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. 81 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Deckargun [Azarshahr], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 18 January 1828. Macdonald Kinneir reports the breakdown in negotiations for a peace treaty to end the war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828] and the subsequent intention of General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia] to recommence hostilities in the Province of Azerbijan [Azerbaijan], owing to the latter’s mistrust of the Persian Government’s alleged desire for peace. Macdonald Kinneir reports the plan for the renewed Russian campaign, indicating his belief that in spite of the winter conditions the Russians might be able to occupy Zungan [Zanjan], and also relates a rumour that the Persian Government had attempted to deceive the Russians by sending stones instead of money as reparation payments.The letter originally enclosed documents relating to the peace treaty and the breakdown of negotiations (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/171-182).This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 21 January 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/154).Physical description: 1 item (4 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)