Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 December 1856, Numbers 62-65) and the Government of Bombay (31 December 1856, Numbers 108-114 and 1-2 January 1857, Numbers 1-6). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 51-56r) are concerned with a request from the Governor of Hong Kong for an additional European regiment, developments in Afghanistan, the question of whether a subsidy should be provided to Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] in return for operations against Herat, and punitive measures taken by British authorities against tribes on the Punjab frontier.The section from Bombay (folios 56v-64) covers the capture of Karrak [Khārk] and Bushire, the supply of weaponry and finance to Dost Mahommed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan], and the appointment of Sir James Outram as commander of the British Expeditionary Force against Persia. It also details the expansion of operations against Persia, re-enforcements sent to Persia, and reinforcements required for the Bombay Presidency as a result of operations in the Persian Gulf.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 January 1856, Numbers 1-4) and the Government of Bombay (31 January and 2 February 1856, Numbers 10-13). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 37-55) cover a number of topics: the status of the French adventurer General Maha d'Orgoni, the conclusion of the Government of India's diplomatic mission to the Court of Ava, raids by tribes across the Punjab Frontier of British India, a debate over the effectiveness of military expeditions in suppressing tribes, the resignation of Major Coke as Deputy Commissioner of Kohat, the acquisition of Candahar [Kandahar] by Dost Mohammad Khan (Amir of Afghanistan), and discussion over the possibility of the Amir marching against Herat.The section from Bombay (folios 56-58) is mainly concerned with the line to be taken by the British authorities on applications to enter Sind from Candahar [Kandahar] Sirdars, and the despatch of British naval vessels to Bushire for possible action against Persia.Physical description: 1 item (22 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 September 1856, Numbers 41-44) and the Government of Bombay (30 September and 3 October 1856, Numbers 71 and 74-76). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 55-68) cover the following topics: the submission of the Bussa Kheyl Afreedes [Khel Afridi] to the British authorities; operations against Karens led by Min Soung; an offer by Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister-regent of Herat] to hold Herat on behalf of Britain in return for military aid against Persia; obstacles in sending a British Indian force, or British officers, to aid Herat; Futteh Khan's report on his mission to Afghanistan carrying the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of Friendship (1855); discussion over the composition of a military expedition to be sent against Persia; and arrangements for sending the expedition from Bombay.The section from Bombay (folios 69-79) is concerned with the supply of British arms, ammunition, and finance for Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan]; preparations by Dost Mahomed to return from Candahar [Kandahar] to Cabool [Kabul]; Persian attacks against Herat; information on Bushire; the survey of Perim island in the Red Sea by Lieutenant Lamb; and recommendations for the occupation of the island for the establishment of naval forces and navigational aids.Physical description: 1 item (25 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (30 July and 17 June 1856, Number 25) and the Government of Bombay (25-26 June 1856, Numbers 48-49). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 50-53r) consists of reports of disturbances in Pegu, suggestions of policy from the Chief Commissioner for Punjab for the ‘pacification of the Peshawar frontier’, and a question raised by the Amir of Afghanistan respecting the insertion of Candahar [Kandahar] into the provisions of the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of Friendship (1855).The section from Bombay (folios 53v-54) is primarily concerned with a complaint from Lieutenant Colonel John Jacob, Acting Commissioner for Sind, over limitations placed by Government on his ability to communicate with frontier chiefs.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from the Governor General of India (17 May 1856 Number 20 and 21 May 1856 Number 17).The despatches largely consist of updates on the situation at Candahar [Kandahar] and Herat. They also include an update related to the construction of the new town of Dalhousie.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from the Government of Bombay (1-2 January 1856, Numbers 1-4). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches are concerned with reports of the capture of Candahar [Kandahar] by Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan, and Persia's response. It also covers the state of relations between the British at Aden and the Foutheli, and contains brief reports of unrest at Mecca.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 (21-22 August 1856, Numbers 32-34) and the Government of Bombay (28-29 August 1856, Numbers 61-65). