Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 5 of 1838, dated 5 April 1838. The enclosures are dated 29 January-5 April 1838.The item comprises: despatches between Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent in Loodiana [Ludhiana, also spelled Lodhiana in this item], and William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Governor-General of India; and letters from Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, also spelled this way and Kabool in this item] to Macnaghten.The despatches concern: British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire, also spelled Maharajah and Maha Raja in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawur [Peshawar, also spelled this way in this item]; and the Afghan rulers’ relations with each other and with Russia and Persia [Iran]. The correspondence takes place during the Persian siege of Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:The activities of the Russian Envoy, Captain Vitkievitsch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, various spellings used in this item] in Cabool, including: Vitkievitsch’s alleged pressure on the Ameer [Amir] of Cabool, Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], to respond to friendly overtures from the Russian Emperor and the Russian Ambassador at Tehran and promises of money and aid in return for aid to Persia and Russia against Herat; Burnes’s attempts to influence Dost Mahomed’s replies to the letters brought by Vitkievitsch (ff 164-173); and Wade’s opinion of Vitkievitsch’s status and the aims of Persia and Russia in Afghanistan, and his belief that Dost Mahomed is playing a ‘double-game’ (f 188) with Britain and Russia and should be made fully aware of his weak position and the undependability of Russian and Persian promises (ff 188-194)Burnes’s analysis of the commercial prospects of Russia in Central Asia (ff 120-125), and Wade’s doubts regarding Burnes’s conclusions (ff 178-179)The purported intention of Vitkievitsch to proceed to Lahore [also spelled Lahor in this item] with letters desiring the Sikhs to withdraw from Peshawur (ff 223-224) and the conversations between Runjeet Singh and Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson (deputed by Burnes to the Maharaja’s Court) concerning whether Runjeet Singh should receive the Russian EnvoyWade’s opinion that to avert Persian and Russian ‘intrigue’ in Lahore the Government of India should announce that it does not recognize Vitkievitsch’s authority to ‘interfere’ in the Maharaja’s affairs (ff 235-238), and Wade’s later report that the Maharaja has banned Vitkiewitsch from entering Peshawur territory (f 279)The report by Burnes of a failed conspiracy involving Sultan Mahomed Khan (allegedly encouraged by Runjeet Singh) to overthrow Dost Mahomed (ff 139-143), and Wade’s observations highlighting that such projects by the ‘ruler of Lahore’ have been occurring for years (ff 180-184)Runjeet Singh’s disclosure to Mackeson that he has obtained treaties of alliance with the former Governor of Peshawur, Sultan Mahomed Khan [Sulṭān Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy, also spelled Sooltan in this item] and former Afghan Ruler Shah Shuja ul Mulk [Shujā‘ al-Mulk Durrānī] both resigning all legal rights in Peshawur (ff 247-256)British relations with the three Sirdars [sardars, leaders or rulers] of Candahar [Kandahar], including: the conversations of Lieutenant Robert Leech, deputed by Burnes to Candahar, with the Sirdars, covering his efforts to prevent them allying with Persia out of fear of that country and the Ruler of Herat, reassure them of Britain’s purely commercial interests in the area and support for their independence, and discourage any belief in the Russian Envoy’s pecuniary promises (ff 112-119, 149-152); and following reprobation by the Governor-General, Burnes’s withdrawal of his offer of British assistance to Candahar if Persia attacks the city (ff 202-206)The siege of Herat, including: Burnes’s assessment of the geo-political situation in Herat and the neighbouring countries up to early February 1838 and the possible effects of Persian ascendancy (ff 128-137); intelligence from Burnes and Leech regarding the Persian military advance in Afghanistan, including reports of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger and Lieutenant-Colonel Stoddart based in Herat and the Shah of Persia’s camp outside the city (ff 145-147, ff 174-175, f 186, and ff 261-276); and Wade’s speculations on the potential political outcomes of Persian success or failure in HeratThe effect of the Governor-General’s khurreeta [kharita] to Dost Mahomed urging the Ameer to make friendly approaches to Runjeet Singh regarding Peshawur, including: Burnes’s advice to the Ameer to ‘reflect deeply’ before replying and potentially losing the ‘good offices’ of the British (ff 208-215); Dost Mahomed’s dissatisfaction with the apparent British indifference to his ‘suffering’ (f 228) with regard to Sikh ‘aggression’, his deep reluctance towards the restoration of his estranged brother Sultan Mahomed Khan to Peshawur, and disappointment at the lack of a British promise of protection from Persia; Burnes’s realisation that he may have to leave Cabool to save ‘national honour’ due to dwindling hopes for a suitable connection with the Ameer (ff 225-232); and Wade’s observations on Dost Mahomed, criticism of his ‘extravagant expectations’, and belief that he ‘will endeavour to temporise [between Persia and Britain] until the fate of Herat is decided’ (ff 239-245)The progress of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood in Koondooz [Kunduz] in connection with treating the eye ailment of the Koondooz Ruler’s brother, the improvement of British commercial prospects in the area, and Wood’s exploratory field work (ff 154-161).Physical description: 1 item (207 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Meerut) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1838, dated 8 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 September 1837-7 February 1838.The primary correspondents are: Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling and other variations also used in this item].Enclosures 3-120 and 126-128 (ff 49-505 and ff 525-532) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this spelling and variations of ‘Ranjit’ also used in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshwar and Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and other political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s critical remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to Wade’s own political analyses. The correspondence takes place amid a rumoured then an actual Persian expedition to conquer Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:British relations with Maharajah Runjeet Singh, including: the issue of the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers of Sinde [Amīrs of Sindh] by Runjeet Singh; intelligence reports by Wade’s munshi [secretary] (ff 52-56, ff 110-115); correspondence regarding a potential meeting between Runjeet Singh and the Governor-General of India; and reports of Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson on affairs on the Peshawar frontier (ff 265-268, ff 272-274, ff 277-289)Relations of Herat with Persia and British policy regarding them, including: news of the arrival in Tehran of an envoy from Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat; and views of Burnes and Wade on the ‘designs’ of Persia on Herat (ff 297-301)British policy towards Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], Ruler of Cabool, including: Burnes’s reports from Cabool on his meetings with Dost Mahomed (ff 134-141, ff 360-369); Burnes’s and Wade’s views on the ambitions of Dost Mahomed regarding branches of his family in Candahar [Kandahar; this spelling is also used in this item] and Peshawar, and his relations with Persia and Russia; British encouragement of Dost Mahomed to seek a reconciliation with their ally Runjeet Singh; Burnes’s and Wade’s assessment of the geo-political situation on the western frontier of British dominions in India and the aim of maintaining a balance of power advantageous to Britain between Cabool, Candahar, Herat, Persia, the Punjab and Sinde and which might avert any alliances with Russia (ff 78-82, ff 345-358)Burnes’s activities with regard to Candahar, and Candahar’s relations with Cabool and Persia, including: Burnes’s efforts to prevent Sirdar Kohin Dil Khan [Sirdār Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son Mahomed Omar Khan [Muḥammad Umar Khān] with an envoy, to conciliate Persia (ff 235-237); Kohin Dil Khan’s and his chief advisor’s letters to Dost Mahomed expressing obedience to the Ameer of Cabool, fear of Persia and the desire to depose the Ruler of Herat who repeatedly threatens to attack Candahar (ff 379-383); and Burnes’s instructions to Lieutenant Robert Leech, whom he deputes to Candahar with an offer of monetary and military support in the event of Persia conquering Herat (ff 471-477)Dost Mahomed Khan’ s relations with Russia and Persia, and British policy regarding them, including: Burnes’s alarm at the arrival in Cabool of a Russian agent, Captain Waitcawitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] (ff 444-449); Wade’s detailed views on the positions of Persia and Russia in connection with Dost Mahomed and Afghanistan and the policy of discouraging the latter’s ‘ambitions’ (ff 415-421); and Macnaghten’s disapproval of Burnes’s promise of troops and pecuniary aid to the rulers of Candahar in the event of the Russian-supported Persian capture of Herat (ff 451-457)The Persian expedition against Herat, including: news of the defeat of Ghurian [Ghuryan, also spelled Ghoorian in this item] and siege of Herat; and Wade’s suggestion that Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger, detained by the Herat authorities, act as a mediator (albeit without authority from the Government of India), provide intelligence, and ensure that Kamran Shah resists Persia.The following matters and documents are also included:Wade’s response to overtures of friendship made to him by Mir Alam Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān], Ruler of Bajour, and Fatah Khan Panjtari, [Fatḥ Khān, Ruler of Panjtar] (ff 124-125)Disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool caused by differences between the Governor of Mooltan [Multan] and the Ruler of Bhawalpoor (ff 132-133, ff 152-153)A report by Lieutenant Leech, Bombay Engineers, entitled ‘Description of the Khyber Pass and of the Tribes inhabiting it’ (ff 143-150)Praise by Wade and Burnes of intelligence provided by Charles Masson in Cabool (ff 180-183)Burnes’s emphasis on conciliating the Lohani [a Pashtun tribe] ‘chiefs’, described by Wade as ‘meritorious merchants’ (f 184)Burnes’s report on the ‘commercial views and prospects of Russia in Central Asia’ (f 203), notably Russia’s relations with the rulers of Bokhara, Khiva [also referred to as ‘Orgunge’] and Kokan (ff 199-207)Burnes’s deputation of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood to Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg] Uzbeck