Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports and financial statements relating to diplomatic, military and logistical preparations for the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 201-610, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret and Separate Department, 8 January-8 March 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from mid-October to 31 December 1838 but the volumes includes some from September relating to the end of the siege of Herat.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India, with the Governor General, Simla, also referred to in this volume Envoy and Minister to the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent on a Mission to Bhawalpore [Bahawalpur]; Henry Whitelock Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor General; General Sir Henry Fane, Commander-in-Chief, India; Lord Auckland, Governor General of India; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Political Agent and British Envoy at Kelat [Kalat]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon and Political Agent on Duty in Bhawalpore; Colonel E H Simpson, in charge of Shah Shoojah’s Force, Loodhiana [Ludhiana] (and his predecessor Captain J McSherry); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton,Commander Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Captain C M Wade, Political Agent, Loodhiana, later on a Mission to Bhawalpore.Other correspondents include: Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, in charge of the British Mission, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant R Leech, Political Assistant; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; various lesser army officers and government officials; British intelligence agents and local informants; local rajahs and emirs.Main matters covered:Composition, governance, funding, arming and equipping of Shah Shoojah’s ForceNews of the ending of the siege of Herat in September 1838 with the retreat of the Shah of Persia [Iran] to Tehran and retrospective appointment of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger as Political Agent in Herat assigned to help alleviate poverty and starvation in the city and restore the army to orderTreaties, agreements and understandings between the British Government and various local rulers in Punjab and Sinde [Sindh] in advance of the forthcoming British military expedition into Afghanistan. Many agree to offer assistance, support or absence of opposition during the operation, usually in return for British 'protection'. Includes treaties with Nawab Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III] of Bhawalpore, and with Meere Roostum Khan [Mir Rustam 'Ali Khan] of Khyrpore State [Khairpur], cession of fort at Bukkur to the British, lingering suspicions about the loyalty of the Hydrabad [Hyderabad] ameers, and need to ensure friendly attitude of the Khan (Chief) of Kelat to enable advance of British into KhorasanIntelligence reports gathered by Alexander Burnes, notably on situation and loyalties in Herat, Khyrpore, Sinde state, Candahar [Kandahar] and Cabool [Kabul]. Includes reports of alleged anti-British intrigues by Cabool ruler Dost Mahomad Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan (Barakzai)] with Hydrabad ameers and Russian diplomat Captain Vitkievitch (sporadically spelled, e.g. Vilkervitch, Vilkieritch) [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, a Polish man in service of the Russians] and suspected overtures to the Shah of PersiaArrangements for amassing of British forces, known as the Army of the Indus, at Ferozepore [Firozpur or Ferozepur], for the planned advance towards Afghanistan, notably composition, fitting out, requisition of supplies (especially grain, food and fuel) and animals (camels and elephants), chains of command, officers pay and expenses, ammunition supplies, drill instructors, obtaining sufficient funds of cash, encampment locations, preparation of roads, bridging of the Indus including bridge of boats or rafts plan, and progress of the armyReports from Dr A C Gordon, on Duty at Bhawalpore, on immense difficulties and struggles in obtaining supplies for the Army of the Indus and non-cooperation of supposed allies Maharajah Ranjeet Singh of Bhawalpore [Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire] and Bhawal Khan, Nawab of BhawalporeConcerns expressed by Fane to Auckland regarding the Army of the Indus, particularly: the force’s commanding personnel; lines of communication; insufficiency of supplies for the duration of the campaign and nature of the terrain; the Commissariat’s inefficiency; truthfulness of positive reports Auckland has received; delays to the march from Ferozepore increasing potential difficulties getting through the Bolan Pass due to excessively hot weather; desertions from Shah Shoojah’s force; dire consequences if the army is forced to retreat. (Fane declined the opportunity to become Commander of the Army of the Indus, instead continuing as Commander-in-Chief of all forces in India).