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 3-26r) include the following: a report on an expedition to the Upper Meerauzie and preparations for a second; reports of developments at Candahar [Kandahar] and Herat; a debate over whether – as a result of Persian encroachment on Herat – the Government of India should provide, or guarantee under certain conditions, assistance to Dost Mahomed Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan]; details of arms, ammunition, and finance to be supplied to Dost Mahomed following authorisation by the Secret Committee; details of the peace treaty signed between Nepal and Thibet [Tibet]; and news of the resignation of Jung Bahadoor [Jang Bahadur Kunwar Rana] as both Prime Minister of Nepal and Commander in Chief, and designation of his successor Bum Bahadoor [Bam Bahadur Kunwar Rana]. The despatches include a translation of a letter from Dost Mahomed to the Governor General (folio 8v-9), and a translation of a letter from Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister Regent of Herat] to Dost Mahomed (folio 9).The section from Bombay (folios 26v-35) considers the question of providing aid to the Khan of Kelat [Kalat] against Persia, arrangements for the suppression of slavery in the Persian Gulf; measures for enforcing Britain's treaties with the maritime chiefs of the Arabian Coast; and dissatisfaction in Arabia, Persia, and the Persian Gulf over British intervention in the slave trade.Physical description: 1 item (34 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (17 May 1856, Number 22) and the Government of Bombay (27 May 1856, Numbers 39-40). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatch from the Governor General (folios 23-34) is concerned with the advancement of Persian forces against Herat, and appeals for assistance to the British authorities in India and Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan]. The dispatch includes translated transcripts of letters sent between from Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan, Regent of Herat], Dost Mahomed, the Chief Commissioner for Punjab (John Laird Mair Lawrence), and the Governor General of India (James Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie).The section from Bombay (folios 35-36) consists of a report of the advancement of Persian forces towards Herat, the deployment of Indian naval vessels in the Persian Gulf, and proposed terms by Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan (Political Resident at Aden) for the raising of the blockade of Berbera.Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)
Abstract: The file contains copies of letters sent under the heading ‘Secret Department’ from the Residency in the Persian Gulf (either from the Resident, Captain Samuel Hennell, or the Assistant Resident, T Mackenzie), to the Chief Secretary to the Government Bombay, throughout 1840 and 1841.The principal subjects covered by the correspondence are:The British position at Karrack [Jazīreh-ye Khārk], including discussions of increasing the British garrison on the island, the state of health of the garrison’s European soldiers, procurement of supplies (provender), and proposals to avoid loss of life amongst the European troops during the summer months;Discussions on the viability of a British occupation at Bahrain (spelt Bahrein throughout) should the British need to evacuate their position at Jazīreh-ye Khārk;The Egyptian occupation of Nedgd [Najd], including at Lahsah [Al-Hasa], and the movements and actions of the Egyptian army, led by Korshid Pasha;Ratification of the Treaty of Commerce between Britain and the Imam of Muscat, Sa‘id bin Sulṭān, at Zanzibar;French ships at Muscat, French intentions to establish a consular agent at Zanzibar, and French occupation of an island of the African coast;Affairs in Persia, including the Shah of Persia’s intentions to march against Bagdad [Baghdad];Relations between Muscat and Persia, including a proposed matrimonial alliance between the two states;Reports to Government, comprising précis of the situation in the various parts of Persia, Arabia and the Gulf, including one report with information on Bremee [Al Buraymī], taken from a reconnaissance undertaken by Captain Atkins Hamerton (folios 38-46);Anglo-Egyptian relations, and the risk of interruptions to the overland mail route linking Britain to India via Egypt and Syria, and Hennell’s recommendations for an alternative route across Asia Minor;Wahabee [Wahhābī] influence on the Arab coast;A report (folios 80-82) of Austen Henry Layard’s travels through Persia, and his meeting with Mahomed Takee Khan of the Bukhtiaree [Bakhtiari tribe].As a result of the volume having been significantly weeded in the past, there are multiple instances of truncated letters throughout the volume, some of which are identifiable by their having been crossed out in blue pencil.Physical description: Foliation: There is a foliation sequence, which is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. This sequence, which should be used for referencing, begins on the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 93. Foliation anomalies: f 27 is followed by f 27A.Pagination: There is a pagination sequence, which appears in the top right corners of the rectos and in the top left corners of the versos.Condition: Insect damage in the form of small holes around the edges of pages, throughout the file.
