; Lieutenant-General John Keane, Commander of the Army of the Indus.Other correspondents include: R Leech, Political Assistant; George Clerk, Political Agent, Umballah [Ambala, North India]; Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, Political Assistant and Military Secretary to the Envoy and Minister; Lieutenant William Joseph Eastwick, Officiating Political Agent of Khyrpore [Khairpur] and Assistant to the Resident in Sinde (Henry Pottinger), also referred to as Political Agent in Shikapore, and later, in April 1839, deputed back to Hyderabad to take over from Henry Pottinger, assisted by Ross Bell); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant Colonel [I] Stuart, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; Major-General E H Simpson, Commanding Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; and various British diplomatic and administrative officials and military personnel.Matters covered notably include:Supplying the Army of the Indus (Bengal and Bombay Divisions and Shah Shoojah’s Force), particularly: obtaining grain, rice, forage, camels and artillery; recruiting non-military personnel, such as camel drivers; problems encountered by British agents in obtaining supplies, notably A C Gordon’s complaints about Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III], Nawab of Bhawalpore, whom he suspects of purposely reneging on treaty promises (contradicted by F Makeson, who considered the Nawab was doing his best despite genuine difficulties)Maintaining cash supplies to finance the expedition, particularly for: purchase of animals and food; payment of salaries; recruitment of suitable soldiers; payment of bribes, for example, to deter desertions; compensation of local famers for loss of animals, crops or infrastructure; purchase of woollen garments for Shah Shoojah’s force; enhancement of the police establishment due to numerous criminal acts committed in Shah Shoojah’s camp. Also covers methods of conveying cash during the advance and arrangements for conveyance of Shah Shoojah’s treasure and bullionProgress of the lines of advance, notably: communications between the two columns of the Army of the Indus; strategies of Keane and Cotton; crossing the river Indus and keeping its navigation open; the dilapidated state of Bukkur Fort; encampment at Shikapore [Shikarpur]; route to the Bolan Pass and Quetta; stationing stores depots and reserve forces along the route; reports of skirmishes, and plundering by Belochee (also spelt Beloochee) [Balochi] tribesmen on the route to Candahar [Kandahar]Relations between Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde, and the four Hyderabad ameers (Meer Noor Mahomed Khan, Meer Nusseer Mahomed Khan, Meer Mohamed Khan, and Meer Sobdar Khan), regarding British policy in the state, notably: British suspicions of the ameers’ perfidy and accusations of withholding ‘promised’ camels and grain for the Army of the Indus; Pottinger’s attempts variously to conciliate, chivvy and threaten the ameers; treaty terms issued to the four after the conquest of Kurachee [Karachi] in February 1839; Pottinger’s temporary retirement from Hyderabad in March 1839 due to stress and his quarrel with Alexander Burnes for allegedly undermining himIntelligence and situation reports notably from R Leech and Alexander Burnes on supposedly anti-British, pro-Persian and pro-Russian intrigues in Candahar and Cabool, activities of Russian envoy Captain Vitkievitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] and Afghan Ruler Dost Mohamed Khan; and affairs in Herat and attempts by Eldred Pottinger, Political Agent, to convert and retain the authorities as friends of the BritishBritish policy of conciliation and occupation with a view to securing the route and maintaining lines of communication and supply through Sinde, the Punjab and into Afghanistan, notably: hostile occupation of the strategic Moonarah [Manora] fort and the port of Kurachee by the British and treaty ‘of surrender’ with the local governor, 3 February 1839; British proclamation issued to the chiefs of Candahar and Cabool exhorting submission to the ‘rightful ruler’ Shah Shoojah; arrangements to keep reserve forces in Vikkur, Kurachee, Tatta (also spelt Tattah) [Thatta], Hyderabad, Khyrpore [Khairpur], the river Indus crossing, Bukkur, Shikapore, Quetta, and other strategic locations; attempts to solicit favour of Mehrab Khan [Mir Mehrab Khan Baloch II], the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], particularly to prevent his collusion with British enemies and to reduce attacks by Beloochee tribesmen on the daks [or dawks, mail service], supply chains and camps during the advance to Candahar (including idea to turn them into allies by employing them).Volume also includes Henry Fane’s views on the Western Frontier of British India (explaining where he thinks all points of the compass frontiers should be and why), dated May 1839, folios 757-764.