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97. Affairs in Sinde, Afghanistan, and Elsewhere
- Description:
- Abstract: This part of the volume consists of Enclosures to a General Letter from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 27 of 1841, dated 31 March 1841. The enclosures are dated 29 December 1840 to 31 March 1841. They largely relate to the situation in Sinde [Sindh], and Afghanistan.The enclosures consist of copies of letters sent and letters received by the Government of Bombay, and copies of other documents including minutes by the Governor of Bombay, the Commander in Chief, and others.The main correspondents and recipients are as follows: the Secretary to the Government of India; the Political Agent in Lower Sinde; the Political Agent in Upper Sinde; the Adjutant General of the Army; the Quarter Master General of the Army; the Military Board; and the Envoy and Minister at Cabool [Kabul].The enclosures relate to matters including: the complaints of Major General G B Brooks about the ‘capricious’ conduct of Captain Wardell and Lieutenant Mylne, two officers attached to the Sinde Field Force; the transport to Kurratchee [Karachi] of the heavy ordnance and military stores required at Cabool; the appointment of Major General Brooks to Command the troops above and below the Beloochistan [Balochistan] Passes; the ‘gallant’ conduct of Captain Brown and the detachment under his command in the defence of Kahun; the question of the future strength and distribution of the Sinde Field Force to be stationed in Upper Sinde; the unsuccessful attack on the Fort of Kujjuck by the Field detachment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel P P Wilson; British political relations with the Heraut [Herat] Government being broken off, and the withdrawal of the British Mission from Heraut; and the potential march of troops to Herat.The enclosures also include:Copies of extracts from the Gwalior Akbar, containing a précis of the latest news from Gwalior (No. 38, ff 130-131)Précis of intelligence forwarded by the Political Agent in Upper Sinde (Nos. 42-45, ff 143-166)Copies of News Letters from the Secretary to the Government of India consisting of précis of intelligence received from areas in India and elsewhere including: the North West Frontier, Peshawur [Peshawar], Afghanistan, Upper Sinde, Persia [Iran], Gwalior, Nipaul [Nepal], Khyva [Khiva], Egypt and Kohistan (Nos. 71-73, ff 266-286).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-93, on folios 1-17. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure. Enclosure numbers 91-93, listed in the abstract of contents, are not included in this part of the volume.
98. Book No: 53 Letters Outward
- Description:
- Abstract: The correspondence in this volume consists of letters from the Resident at Bushire (Lieutenant-Colonel Ephraim Gerrish Stannus; Captain David Wilson) and the Assistant Resident at Bushire (Samuel Hennell) mainly to the Secretary to the Government of Bombay (William Newnham); The Accountant General at Bombay (John Wedderburn); The Shaikh of Bushire (Shaikh Nassir [Nasir]); the Envoy to the Court of Persia (John Macdonald); and the Senior Marine Officer in the Gulf of Persia (Captain Walker).The main subject of the correspondence concerns relations between the Residency and authorities in Bushire following threats made by Shaikh Hossein [Shaikh Ḥusayn] to attack the Residency; the decision by the Resident, Lieutenant-Colonel Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, to withdraw from Bushire for a time; and the Residency's re-establishment in Bushire in late March 1827, under the command of the new Resident, Captain David Wilson, following the Prince Governor of Fars (Ḥusayn Ali Mirza) decision to agree to the removal of Shaikh Hossein [Shaikh Ḥusayn] in order to resolve the situation.Interspersed throughout the volume are financial accounts for the Residency, relating particularly to payments for the return of soldiers to India, disbursements for the British Mission in Tehran and accounts of expenditure accrued by the Resident whilst on tour or in camp.other items of interest within the volume include:A Letter from Stannus to the Secretary to Government at Bombay observing that the recent offensive against the Residency had highlighted the helpless state of the location of the Residency, particularly as it was within 200 yards of the Towns towers, and 2 miles from the nearest fresh water (ff 20-21).The movements of the vessels in the Persian Gulf Squadron around the Gulf, including ensuring the availability of a British vessel to patrol the pearl banks during fishing season and for the Resident's annual tour.The seizure by the Imam of Muscat of the former Shaikh of Bushire Abdool Russool, and his eventual releaseRelations between Tannoon [Tahnun bin Shakbut[, Shaik of Aboothabee [Shaikh of Abu Dhabi] and Sultan ben Suggar [Sultan bin Saqr], Shaikh of Sharga [Shaikh of Sharjah] including their attacks on each others towns, and their ongoing attempts at peace, as well as their understanding of Sir William Keir Grant's Treaty with the Arab Tribes, January 1820 and how it affects such actions.The seizure by Persian authorities of a number of Jews in Bushire, including the Residency Shroff (banker) and attempts to take them to Shiraz (f 98v).A letter from the Arch-Bishop of Persian and Indian Armenians in Julfa requesting the appointment of Menatsaken Ter Stephens, a vaccinator of Cow Pox in Baghdad, and formerly from Julfa to undertake vaccination work in Isfahan, July 1827 [f. 103]Correspondence with the Imam of Muscat (Sa‘id bin Sulṭān) regarding the Sultan's attempts to claim Mombassa and the island of Seuee [Siyu] and his attempts to prevent French vessels from acquiring slaves along the East African coastline [ff 105v-108].Correspondence with Captain Robert Taylor, Political Agent at Bussorah [Basra] regarding the Imam of Muscat's intentions of aiding the Chaub's [Bani Ka'b] in attacking Bussorah, and his having amassed a fleet at Muscat for that intention [ff 122v-127].The last letter, on folio 128 is incomplete.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence, which should be used for referencing, is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 128. Foliation errors: f.70 is followed by f.70A. Pagination: There is a pagination sequence, which is written in ink in the top right corners of the rectos and in the top left corners of the versos.Condition: There are signs of insect damage throughout the volume, which have left small holes on most of the folios. None of the damage obscures the contents of the correspondence.