Abstract: The volume contains copies of letters sent in 1849 by Major Samuel Hennell, British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire, mainly to Arthur Malet, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay in the Political Department, Bombay Castle and to Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Farrant, British Chargé d’Affaires at the Court of the Shah of Persia, Tehran.In May and June 1849, Major Hennell undertook his annual tour of the Trucial Coast Sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf, aboard the Honourable Company (HC) sloop of war
Elphinstone(folios 90-91, 93, 25, 201). During Hennell’s absence from the British Political Residency at Bushire, his official correspondence was carried out by Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball, the Assistant Resident.The correspondence is predominantly political, discussing events in the Persian Gulf in terms of their significance for British foreign policy, relations and interests in the region. The main topics of discussion are: British suppression of piracy and slave trafficking in the Persian Gulf, relations between the Arab Maritime Chiefs of the Trucial Coast, the Imam of Muscat and the Ruler of Nedgd [Najd], relations between British and Persian authorities in Shiraz and Bushire.Many of the Resident’s letters to the Bombay Government refer to enclosures, the majority of which are present in the volume, including several documents dated 1848 and one document dated 1846 (folios 4-5). Among the enclosures are copies of the Resident’s Arabic and Persian correspondence with agents, officials and rulers. These are in the form of English translations only.MUSCAT: Khojeh Hiskael the British Government Native Agent at Muscat, Syed Soweynee [Sayyid Thuwayni bin Sa‘id Al Bu Sa‘id] the Governor of Muscat and the Imam of Muscat [Sa`id bin Sultan Al Sa‘id] correspond with the Resident about the importation of African slaves by sea from Zanzibar to Muscat; the contemplation of an attack on Bahrain by the Imam of Muscat at the request of Bahrain seceders; alleged aggressions against the territories of the Imam of Muscat by Sheikh Syf ben Humood [Sayyid Syf bin Ḥamūd Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and Sheikh Sultan ben Sugger [Sultan bin Saqr] of Rysulkhyma [Ras Al-Khaimah] (folios 131-135, 231-231).BAHRAIN: Hajee Jassem the British Government Native Agent at Bahrein and Sheikh Mahomed ben Khuleefa [Shaikh Muḥammed bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah] the Chief of Bahrein correspond with the Resident about piracy in Bahrein; the death in Muscat of ex-Chief of Bahrein Abdoollah ben Ahmed [‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah] on 6 March 1849; the restoration of peace in Bahrain following the settlement of Sheikh Mahomed ben Khuleefa’s quarrel with Bahrain seceders and his reconciliation with rival tribal leaders; the plans of Ameer Fysul [Al Sa‘ud, Amir Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah] the Ruler of Nedgd [Najd] to recover possession of Brymee [Buraimi] and rebuild Adeed [Khor al-Udaid] (folios 6-9, 37-38, 48, 55-56, 60-61, 140-142, 170-171, 198-199, 260, 283-284).SHARJAH: Moollah Houssein the British Government Native Agent at Shargah forwards to the Resident a reply he has received from Sheikh Sultan ben Suggur of Rysulkhyma about the importation of African slaves into Shargah; he also sends several reports to the Resident about various matters, including the siege of Brymee and its eventual surrender by Sheikh Saeed ben Tahnoon [Said bin Tahnun Al Nahayan] the Chief of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] to the forces of Ameer Fysul the Ruler of Nedgd (folios 10-14, 19-21, 42-44, 52-53, 58, 154-157, 161-164, 166-168, 207-208).OMAN: Ameer Fysul the Ruler of Nedgd and the Shereef (Sharif) of Mecca correspond with the Resident about Sheikh Saeed Tahnoon's seizure and eventual surrender of Brymee (folios 27-28, 58-59, 164-165).SHIRAZ: Meerza (Mirza) Mahmood the British Government Native Agent at Shiraz sends several reports to the Resident about the gradual restoration of public order in Shiraz, following the arrival of Prince Bahram Meerza the new Governor of Fars, on 3 February 1848 (folios 14-17, 40-41, 89-90, 92).BUSHIRE: the Resident corresponds with Prince Bahram Meerza the Governor of Fars about excessive amounts of Persian import duty demanded from Bushire merchant Joseph Malcolm, for imported sugar landed at Bushire in a British merchant ship (folios 64-67, 78, 95-96, 227-228). The Resident also corresponds with Sheikh Nasir Khan the Governor of Bushire about a runaway slave belonging to a Persian subject, seeking refuge aboard a British merchant ship in the port of Bushire (folios 63-64, 193). There are also copies in English of petitions, hearing transcripts and witness statements, relating to two separate and formal investigations conducted by the Resident at Bushire into: the plundering of a shipwrecked Persian vessel in May 1848, including correspondence with Sheikh Syf ben Nubhan, Governor of Bunder Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] (folios 274-277); stolen goods passed to a Bushire merchant (folios 237-247).Physical description: The original volume cover and cover title no longer exist. The contents have been rebound in two volumes. An identical volume title, together with part number 1 or 2, is printed on the spine of both volumes.Foliation: the contents in the volume labelled Part 1, are numbered 1-67, 68, 68A, 69-148. The contents in the volume labelled Part 2, are numbered 149-300. Folio number 286 is blank. The numbering is written in pencil on the recto, in the top right corner and encircled. The cover and the two blank folios at the front and back of each volume are unnumbered. This is the main numbering system and should be used for referencing these two volumes.Pagination: the contents in the volume labelled Part 1 are also numbered 1-141, 142, 142a, 143-297. The contents in the volume labelled Part 2 are also numbered 298-570. The numbering is written in ink in the top right or left corner on the recto and verso respectively.