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 841; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial statements, and other papers relating to diplomatic, military, and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan in 1839 by the so-called Army of the Indus.The principal correspondents include: Lord George Eden, Earl of Auckland, Governor-General of India; William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister to Shah Shooja ool Moolk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni]; Thomas Herbert Maddock, Secretary to the Governor-General of India; Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of India; Lieutenant Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat; Andrew Ross Bell, Political Agent, Upper Sind [Sindh] (also spelled Scinde or Sinde); Henry Whitelock Torrens, Secretary to the Government of India; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sind; and George R Clerk, Officiating Political Agent, Loodhiana [Ludhiana].Other correspondents include several more British military and political officers, as well as regional rulers, such as: Captain T J Nuthall, Deputy Assistant Commissary General; Lieutenant-Colonel R Macdonald, Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief; A C Gordon, Assistant Political Agent, Dera Ismael Khan [Dera Ismail Khan]; William Beveridge Thomson, Deputy Assistant Commissary General, Bhawulpore [Bahawalpur]; Muzhur Ullee, News Writer at Belaspore [Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh]; Lieutenant-Colonel James Stuart, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department; Sir Henry Fane, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies; the Military Board; L R Reed, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]; Lieutenant Colonel W Spiller, Commanding the Sinde Reserve, at Karachee [Karachi]; Raja [Maharaja] Ratan Singh of Bukaneer [Bikaner]; Shah Shooja ool Moolk; Henry Montgomery Lawrence, Assistant Political Agent, Loodhiana; Captain J D Bean, Political Agent, Quetta; Captain William Joseph Eastwick, Political Agent, Shikarpore [Shikarpur]; Captain H Johnson, Paymaster, Candahar [Kandahar]; William Griffith, Assistant Surgeon, Madras Establishment; and George H MacGregor, Political Assistant and Officiating Military Secretary to the British Envoy and Minister, Cabool [Kabul].Matters covered by the papers are many and wide-ranging, but include: British authority and administration in the Upper Provinces and along the Northwestern Frontier; honours given by the Shah to British Officers; military logistics and planning; security along the Bolan Pass; the fall of Ghuznee [Ghazni] (folios 16-23 for a detailed account); financial matters – accounts, expenses; proceedings of cases of theft, murder, and embezzlement; the progress of the army from Ghuznee to Cabool and the flight of Dost Mahomed Khan [Dōst Moḥammad Khān Bārakzay, Amir of Afghanistan]; the establishment of postal routes and services; matters of carriage and supply; intelligence reports, including translated copies of the 'Punjab Ukhbars' (sometimes written Akhbar), a newsletter regarding court life in the Panjab; personnel matters such as pay, promotion, transferral, and dismissal; the destruction of tombs at Sukhur [Sukkur]; relations with the rulers of Upper Sind and the Panjab; and the capture of the fort at Ally Musjid [Ali Musjid].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 986; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.The file contains one foliation anomaly, f 1a.
Abstract: The volume contains copies of enclosures to despatches from the Government of India Secret Department to the East India Company Secret Committee relating to political and military affairs principally in Durrani [Durrānī] and Barakzai [Bārakzāy] Afghanistan, as well as the Punjab under Sikh rule, and British-administered Sinde [Sindh] and Baluchistan [Balochistan]. The volume contains material relating to preparations for the First Anglo-Afghan War (July 1839-October 1842). The volume comprises two items:Funds for the British mission to Afghanistan (IOR/L/PS/5/148, ff 3-12)Affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab (IOR/L/PS/5/148, ff 13-443).Physical description: The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 445; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The volume also contains earlier foliation sequences that have been crossed out.
Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial and statistical statements and translations of local 'newsletters', relating to diplomatic, military and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 2-388 (No.1 does not appear to be bound at the front of the volume), and all annotated ‘No: 34 of 15th November’ (the volume is labelled 'Nov to Nov 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret Department, Secret and Separate Department, or Political Department, 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from March to August 1839 but the volume includes some from November 1838 to February 1839. Copy letters end on folio 786. Folios 787-794 contain: ‘List of Packets to the Hon’ble [Honourable] the Secret Committee of the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Per [blank]’. The list includes dates and correspondents only.The principal correspondents are: Thomas Herbert Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister with the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Henry Torrens, Deputy Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Lieutenant William Joseph Eastwick, Officiating Political Agent, Khyrpore [Khairpur] Agency; (Andrew) Ross Bell, Collector of Delhi, also referred to as Officiating Political Agent, Shikapore, and Political Agent Upper Sinde [Sindh]; Elliott D’Arcy Todd, in temporary charge of the British Mission, Cabool [Kabul]; Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat [Kalat]; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde; George Clerk, Political Agent, Loodhiana [Ludhiana] (sending translations of his 'newsletter'
Punjab Akhbar[also spelt
Akbarin the volume]).Other correspondents include: [T J] Nuthall, Deputy Assistant Commissary General; J D D Bean, In charge of Political Affairs, Shawl [Sahiwal]; Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant General John Keane, Commander of the Army of the Indus; Lieutenant Colonel I Stuart, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; Lieutenant General Sir Willoughby Cotton, Commanding Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Major-General E H Simpson, Commanding Shah Shoojah’s Force; John McNeill, British Envoy in Persia; and various British diplomatic and military personnel.Matters covered notably include:Progress of the Army of the Indus towards and into Afghanistan including: landing at Vikkur of the Bombay Column under Lieutenant-General John Keane, progress to Tatta [Thatta], across the Indus, on to Shikapore [Shikarpur] and Dadar (also spelt Daddur and Dadur in the volume) [Dadhar/Dhadar]; march northwards through the Bolan Pass; arrival at Quetta; unopposed occupation of Candahar [Kandahar] by the united Bengal and Bombay Columns and Shah Shoojah’s Force on 25 April 1839 (official accounts on folios 160-64 and folios 355-67); capture of the Fortress of Ghuznee [Ghazni] 23 July 1839 (official account on folios 606-612); capture of Cabool [Kabul] on 6 August 1839 and departure of Ruler Dost Mohammed Khan with his remaining supporters (official account on folio 742-48)Supplying the Army of the Indus, particularly: logistics of transport routes, food stores, ordnance depots and supply apportionments; problems encountered by British political agents in procuring sufficient camels, livestock, forage and grain and Henry Pottinger’s suspicions of obstructionism by the Hyderabad ameers [amirs]; British attempts to induce local populations to contribute assistanceFinancing the Army of the Indus, particularly: authorised and disputed expenses submitted by political agents and army officers; payments to local rulers, loyal ‘native’ employees and informers; problems repaying loans from local bankers and wealthy inhabitants; salaries of military and non-combatant staff; auditing of the accounts of Shah Shoojah’s Force; gold coin supplyBritish policy of conciliation with a view to securing the route and maintaining lines of communication and supply into Afghanistan, particularly: efforts to reduce the number of attacks, by Belochee (also spelt Belochee) [Balochi] marauders, on British forces in the Bolan Pass and other vulnerable areas; exhorting the troops to act humanely, avoid confrontations with locals and miscreants and only use force as a last recourse; engagement of Belochee tribesmen on the side of the British forces; soliciting support from local rulers and influential tribal chiefs (with monetary inducements) concurrent with exhortations of submission to Shah ShoojahCommunications, particularly: arrangements for the campaign Dâks (or Dawks) [postal service]; retaining clear crossing over the River Indus; and improvement of the roadsIntelligence, notably: reports by political agents Alexander Burnes, R Leech and George Clerk, on the political situation in Candahar, activities of Afghan Ruler Dost Mohammed and other suspected anti-British intrigues; interception of native letters; surveillance and disposal of questionable characters such as a ‘Prince of Persia’ apprehended at Shikapore; (false) rumours of Colonel Charles Stoddart’s murder in Bokkara [Bukhara] (folios 188-189); reports on the court of Maharajah Ranjeet [Ranjit] Singh, including his illness, death on 27 June 1839 and funeral rites (accounts in