99. Book 105: Letters inwards 1838
- Description:
- Abstract: The file consists of a selection of correspondence sent from the Political Department of the Bombay Government to the Resident in the Persian Gulf during 1838; Samuel Hennell took up the position of Resident during that year. The subject matter covered includes the kidnapping of slaves from the Burburra [Berbera] coast; a British military expedition to the Persian Gulf; and the seizure of a boat belonging to Porbandar by the Mahara [Al-Maharah] Arabs of Wadi.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 item level references for the file utilise the folio numbers.Pagination: The file also contains an original pagination sequence written in ink; these numbers are located in the top outermost corner of each page.
100. Vol 16 Letters outward
- Description:
- Abstract: Volume of outgoing copy correspondence from William Bruce, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to various correspondents within the East India Company discussing financial, administrative and political matters relating to the running of the residency at Bushire. Particular attention throughout the correspondence is given to questions of Piracy with the raiding of East India Company vessels in the Persian Gulf and matters relating to the finances of the Bushire Residency.Key correspondents include Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government at Bombay; John Kaye, Accountant General at Bombay; James Morier, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia and Richard Morgan, Secretary to the Marine Board at Bombay.Physical description: Foliation: The volume has been foliated in the front top right hand corner of each folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle. Foliation begins on the first folio of correspondence and ends on the last.
101. Vol 3 Letters Outward (from Bushire)
- Description:
- Abstract: A collection of letters sent outwards from the Residency in Bushire between 1778 and 1787. The majority of the letters are sent to East India Company officials at Bussora [Basra] and Bombay. Letters are also sent to numerous ship captains and a limited number are sent to local rulers. The letters cover a wide range of topics including trade, financial and administrative matters, political developments in Persia (especially following the death of Carim Cahn [Karim Khan] in 1779), hostilities with the French in India and regional conflicts involving the Chaub [the Banu Ka'b tribal confederacy] and other local powers.Physical description: A bound letter book.Pagination: The file has three sets of pagination: one at the top of the page and two on the bottom. The set on the bottom left-hand corner of each page is consistent throughout the file; this is the sequence which has been used by this catalogue to reference items within the file.A small number of items in this file are damaged and have some text missing.
102. Vol 33 Miscellaneous letters inward and outward
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains letters relating mainly to British naval patrols in the Persian Gulf, acts of piracy and hostilities between rival native chiefs as follows: two letters from the Chief Secretary, Political Department, Bombay Castle to the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire about a rumoured Persian attack on Bahrain planned by Hossain Ali Mirza, Prince of Sherauz [Shīrāz] (ff 1B-2v) and an attack on Dubai boats by the Chief of Abothebee [Abu Dhabi], Mahomed Been Shakboot, [Shaikh Muḥammed bin Shakhbut Āl Nahyān] (ff 9-14v); two letters of instruction from Captain Charles Sealy, Senior Marine Officer in the Persian Gulf to Captain George Walker, commanding the Honourable Company (HC) cruizer Ternate(f 5-5v) and Lieutenant George Herne, commanding the Honourable Company (HC) cruizer Nautilus(f 6-6v) regarding their sea patrol of the Pearl Banks between Shaga [Sharjah] and Bahrein [Bahrain] and the planned interception of two pirate boats returning from Zanzibar, together with a letter of reply from Lieutenant George Herne reporting the outcome (f 15-15v); a general letter of instruction from Captain Charles Sealy to all marine officers aboard HC cruizers stationed in the Persian Gulf, listing their sea patrol duties (ff 7-8v); a letter of enquiry from Henry Willock, the British envoy to Persia, to the British Political Resident at Bushire, about British and Indian exports shipped to Persian Gulf ports (ff 3-4v).The volume title ‘Bushire Residency Book No 33 Miscellaneous letters inward and outward 5 Jan 1824-25 May 1824’ is typewritten and appears on a modern title page that has been inserted at the front of the volume (folio 1A).Physical description: Foliation: the letters in the volume are numbered 1B, then 2 to 15, from front to back. A modern, typewritten tile page has been inserted in the front of the volume and is numbered 1A. The numbering is written in pencil in the top right corner, on the recto of every folio.The 7 letters in the volume were originally numbered in ink and in most cases, on both the recto and verso as follows: 71-73; 90-92, 204-206, 207, 219-228, 242.