Abstract: The volume contains copies of letters, many with copies of their enclosures, sent by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain Samuel Hennell, to Charles Norris, Chief Secretary to the Government in Bombay. The letters deal with a range of subjects, as follows:The extent of the slave trade between Mauritius and Muscat, and in the Persian Gulf in general (folios 1-5);Relations between the various rulers on the Arab coast and Oman, including a siege led by the Imam of Muscat’s forces against the town of Sohar, the failure of the siege and renewal of peaceful relations between Muscat and Sohar (folios 10-13, 30-33, 38-43); hostilities and subsequent peaceful relations between Shaikh Sultan ben Suggar [Sultan bin Saqr] of Ras el Khymah [Ra’s al-Khaymah] and Shaikh Tahnoon ben Shakboot [Tahnun bin Shakbut] of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] (folios 44-45, 48-52), relations between the Joasmee [Āl Qāsimī] Shaikhs and the ruler of Sohar, Humood bin Azan (folios 64-65). Many of these letters enclose translated reports from the British Agent at Sharjah, Moolla Hussain, and the translations of letters from Shaikh Sultan bin Saqr, Shaikh Tahnun bin Shakbut and others;Reports on the ambitions of the Wahabee [Wahhābī] ruler Toorky bin Saood [Turki bin ‘Abdullāh bin Muḥammad Āl Sa‘ūd], and in particular to his demands on and relations with Bahrain (spelt Bahrein throughout), his desire to be on good terms with the British Government, and his diplomatic overtures to the Arab Shaikhs (folios 6-9, 16-20, 46-47, 53-56);Report of the proceedings of the Brig of War
Euphratesduring February 1831, signed by Acting Commander Denton. The report lists its orders received shown alongside actions taken, in left- and right-hand columns (folios 14-15);The dispatch to Bombay of tobacco seeds, with instructions for their propagation (folios 26-29);The dispatch to Bombay of silkworm eggs, with a description of how silkworms are raised in Persia (folios 60-61);The establishment of the first lithographic press in Shiraz (folios 62-63).As a result of the volume having been significantly weeded in the past, there are multiple instances of truncated letters throughout the volume, most of which are identifiable by them having been crossed out in blue and occasionally red pencil.Physical description: Foliation: The volume is foliated from the first page of text to the last blank page at the end of the volume, using small pencil numbers positioned in the top-right corner of each recto. There is an unfoliated flyleaf before f.1 at the front of the volume. The front and back covers are unfoliated. Foliation anomalies: f.36 precedes f.35.Pagination: An original system of pagination runs through the volume, from the first to last page of text, using ink numbers in the top-left corner of versos and top-right corner of rectos. This pagination runs from p.23 to p.487 which numerous disruptions throughout, which are a result of past weeding of the volume.
Abstract: This bundle consists of two secret despatches from HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray residing at Baghdad (1 September 1856, Numbers 77 and 78). The subject matter is Murray's conviction that the Persian Government is set on evading the British Foreign Secretary's demand for the withdrawal of Persian forces from Herat.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)