1. ‘Regarding the Plans & Sections called for of the Aden Seaward Defences’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, extracts of two Military Letters from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 4 September and 16 October 1850 respectively.The item relates to the delay in supplying the Court of Directors with plans and [cross] sections of the seaward defences at Aden. The Military Board, Bombay, put forward their reasons for this delay and outline the information they require from the Home authorities before they can suggest the points on the defences which would be best suited for armament. There is also discussion about the need to supply plans and sections for works being carried out on the isthmus.Correspondents: the Court of Directors; the Military Board; and the Government of Bombay.Folio 789a verso contains a stamp which reads: 'RECEIVED. 26 NOV. [1]850. SOUTHHAMPTON'.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Military', 'P.C. [Previous Communication] 7172, Draft No. 123 of 1851', 'Collection No 2', and 'Military Department 1850'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 787, and terminates at f 796, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio. The sequence contains one foliation anomaly: f 789a.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.

2. Aden Affairs

Description:

Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 113 of 1846, dated 1 October 1846. The enclosures are dated 15 August-30 September 1846.The papers relate to works on the defences of Aden, notably including the following:Memoranda stating the progress of the principal works, by: Captain James Kilner, Executive Engineer, Captain Tremenheere, Engineers; and Lieutenant H W B Bell, Assistant Executive Engineer, Aden (ff 446-449)Copies of letters from Kilner and Lieutenant-Colonel C W Grant, Engineers, Poona [Pune], discussing several points regarding the works which are still undecided and requiring the decision of the Governor-General of India (ff 451-479)A request by the Secretary to Government, Bombay, that copies of plans and sketches in connection with the undecided points be prepared and forwarded to the Governor-General of IndiaThe reason for the delay in executing certain improvement works in the town of Aden (leading to flood damage occurring), including Kilner’s letter of explanation and rebuttal of any blame imputed to him by Haines (ff 486-488)Kilner’s request to Haines regarding the possibility of obtaining labourers from the opposite coast [east Africa] to facilitate the construction of the public works at the Aden settlement (f 492).The principal correspondents are the Government of Bombay and the Military Board, Bombay.Physical description: 1 item (53 folios)