Abstract: The volume consists of a few letters addressed to Samuel Hennell, the British Resident in the Persian Gulf. The main authors being Justin Sheil, HM Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of Persia, based at Erzeroom; George Barnes Brucks, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf; Thomas Edmunds, Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf; and Robert Taylor, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Baghdad.The correspondence concerns the consolidation of the conquest of Nejd [Najd] by Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā], and British efforts to prevent him from extending Egyptian influence — through submission or conquest — to Baghdad, Bussora [Basra], Bharein [Bahrain], and Oman. It also concerns the diplomatic rupture between the British Residency and the Persian authorities at Bushire, which results in the withdrawal of the Residency on 29 March 1839 to the island of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye].Included within is a report from Thomas Edmunds on his visit to Bharein (to attempt to settle the dispute between Shaikh Abdollah bin Ahmed [‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah] and his former dependant Esa bin Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf]), and another report from him on Sir Frederick Maitland's tour of the Arabian Coast. A number of reports from John Croft Hawkins (Commander of the Clive) to George Barnes Brucks are also enclosed; these concern the state of Bushire subsequent to the removal of the Residency, provisions for the Clive, and a report on his visit to Koweit [Kuwait].Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front 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.The volume contains the following foliation corrections; f 10, and f 10A.Pagination: An original pagination sequence written in ink is also present in the volume between ff. 2-61. There are a number of gaps in the pagination indicating that a degree of weeding may have been undertaken.
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.
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.
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.
Abstract: The file consists of secret letters sent to Samuel Hennell, British Resident in the Persian Gulf. The majority of this correspondence is from either the Government of Bombay, or the Secret Committee based at India House in London. These letters frequently contain enclosures (i.e. copies) of communications sent between the Government of Bombay, the Government of India, and the home authorities in Britain; this also includes correspondence with HM Consul-General to Egypt.The principal correspondents in the file are as follows:Patrick Campbell, HM Consul-General to Egypt.George Eden, Governor-General of India.Thomas Henry Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General, writing in the Secret Department.Rear-Admiral Sir Lewis Frederick Maitland, Commander of the East Indies and China Station.Lestock Robert Reid, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay.Henry John Temple, Third Viscount Palmerston, Foreign Secretary for the United Kingdom.John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, writing in the Secret Department.The subject matter concerns the conquest of Nedjd [Najd] by Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā] on behalf of Mahomed Ali Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā], Viceroy of Egypt; and his subsequent efforts to subjugate Bahrein [Bahrain] and the Arab tribes of Oman. It therefore covers British efforts to prevent the further advancement of Egyptian forces towards the Persian Gulf; this includes their reaction to the voluntary submission of Abdoola bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Chief of Bahrein, to Egypt, and their efforts to coordinate the Arab tribes against the Egyptians.The other main subject covered by this file is the diplomatic rupture between Britain and Persia. The occupation of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] by a British force from India, and the removal of the Residency from Bushire to that island are therefore covered as a result. The feasibility of an invasion of southern Persia is also discussed within the correspondence.Topics featured in the correspondence to a lesser extent include the following:The reprimand of Lieutenant-Colonel James Shiriff, Commander of the British force at Karrack, for undermining the political position of the Resident.The strengthening of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf.The removal of Shaikh Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir] from the island of Karrack.A visit to the Persian Gulf by Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland aboard HMS
Wellesley.A report from Captain Aikins Hamerton and Captain John T Leslie on their mission to obtain mules for the British force at Karrack.The provisioning of two steamers for an expedition to navigate the rivers Euphrates and Tigris.The correspondence in French only amounts to 5 folios (see ff 75-79), and consists of translations of Egyptian correspondence relating to British pressure on Khorshid Pasha to abandon his designs on Bahrein.Please also note that in the file Mahomed Ali Pasha is also spelt Mehemet Ali, and there is a degree of variation in the spelling of Khorshid Pasha. Pasha is also frequently spelt Pacha.Physical description: Condition: The content of the file is largely in good condition. However, ff 81-88 have a section missing — possibly a result of pest damage — and some of the text has been lost as a result.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 file also contains an original pagination sequence, which is written in ink.
Abstract: An abstract of information received by Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], from an Armenian merchant on 16 May 1801, describing a journey from Herat to Astrachan [Astrakhan] via Bokara [Bukhara].Attached are notes by Harford Jones speculating on possible routes for a Russian attack on British-occupied territories in India.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 Bombay [Mumbai], to the Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government of India, George Swinton, of 22 February 1825. In the letter Macdonald Kinneir details:The history of Russo-Persian relations and conflicts in the CaucasusThe expansion of Russian influence in the regions between Russia and India and the potential threat this poses to British possessions in IndiaThe weakness of the position of the Prince Royal, Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, 'Abbās Mīrzā Qājār], and the possibility of conflict for the succession to the throne of Persia.On the basis of these observations, Macdonald Kinneir makes recommendations for the British to work to oppose both further Russian territorial expansion and the spread of Russian influence in Persia.This document was originally enclosed in the letter of HM Chargé d'Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 3 July 1825 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/20).Physical description: 1 item (18 folios)