Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 April 1856, Number 14) and the Government of Bombay (14 and 16 April 1856, Numbers 25 and 30). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatch from the Governor General (folio 113r) is concerned with a manifesto issued by the Persian Government regarding its policy over Herat.The section from Bombay (folios 113v-114) outlines the Government's policy on sending an expedition to the Persian Gulf, and the difficulties being experienced by the staff of the Bushire Residency.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 December 1855, Number 64) and the Government of Bombay (17 December 1855, Numbers 76 and 78-79). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatch from the Governor General (folios 19-21r) focuses on an expedition led by Brigadier Chamberlain against the Rabeah Kheil.The section from Bombay (folios 21v-24) contains an assessment of the military forces that will need to be despatched to the Persian Gulf in the event of conflict with Persia, the prospects of conflict in the vicinity of Aden between the Oulaki and Foutheli, and arrangements for mounted police at Aden.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (14 June and 3 May 1856, Numbers 18-19) and the Government of Bombay (10 and 12 May 1856, Numbers 34-38). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 9-10) discuss the matter of instructions to be issued to the Government of Bombay authorising that government to deploy forces against Persia if authorised to do by the Secret Committee; the Government of India's opposition to the use of Herat as a justification for conflict with Persia is outlined. They also report on the signing of a peace treaty between Nepal and Thibet [Tibet].The section from Bombay (folios 11-12) includes measures to be taken to remove the Al Ali from Demaun, naval deployments against the slave trade, the submission of the Murree [Marri Baloch] tribe to the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], and a telegraphic report that the Persians are besieging Herat.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 October 1856, Numbers 46-50) and the Government of Bombay (17 October 1856, Numbers 77-79). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 90-94r) are concerned with Persian progress against Herat and Kelat [Kalat], the return of Futteh Khan from Afghanistan with the ratified Anglo-Afghan Treaty of Friendship (1855), the critical position of Herat and pleas for help from Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister-Regent of Herat].The section from Bombay (folios 94v-99) is also concerned with the critical position of Herat and Dost Mahomed's [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] inability to capitalise on the situation, the evacuation of British staff officers from Bushire, and discussion over objections raised in 1799 to the occupation of Perim Island in the Red Sea.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 November 1856, Numbers 55-58) and the Government of Bombay (17 November 1856, Number 87-92). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 120-128) discuss a request from Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] for an audience with a representative of the Government of India to discuss Herat, and a decision by the Government of India to grant a temporary subsidy to Dost Mahomed to facilitate operations against Persia. They also cover British preparations for war against Persia, and a defence of Commander James Felix Jones (Political Resident, Persian Gulf) for his dismissal of British staff officers from Bushire. The carelessness displayed at Bombay in packing arms for Cabool [Kabul], and financial aid for Herat are also discussed.The section from Bombay (folios 129-131) includes arrangements for an expedition against Persia, and details (in terms of troops and ships) of the composition of the force.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8-9 January 1857, Numbers 1-5) and the Government of Bombay (16 January 1857, Numbers 7-14). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 31-41r) outline discussions between British officials over the likelihood of a Persian advance against Candahar [Kandahar], the prospects of Dost Mahommed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] retaking Herat from the Persians, and a proposal to raise a British force at Quetta. They also include discussion over the appointment of Sir James Outram as commander of the British Expeditionary Force against Persia, and his endowment with diplomatic powers by HM Government. Sir James Outram's pay and allowances, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacobs' promotion to Brigadier-General are also outlined.The section from Bombay (folios 41v-50) includes the following topics: the appointment of Sir James Outram's staff; a request from Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan (Political Resident, Aden) that Lieutenant Playfair should remain at Aden rather than serve in Persia; details of reinforcements sent to Bushire; Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs' views that the withdrawal of the Sind Horse [14th Prince of Wales's Own Scinde Horse] for service in Persia will leave the Sind frontier vulnerable to Afghan or Persian attacks; the re-occupation of Perim Island; news from Herat; an impending visit by Brigadier Coghlan to Lahedge [Lahej]; and reports from Major-General Foster Stalker on the progress of the British Expeditionary Force in southern Persia and efforts made to solicit the assistance of local chiefs.Physical description: 1 item (20 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (7 February 1857, Numbers 8-10) and the Government of Bombay (16 February 1857, Numbers 31-38). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 3-8) include a brief report on Canton, and reports of developments in Afghanistan following the fall of Herat, with particular attention given to the position of Dost Mahommed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan].The section from Bombay (folios 9-16) contains reports on the British Expedition against Persia; reports on the strength, movements, and intention of Persian forces in southern Persia; an outline of British policy towards the Chiefs of southern Persia during the invasion; and updates on Afghanistan and Perim.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 December 1856, Number 61) and the Government of Bombay (16-17 December 1856, Numbers 99-100, 103, 105-107). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letter from the Governor General (folio 69) is limited to a brief acknowledgement.The section from Bombay (folios 69-107) is more substantive and the main topics are as follows: the fall of Herat, details of a reserve force to be established for the expeditionary force against Persia, and orders for the re-occupation of Perim Island in the Red Sea including proposals for the erection of a lighthouse.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (3 June 1856, Number 1856, Number 23) and the Government of Bombay (10 June 1856, Numbers 41-44). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatch from the Governor General (folios 39-42r) is concerned with discrepancies in reports of the occupation of Ghorian and Herat by Persian forces. It also contains discussion about whether Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan, Regent of Herat] is collusion with the Persian Government.The section from Bombay (folios 42v-45) contains material on measures for the suppression of the importation of slaves into the Arabian Coast, evasion by dhows of the blockade of Berbera, and a letter from Hart Sahib relaying recent events in Herat and requesting British assistance.Physical description: 1 item (7 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 February 1856, Numbers 8-9) and the Government of Bombay (5 March 1856, Number 9). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 85-89) include discussion of a report by Major Allen on the Northern Frontier of Pegu, a report on a visit by the Governor General (James Broun-Ramsey, Marquess of Dalhousie), accounts of Herat and Candahar [Kandahar], and opinions over the policy of Dost Mohamed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan].The section from Bombay (folios 90-91) outlines who should be consulted over the troops that could be sent to Persia in the event of conflict between Britain and Persia.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 January 1857, Numbers 6-7) and the Government of Bombay (27 and 31 January and 2 February 1857, Numbers 15-26). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 17-19r) cover the release of prisoners of war by Thibet [Tibet], and the appointment of Sir James Outram to command the British invasion of southern Persia.The section from Bombay (folios 19v-30) discusses overtures of peace made to the Afghans by the Shah of Persia and the question of whether a British force should be established at Quetta. It also outlines a debate between British officials over whether the Sind Horse should be despatched to Persia, whether the Poona Horse should be sent instead, and whether Brigadier-General John Jacob should join the force or remain in Sind. A number of reports on the Anglo-Persian War (1856-1857) from Major General Foster Stalker have also been included outlining the strength of Persian forces in the vicinity of Bushire, and the progress of the British Expedition.Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 March 1856, Numbers 12-13) and the Government of Bombay (29 and 31 March and 2 April 1856, Numbers 21-24). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 105-108r) are concerned with the return of troops from the Hungoo [Hangu] Frontier, the Government of India's policy respecting grants of asylum to individuals fleeing for their lives, and the terms established as a basis for peace between Thibet [Tibet] and Nepal.The section from Bombay (folios 108v-112) includes the recommendations of HM Minster to Persia (Charles Augustus Murray) for a severe military demonstration against Persia, the surrender of individuals of the Habr Owel tribe involved in an attack on Lieutenants Burton and Strogan, papers related to the slave trade between East Africa and the Persian Gulf, and the despatch of ships from Bombay to the Persian Gulf.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)