Abstract: This item is comprised of copies of secret letters, despatches and intelligence reports. Correspondence discusses a number of topics including: the state of affairs in Bahrain and on the 'Wahabee Coast' and the consternation of the Ruler of Bahrain, Mahomed ben Khuleefah [Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah] at the policy of the 'Wahabee Ruler', Ameer Fysul [Amir Fayṣal bin Turkī bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Sa‘ūd] concerning exiled kinsmen in Dammam [Dammām]; instructions to Commander Robinson to send H C Schooner
Constanceto Dammamn and Kutiffe [Al-Qaṭīf].Correspondents include: Captain Arnold Burrowes Kemball, the Resident in the Persian Gulf; H L Anderson, Secretary to Government in the Secret Committee, Bombay [Mumbai].Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures to Despatch to the Secret Committee No. 15, dated 9 October 1837.The enclosures relate to affairs in Lahore (the Punjab) and Afghanistan, and are dated 24 July - 11 September 1837.The papers cover: correspondence from Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent, Loodeeana [Ludhiana], communicating political intelligence concerning the Punjab and Afghanistan; correspondence from Wade, and Captain Alexander Burnes, concerning the progress of Burnes's commercial mission to Cabool [Kabul]; remarks on Persian influence in Afghanistan; correspondence between the Governor General (Lord Auckland) and Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Punjab], expressing the mutual goodwill of the British Government and the Sikh nation, and a willingness to promote commercial ties; minute by the Governor General on British policy on the frontier of Afghanistan; replies from the Secretary to the Government of India (William Hay Macnaghten); and a letter from the Governor General to Burnes commending his services in Afghanistan.Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-14, on folios 230-231. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 49 of 1853, dated 30 August 1853. The enclosures are numbered 3-12 and are dated 1 April-3 August 1853.The papers relate to affairs in the Persian Gulf including:A summary of intelligence of an ‘amicable arrangement’ between His Highness Syed Soweynee [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and Abdoolla bin Fysul [‘Abdullāh bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd, son of Fayṣal bin Turkī bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Sa‘ūd, Ruler of the Second Saudi State]An interview with the Ruler of Bahrein [Bahrain].Correspondents include the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Arnold Burrowes Kemball); the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; the Native Agent at Shiraz; Abdoolla bin Fysul; and Sheikh Sultan bin Suggur, Joasmee Chief [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī].Physical description: 1 item (39 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 110 of 1846, dated 30 September 1846. The enclosures are dated 14 May-29 September 1846.The principal correspondents are: Major Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Secretary to the Government, Bombay; and the Under-Secretary to the Government of India. Also included are minutes of the Governor and President and members in Council, Bombay.The papers cover and include the following matters:Proceedings regarding the settlement of the British Government’s claims, on behalf of British subjects and of Persian subjects, upon the Shaik [Shaikh, also spelled Sheik in this item] of Kenn [Kish, also referred to as Ges in this item], on account of the property ‘plundered’ by inhabitants of the island from the wreck of the HC [Honourable Company’s] schooner
Emilyin 1845 (a large portion of which is alleged to have come into the possession of the Sheik of Kenn). Included are copies of Hennell’s letter to the Governor of Fars, the statement of Hajee Jacoob [Ḥājjī Ya‘qūb], the Government Pilot sent to investigate the whereabouts of the ‘treasure’, and correspondence between the Sheik of Kenn and Commodore John Croft Hawkins, in relation to the payment, by instalments, of compensation (ff 392-397)Copper sheathing recovered by ‘salvors’ [divers] of Debaye [Dubai] from a location where HMS
Foxran aground in January, the Bahrein [Bahrain] Native Agent’s detention of the metal and prevention of its sale in Bahrein, its conveyance to Bushire [Bushehr] for sale by Hennell and division of the profits between the salvors and the British GovernmentA copy of Hennell’s report to HM Minister at the Court of Persia [Iran], forwarded for the information of the Government of Bombay, on the prospective early return to Bushire of Shaik Nasir [Shaikh Nāṣir II Āl Madhkūr] and containing his views on Houssein Khan [Ḥusayn Khān], Ruler of Fars, and the general character of his Government (ff 409-411)The placing, by Hennell, of the HC schooner
Constanceat the disposal of Commodore Hawkins for despatch to the Presidency of BombayIntelligence reports, sent by Heskeal bin Yusoof [Ḥizqīl bin Yūsuf], Acting Native Agent at Muscat, to the Persian Secretary to Government (ff 416, 419-420, 425, 428, 430-431, 433-434), covering affairs in Muscat, notably political matters, conflicts between inhabitants and tribes, killings and disturbances. The reports mention the bugla [buggalow]