ruler of Koondooz [Uzbek ruler of Kunduz], to treat the eye ailment of Moorad Beg’s brother (ff 251-263), and Macnaghten’s approbation for Burnes’s improvement of British relations with Koondooz.Enclosures 121-125 (ff 506-524) comprise despatches between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde, and Macnaghten, notably regarding the apparent procrastination of the Ameers of Sinde over the establishment of a British Resident in their territory. Also covered is the progress made by Lieutenant Thomas Greer Carless in his survey of the Indus and Kurachee [Karachi] Harbour.Physical description: 1 item (505 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Kurnaul [Karnal]) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 11 of 1838, dated 22 May 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 January-22 May 1838.The item comprises despatches between: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodhiana [Ludhiana]; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool [Kabul, also spelled this way and Kabool in this item] and later ‘in Political employ on the North West frontier’.The despatches concern: British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Cabool and Candahar [Kandahar, also spelled this way in this volume] and with the Sikh Ruler Maharaja Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire, also spelled Maharajah and Maha Raja in this item], notably with regard to Peshawur [Peshawar, also spelled this way in the item]; the decision of the rulers of Cabool and Candahar to ally with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and the Government of India’s consequent development of its future policy in Afghanistan.The papers cover the following matters in detail:The unsuccessful conclusion of Burnes’s negotiations with the Ameer of Cabool, Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] and the events leading up to his decision to leave Cabool (ff 416-417, ff 419-423, ff 441-456, ff 525-531, and ff 540-542), including: the arrival of Sirdar [sardar, leader or ruler] Mehar Dil Khan [Sirdār Mīr Dil Khān, also spelled Mirh and Merh in this item] in Cabool during the presence of the Russian Agent Vitkievitsch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz]; Dost Mahomed’s refusal of British mediation over his dispute with Runjeet Singh; the intention of the Cabool and Candahar Rulers to join with Persia and Russia, send a deputation to the Shah of Persia at his camp outside Herat, and encourage the ‘downfall’ of that city; copies of Burnes’s correspondence with Dost Mahomed before his departure (ff 451-455) and copies of solicitous letters purportedly written by Mehar Dil Khan and Dost Mahomed to the Shah (ff 540-541); the apparent opposition of Nawab Jubber Khan [Nawwāb Jabbār Khān, also spelled Jabar and Jabbar in this item] to (his brother) Dost Mahomed’s actions and his regret at Burnes’s departure; Burnes’s departure from Cabool and instructions to Captain Robert Leech to leave Candahar and advance to Shikarpoor [Shikarpur] and to Charles Masson to leave Cabool for Peshawur; Wade’s speculation on possible courses of action to take if Herat falls and the Afghan rulers renew hostilities against Runjeet Singh; and the reaction of Runjeet Singh to the news of Burnes leaving Cabool and the prospective Cabool-Candahar deputation to HeratReports from Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger describing his communications with the Vizier [prime minister] of Herat, Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy], and forwarding to Burnes letters from Prince Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī, Ruler of Herat] and Yar Mahomed containing urgent requests for British assistance (notably money) to repel the Persian Army (ff 426-433)The deputation of Macnaghten on a mission to Lahore to meet with Maharaja Runjeet Singh, including: a Minute by the Governor-General of India, regarding past policy in Afghanistan, the failure of negotiations with Dost Mahomed, the policy to be adopted in future in Afghanistan, the course to pursue if Persia is successful against Herat, and instructions to Macnaghten to enter openly and unreservedly into discussions with Runjeet Singh; and additional instructions to Macnaghten by Torrens. In these documents (ff 464-482) Macnaghten is directed to reassure Runjeet Singh of Britain’s desire to secure peace and to promote ‘commerce and the blessings of civilization’ (f 474), and to propose an expedition headed by former Afghan Ruler Shah Shooja ool Moolk [Shujā‘ al-Mulk Durrānī], with both British and Sikh support, ‘to recover his throne’ (f 467) but to leave Shah Kamran ‘unmolested’ in the possession of Herat and its dependencies (f 484)Burnes’s report of the successful termination of the visit to Koondooz [Kunduz] by Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood, noting the improvement of Britain’s relations with Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg, also referred to as Mahomed Moorad Beg], Ruler of Koondooz, increased trade prospects, and the presence of a Russian emissary at Bulkh (ff 435-439)Two reports by Burnes relating to trade and commerce west of the frontiers of British possessions in India and the prospects of introducing and extending British involvement in that sphere, entitled ‘Establishment of an Entrepot [entrepôt] or Fair for the Indus Trade’ and ‘Prospects of trade in Toorkistan in reference to the contemplated establishment of an annual fair on the banks of the Indus drawn up at Koondooz by Mr Lord’ (ff 485-524).Physical description: 1 item (139 folios)