Punjab Akhbar, folios 705-21)Relations between the Hyderabad ameers (Meer Noor Mahomed, Nusseer Mahomed and Meer Mahomed Khan and Sobdah Khan), and Henry Pottinger, the Resident in Sinde, whilst the latter is
en routeto Bombay (on sick leave) via Kurachee [Karachi] in early April 1839, notably regarding the incident of the gun fired from the Moonarah [Manora] Fort, (near Kurachee), and hostile fire returned by HMS
Wellesley; attempts by the ameers to negotiate amendments to the 14-point ‘dictat’ Treaty issued to each of them by the Governor-General of India (over-riding Pottinger’s earlier more liberal 23-point draft treaty), regarding currency, payments to the British and control of Kurachee (the Treaty of 14 points, was ratified by the ameers in July 1839); relations between Sobdah Khan and the other three ameersPhysical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 795; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading flyleaves.
Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports and financial statements relating to diplomatic, military and logistical preparations for the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 201-610, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret and Separate Department, 8 January-8 March 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from mid-October to 31 December 1838 but the volumes includes some from September relating to the end of the siege of Herat.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India, with the Governor General, Simla, also referred to in this volume Envoy and Minister to the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent on a Mission to Bhawalpore [Bahawalpur]; Henry Whitelock Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor General; General Sir Henry Fane, Commander-in-Chief, India; Lord Auckland, Governor General of India; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Political Agent and British Envoy at Kelat [Kalat]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon and Political Agent on Duty in Bhawalpore; Colonel E H Simpson, in charge of Shah Shoojah’s Force, Loodhiana [Ludhiana] (and his predecessor Captain J McSherry); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton,Commander Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Captain C M Wade, Political Agent, Loodhiana, later on a Mission to Bhawalpore.Other correspondents include: Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, in charge of the British Mission, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant R Leech, Political Assistant; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; various lesser army officers and government officials; British intelligence agents and local informants; local rajahs and emirs.Main matters covered:Composition, governance, funding, arming and equipping of Shah Shoojah’s ForceNews of the ending of the siege of Herat in September 1838 with the retreat of the Shah of Persia [Iran] to Tehran and retrospective appointment of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger as Political Agent in Herat assigned to help alleviate poverty and starvation in the city and restore the army to orderTreaties, agreements and understandings between the British Government and various local rulers in Punjab and Sinde [Sindh] in advance of the forthcoming British military expedition into Afghanistan. Many agree to offer assistance, support or absence of opposition during the operation, usually in return for British 'protection'. Includes treaties with Nawab Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III] of Bhawalpore, and with Meere Roostum Khan [Mir Rustam 'Ali Khan] of Khyrpore State [Khairpur], cession of fort at Bukkur to the British, lingering suspicions about the loyalty of the Hydrabad [Hyderabad] ameers, and need to ensure friendly attitude of the Khan (Chief) of Kelat to enable advance of British into KhorasanIntelligence reports gathered by Alexander Burnes, notably on situation and loyalties in Herat, Khyrpore, Sinde state, Candahar [Kandahar] and Cabool [Kabul]. Includes reports of alleged anti-British intrigues by Cabool ruler Dost Mahomad Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan (Barakzai)] with Hydrabad ameers and Russian diplomat Captain Vitkievitch (sporadically spelled, e.g. Vilkervitch, Vilkieritch) [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, a Polish man in service of the Russians] and suspected overtures to the Shah of PersiaArrangements for amassing of British forces, known as the Army of the Indus, at Ferozepore [Firozpur or Ferozepur], for the planned advance towards Afghanistan, notably composition, fitting out, requisition of supplies (especially grain, food and fuel) and animals (camels and elephants), chains of command, officers pay and expenses, ammunition supplies, drill