Futhool Moobaruckwhich left Bombay in May running aground near Jazir, whose crew were allegedly refused assistance by the inhabitants and robbed of their clothes (f 420), and the fate of Thomas Brookman, an English traveller in Oman (f 434).Physical description: 1 item (55 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures to Despatch to the Secret Committee No. 22, dated 27 December 1837.The enclosures relate to the affairs of Sinde [Sindh], Lahore (the Punjab), and Afghanistan, and are dated 3 June to 25 September 1837.The main correspondents are Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor General for the Affairs of Sindh; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent, Loodiana [Ludhiana]; and the Political Secretary to the Government of India (William Hay Macnaghten).The papers cover: correspondence from Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Commercial Mission to Cabool (Kabul); intelligence from Lahore; correspondence concerning the need for a British Resident in Hyderabad; reports on the conflict between the Sikhs and Afghans over Peshawar; overtures by the Amir of Kabul (Dost Mohomed Khan [Dost Muhammad Khan]) to the King of Persia [Iran] for assistance against the Sikhs; reports by Wade on the attitude of Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh]; reports by Charles Masson on the political situation in Afghanistan; reports by the Native Agent, Hyderabad; correspondence concerning the diplomatic mission of General Jean-Baptiste Ventura to the King of France on behalf of Ranjit Singh; itemised tables showing merchandise exported from Ludhiana, with comparative prices realised, and further information on trade in the region (folios 568-573); and correspondence between the Government of India, John McNeill (HBM's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia), and Burnes, acknowledging receipt of despatches concerning Persia and Afghanistan (the despatches themselves are not included).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-110, on folios 367-378. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure.
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 20 dated 2 February 1857. The enclosures are dated 5-20 January 1857.The enclosures comprise despatches of Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Acting Commissioner in Sind [Sindh], to Lord Elphinstone, Governor and President in Council, Bombay, in which he forwards intelligence received from or via Captain William Lockyer Merewether, Acting Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind.The papers notably cover and include:Intelligence claiming that the representative of the King of Persia [Shah of Iran], who approached Sirdar Goolam Hider Khan [Ghulām Ḥaydar Khān], the Governor of Candahar [also spelled Kandahar in this item], offering friendship with Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] and the Afghan people, was rebuffed by the Governor who emphasised that the nations will remain at war whilst Persia occupies Herat and reaffirmed the Afghan alliance with the BritishIntelligence purporting that the Murree [Marri] tribe have ‘assembled in large numbers for the purpose of plundering’ (f 271) and that British troops at the frontier outposts are on the alert for signs of an attackA report by Captain Henry Green, Assistant Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, concerning relations with the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], notably the Khan’s: reaffirmation of his friendship with the British; concerns about potential Persian incursions on his north and north west frontiers; belief in the unreliable loyalties of the tribes in the area of Candahar and Kelat; and support for the establishment of a British force at Quetta. Green also asserts the destabilising effect on the frontier of Upper Sind caused by the withdrawal of a regiment of Sind Irregular Horse for service in the Persian GulfConfirmation by the Governor of Kandahar of the receipt of treasure and arms despatched through the Bolan Pass for the Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan in October 1856.Physical description: 1 item (11 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, [Bombay Secret Letter] No. 1 dated 2 January 1856. The enclosures are dated 3-17 December 1855.The enclosures comprise three letters from Henry Bartle Edward Frere, Commissioner in Sind [Sindh], to the Governor and President in Council, Bombay, and one letter to Frere from Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind.The papers cover the following matters:The alleged plan of Dost Mahomed [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] to attack Herat and to take it from Persia [Iran] and the arrival of Sirdar Munowur Dil Khan of Khandahar [Serdār Munawwar Dil Khān of Kandahar, also spelled Candahar in this item] in Kurrachee [Karachi] and his rumoured plan to visit Muscat to induce the Imaum [Imam] to make a diversion in the Gulf, thus preventing Persian forces being sent to HeratReports of Murree [Marī] raids in Boogtee [Bugṭī] territory, the number of Boogtees killed, and Jacob’s intention to meet with the Khan of Khelat [Kalat] to discuss this ‘inroad’.