103. Vol 23: Reports to the Government of Bombay respecting a British military expedition to the Persian Gulf
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume consists of correspondence primarily between Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Bombay Government, and Captain Thomas Perronet Thompson. Other correspondents included in the volume are Major-General Lionel Smith; Mountstuart Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay; James Henderson, Secretary to the Bombay Government; Captain Deschamps; and Andrew Jukes. Translations of correspondence with Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd, the Imam of Muscat are also included.The subject matter of the material is centred around the abandonment of Raʼs al-Khaymah, the establishment of a garrison on the Island of Qeshm, the suppression of piracy in the Gulf, a failed British joint expedition with the Imam of Muscat against the Banī Bū ‘Alī tribe in Oman, and the removal of Captain Thompson from his post for the aforementioned failure; the subsequent, more successful, follow-up expedition against the Banī Bū ‘Alī tribe is also covered.Physical description: Foliation: The main foliation sequence starts with the first page of text and runs through to the last folio. It is written in pencil and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. This sequence has been used to construct the references at item level, and for internal referencing.Pagination: A pagination system is also present, which runs folios 22-275, though there are gaps in the sequence; these numbers are also written in pencil and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
104. Intelligence Report ('Newsletter')
- Description:
- Abstract: Intelligence report, entitled ‘Newsletter', dated 11 May 1839, covering: Peshawur [Peshawar]; the Army of the Indus; (chiefly regarding its approach to Candahar [Kandahar]); Upper Scinde [Sindh]; Joudhpore [Jodhpur]; Jhansi; Bithoor [Bithur]; Nipal [Nepal]; Ava [Inwa]; and Items of General Intelligence.Physical description: 1 item (9 folios)
105. Report from Herat
- Description:
- Abstract: A report from Herat by an anonymous French author in the service of Shah Zeman [Zamān Shāh Durrānī, Ruler of Afghanistan], dated 3 September 1799.The report describes the campaign of Baba Khan [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] in eastern Persia [Iran], including the capture of Nichabour [Nishabur] and the siege of Mashate [Mashhad], and Baba Khan’s retreat when faced with large forces led by Shah Zeman and Shah Mourad [Shāhmurād, Amīr of Bukhara]. The report states that many Persian troops were captured by tribes to be sold into slavery in Boukara [Bukhara] and that Shah Zeman is now planning an expedition to Lahor [Lahore].Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
106. Letters to Lewis Pelly from local rulers and shaikhs, with translations in English.
- Description:
- Abstract: Correspondence in Arabic, mostly with translations in English, from Thuwaini bin Said, Sultan of Muscat; Zayid I bin Khalifah Al-Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi; Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki al-Saud, Ruler of Najd; Majid bin Said Al-Busair, Sultan of Zanzibar; the British native agent at Sharjah, Haji Ya'qub; and other individuals.The topics discussed in the letters includes the historic rights of ownership of the Arab Coast by individual tribes; movements of Arab tribes and their choice of settlement; attempts by the Wahhabis to extend their influence along the Arab Coast; allegations of acts of piracy on merchant vessels; and the British Government's attack on al-Qatif in response to disturbances which led to damage to British subjects property.Physical description: Foliation: The file has been foliated using small pencil numbers located in the bottom right hand corner of the recto of each folio
107. Secret Letters Inward
- Description:
- 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.
108. PZ 2556/41 'Anglo-Iraq Hostilities. German broadcast on Afghan attitude'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains correspondence between the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, HM Minister at Kabul, the India Office and the Ministry of Information, regarding French and German radio broadcasts which stated that the Government of Afghanistan had warned Britain that they would enter the war on the side of Iraq unless the British Expeditionary Force was withdrawn from that country. The correspondence also documents a decision taken to broadcast an unattributed denial of the truth of the French and German broadcasts through the BBC.A list of correspondence references contained in the file appears on the front cover.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 13; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.