instructors, obtaining sufficient funds of cash, encampment locations, preparation of roads, bridging of the Indus including bridge of boats or rafts plan, and progress of the armyReports from Dr A C Gordon, on Duty at Bhawalpore, on immense difficulties and struggles in obtaining supplies for the Army of the Indus and non-cooperation of supposed allies Maharajah Ranjeet Singh of Bhawalpore [Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire] and Bhawal Khan, Nawab of BhawalporeConcerns expressed by Fane to Auckland regarding the Army of the Indus, particularly: the force’s commanding personnel; lines of communication; insufficiency of supplies for the duration of the campaign and nature of the terrain; the Commissariat’s inefficiency; truthfulness of positive reports Auckland has received; delays to the march from Ferozepore increasing potential difficulties getting through the Bolan Pass due to excessively hot weather; desertions from Shah Shoojah’s force; dire consequences if the army is forced to retreat. (Fane declined the opportunity to become Commander of the Army of the Indus, instead continuing as Commander-in-Chief of all forces in India).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 795; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The volume contains copies of secret correspondence relating to the British-led invasion of Afghanistan in 1839. The letters and memoranda cover the period beginning with the landing of the so-called Army of the Indus in Sinde [Sindh, also written as Scinde] in late 1838 to its arrival in Candahar [Kandahar].Principal correspondents include: Henry Whitelock Torrens, Secretary to the Governor-General; William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister to the Court of Shah Shooja [Shah Shuja-ul-Mulk]; Lieutenant Elliott D'Arcy Todd, in charge of the British Mission to Caboul [Kabul, also written as Cabool]; Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Burnes, British Envoy to Kelat; Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, Agent at Peshawar; Major-General Willoughby Cotton, Commander of the Bengal Division of the Army of the Indus; Major-General Sir John Keane, Commander in Chief of the Bombay Army; Thomas Herbert Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India, with the Governor General; and Lieutenant-General Henry Pottinger, Resident at Sinde. Other correspondents include local rulers (including those of Herat, Khyrpoor [Khairpur], and Kelat), British and 'Native' Agents in the region, officers of the Commissariat, representatives of the treasury in Delhi, and several political, military, and diplomatic officers of the East India Company.Matters covered by the papers include:Supply, carriage, and communication, including road surveys and the navigation and bridging of the Indus RiverFinancial matters, including the transferral of funds to pay for supplies and subsidiesAppointment and payment of officersIntelligence on the activities of Russians and hostile individuals and groups in the regionProgress of the armyRelations with the rulers of Sinde, Herat, Khyrpoor, and Bhawalpoor [Bahawalpur].The volume includes a letter to Kamran Shah in transliterated Dari (folios 474-477).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 808; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Copies of intelligence despatches from Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat [Kalat, also spelled Khelat in this volume], to William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister at Shah Shoojah’s Camp [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk], (copied to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai]).The intelligence chiefly covers:Burnes’s negotiations with the Khan of Kelat, with regard to the latter facilitating the progress of the British Army of the Indus and its protection through his territory into Afghanistan, notably through the Bolan Pass; the Khan’s attitude towards Shah Shoojah; conditions of his agreement to co-operate with the British; and the subsidy to be paid to him by the BritishThe situation in Candahar [Kandahar] and the overtures and veiled threats sent by Burnes to Sirdar Ruhm Dil Khan [Ruhim Dil Khan], the moollahs [mullahs] and authorities in Candahar, advising them to support the British advance into Afghanistan and Shah ShoojahOvertures and veiled threats sent by Burnes to the tribal leaders and inhabitants of Pisheen [Pishin] advising them to support the British advanceThe likelihood of Persia [Iran] and Russia aiding Dost Mohammed [Dōst Moḥammad Khān, Bārakzay] against Shah Shoojah and the BritishThe difficult terrain and problems with the supply of grain, forage and water for the Army of the Indus.The item also includes a copy of the ‘News letter’ 12 April 1839, conveying intelligence on affairs in Lahore, Peshawur [Peshawar], Scinde [Sindh], Candahar, Khelat, Herat, Ava, the Army of the Indus, Nipal [Nepal], and Bushire [Būshehr] (ff 137-142).Physical description: The papers are not in chronological order.