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: Letter and Enclosures to HM Secretary of State for India, dated 20 December 1871.The Enclosures contain correspondence from John Kirk, Acting Political Agent and Consul, Zanzibar (dated August-September 1871), concerning events in Zanzibar, including: a description of a raid that resulted in disaster for the Arab colony of the interior at Unyayembe [Unyanyembe]; references to Henry Morton Stanly [Stanley] and Dr David Livingstone; and a report on the financial position of the Sultan of Zanzibar (Syud Burgash [Saiyid Barghash]) and his likely successors.The Enclosures are dated 31 October-10 November 1871.Physical description: 1 item (5 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures nos. 3-6 to dispatch no. 12 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 12 April 1861. The enclosures are dated December 1860 to April 1861. No date of receipt given.The enclosures consist of reports from Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Palmer Rigby, HM Consul and British Agent, Zanzibar, informing the Government of Bombay that a French religious mission had arrived in Zanzibar, and that the Sultan of Zanzibar had handed over a slave trading vessel to a British warship. The reports are accompanied by resolutions of the Honourable Board.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures Nos. 3-4 to Despatch No. 10 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 12 March 1860. The Enclosures are dated 29 November 1859-3 January 1860. Received 5 April 1860.The Enclosures include a report from Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Palmer Rigby, Consul and British Agent, Zanzibar, dated 29 November 1859, covering: the arrival there of a vessel flying Spanish colours, which was clearly involved in the slave trade; the actions of the Sultan of Zanzibar to prevent the vessel from engaging in slaving operations; copies of letters from a Spanish citizen who was involved in the slave trade; and copies of letters (in French only) from the French Consul. There is also a further report from Rigby on these and other matters, dated 3 January 1860.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 65 of 1840, dated 6 August 1840. The enclosures are dated 5 January-23 February 1840 and consist of copies of letters from a German national, the Reverend J L Kraaff [Johann Ludwig Krapf], to the Political Agent at Aden. The letters, which discuss affairs in Abyssinia [Ethiopian Empire], were considered relevant in connection with the plans of the Government of France to establish settlements at the mouth of the Red Sea.Physical description: 1 item (50 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 18 dated 5 March 1856. The enclosures are dated 13-27 February 1856.The item comprises a report by Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan, Acting Political Resident and Commandant, Aden, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, on the situation in the Aden and the Red Sea coast region of Yemen, enclosing five letters conveying intelligence from: Captain John James Frushard, Indian Navy, Senior Naval Officer at Aden and the Red Sea Station; Stephen Page, HM Acting Vice-Consul and Officiating HC [Honourable Company] Agent at Juddah [Jeddah, also spelled Jedda in this item]; Mahmoud Pasha [Maḥmūd Pāshā], Governor of Yemen; Khajia Georgie Kastandi (Teoffani) [Georgie Kostanti Theofani] of Hodeida [Al Hudaydah]; and Haji Abd-er-Rassool [‘Abd al-Rasūl] of Mocha.Coghlan’s report and enclosures chiefly relate to the varying rumours of the advance of a force of between 30,000 and 50,000 of the Asseer [‘Asir, also spelled Aseer in this item] tribe southwards to Yemen with the intention of attacking and capturing Hodeida and other Red Sea ports of that country, and Lahedj [Lahej]. There is particular reference to:The arrival of the
Elphinstoneand the
Queenat Hodeida and the arrangements put in place by their commanders for the protection of the governor of the town and his familyDetails of the strength of the defences and fortifications at HodeidaThe apparent gratitude of Mahmoud Pasha, Governor of Yemen, for the arrival of the British vessels, his departure north to Lohea [Al Luhayyah] to reassure that town’s inhabitants, enrolment of additional soldiers, and impression that additional military assistance is on its way from Bombay.Coghlan’s report also covers news on the situation in Mecca and Juddah following the recent rebellion, including that: both cities are now tranquil; the rebellion led by Abd-el-Mutalib [Sharif ‘Abd al-Muṭṭalib bin Ghālib bin Musā‘ad] has largely petered out since the military engagement at Tayf [Ta’if, also spelled Taif in this item] between ‘Bedowins’ [Bedouin] and [Ottoman] Turkish soldiers; and that a new Seriff [Sharif] is soon arriving in Mecca.Also included in the item is a Resolution of the Board indicating that the Governor in Council wants the number of volunteers from the Sind Irregular Horse for service at Aden to be raised to a full complement of one hundred men.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)