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Governor-General of India, Allahabad, Secret Department, to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 29A of 1842, dated 16 August 1842. The enclosures are numbered 1-12 and dated 7-28 July 1842. There is no abstract of contents.The enclosures consist of letters relating to political and military affairs in Cabool [Kabul], Ghuznee [Ghazni], Jellalabad [Jalalabad], Candahar [Kandahar], Quetta, Shikarpore [Shikarpur], and the Punjab, with particular reference to the East India Company’s preparations for war in Afghanistan (the First Anglo-Afghan War, July 1839-October 1842). There are occasional corrections and annotations in pencil throughout this item.The principal correspondents are: Lord Ellenborough, Governor-General; Major Outram, Quetta; Major General William Nott; and Major General I G Pollock, CB.Physical description: 1 item (37 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Governor-General of India, Allahabad, Secret Department, to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 32 of 1842, dated 17 August 1842. The enclosures are numbered 3-159 and are dated 17 July-16 August 1842.The enclosures consist of correspondence relating to political and military affairs in: Bameean [Bamian], Cabool [Kabul], Jellalabad [Jalalabad], Candahar [Kandahar], Beloochistan [Baluchistan], Bokhara [Bukhara], Toorkistan [Turkistan], Kohistan, the North West Frontier, Punjab, Laddakh [Ladakh], and Sinde [Sindh]. Enclosures mainly relate to the East India Company’s diplomatic, military, and logistical preparations in conjunction with regional allies for war in Afghanistan (the First Anglo-Afghan War). Papers additionally cover the transportation to Cabool of camels and cattle through arrangements and agreements with local suppliers; accounts on the hiring of camels by the EIC between 1839-1842; schedules of the duty charged on the cargoes of traders from Sinde and Afghanistan; accounts on the conversion of units of measurement; descriptions of the import and export of goods and commodities to Bombay; descriptions of goods exported from Karachi to Muscat; lists of the traders, bankers and financiers, animal keepers, and traders in enslaved people present in Karachi.The item includes a sketch map of Shinwaree [Shinwari] Valley on folio 580. There is a note from an unspecified later date on folio 249 stating that enclosure No. 15 is missing, as well as the first folio of the abstract of contents.The correspondents include: Lord Ellenborough (Governor-General); Thomas Herbert Maddock (Secretary to the Government of India and the Governor-General); General Sir Jasper Nicolls, KCB (Commander-in-Chief of British Forces, Head Quarters, Simla [Shimla]); Lieutenant-Colonel Melville (Secretary to the Government of Bombay); Captain Henry Montgomery Lawrence (Assistant Agent to the Governor-General); Major-General William Nott (Commander, Lower Afghanistan and Sinde); Major James Outram (Political Agent, Sinde and Baluchistan); Captain E I Brown (Assistant Political Agent, Sinde and Baluchistan); W F Hammersley (Assistant Political Agent In Charge, Sinde and Baluchistan); Lieutenant-Colonel N Wallace (Commander, Sukkur and Upper Sinde); Captain W C Stather (Staff Officer, Sukkur); R N C Hamilton (Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, North West Provinces); George Clark (Agent to the Governor-General, North West Provinces); Arthur Malet (Political Agent, Kutch); Lieutenant-Colonel I Parsons (Deputy Commissary General); Captain G Pope (Assistant Commissary General); and Captain C W Hart (Acting Interpreter, Sinde Residence).Physical description: 1 item (636 folios)