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 795; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: A translation of an intelligence paper dated Amrutsur [Amritsar], 1 Safar 1216 AH [14 June 1801], concerning conflict in Afghanistan between Zemaun Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrāni] and the supporters of Mahmood Shah [Mahmūd Shāh Durrāni]. The paper reports the defection of Ahmed Khan Noorzee [Nūrzai], the flight and capture of Zemaun, and the detention of his supporters including his son Shujah ul Mulk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni] at Peshawur [Peshawar].The paper was translated and transmitted by William Scott, Resident at Lucknow.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A copy of an anonymous letter in French forwarding reports from Afghanistan, copied by Harford Jones and dated Bagdad [Baghdad], 18 December 1801.The letter reports widespread alienation from Chah Mahmood [Mahmūd Shāh Durrānī], divisions amongst Chah Mahmood’s troops in Kaboul [Kabul], and large-scale desertions to the side of Shugia ul Mulk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrānī]. The author expects Chah Mahmood to abandon Kaboul before the autumn and take refuge in Candahar [Kandahar].Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
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)
Abstract: Translations of three Persian letters received by Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad]:1. A letter from Meerza Bozurg [Mīrzā ‘Īsá Khān Farāhānī], Persian [Iranian] Minister, concerning the mission of Meerza Mehedi Ally Khan [Mīrzā Mahdī ‘Alī Khān Bahadūr, Resident in Bushehr] to the Persian Court.2. An extract of a letter from a merchant at Yezd [Yazd] dated 1 Zulhajee [Dhū al-Hijjah]/5 May 1799. The letter reports rumours that Zeman Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrānī, Ruler of Afghanistan] engaged in combat with the Mahrattas [Marathas] and was defeated, and that Zeman Khan [Zamān Khān], former Governor of Herat, has returned to that city.3. A letter from Hajee Hossein Kerem Ali [Ḥājjī Ḥusayn Karīm ‘Alī], a Persian merchant charged by Jones to collect information from Candahar [Kandahar]. The letter reports that several people have arrived in Tabbas [Tabas] claiming to have taken part in combat between Zeman Shah and the Mahrattas, in which Zeman Shah was defeated and forced to flee.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This item contains three documents:1. A copy of a letter from Jonathan Duncan, Governor of Bombay [Mumbai], to Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], sent from Bombay Castle and dated 4 May 1799.In response to Jones’s letter of 25 March (IOR/L/PS/9/76/60) concerning an embassy rumoured to be travelling across Persia [Iran] to the Court of Baba Khan [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār], Duncan discusses the mission of Meerza Mehedi Ally Khan [Mīrzā Mahdī ‘Alī Khān Bahadūr], Resident in Bushire [Bushehr] in Persia.2. An extract of a letter from Yezd [Yazd] dated c. 1 July 1799, translated by Harford Jones. The letter reports that Shah Zeman [Zamān Shāh Durrānī, Ruler of Afghanistan] has returned from India. It also reports that Baba Khan is said to be in Meshed [Mashhad], has summoned the son and brother of Shah Zadeh Mahmood [Mahmūd Durrānī] who are in exile in Tabbas [Tabas], and has dispatched troops towards Herat.3. An extract from a letter from Jones to the President (Governor) of Bombay dated 13 February 1799. The letter reports that firearms and sabres from Turkey [Ottoman Empire] and the Crimea are being exported to Bombay.Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)
Abstract: Copies of five letters between Lord Elgin, HM Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad]:1. A letter from Elgin to Jones, sent from Constantinople [Istanbul] and dated 16 November 1799. The letter announces Elgin’s arrival in Constantinople and assumption of his duties, offers assistance, and asks for information regarding Bagdad and Persia [Iran]. A duplicate of this letter can be found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/103.2. A letter from Elgin to Jones, sent from Constantinople and dated 21 December 1799. The letter orders Jones not to open or read any letter addressed to Elgin from India. A duplicate of this letter can be found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/103.3. A letter from Elgin to Jones, sent from Constantinople and dated 21 December 1799. Elgin renounces the use of cyphers in his communications with India. A duplicate of this letter is catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/104.4. A letter from Jones to Elgin, sent from Bagdad and dated 17 January 1800. The letter reports the transit of Elgin’s dispatches to India via Bagdad and Bussora [Basra] and congratulates Elgin on his appointment as Ambassador. Jones also outlines the policy of the British Government in India towards Persia [Iran], reports on events in Afghanistan, and describes British interests in Bagdad. It also reports a rumour that the Shereef [Sharīf] of Mecca has offered to read the khutbeh [Friday prayer sermon] in the name of Baba Khan [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] instead of the Grand Signior [Sulṭān of the Ottoman Empire] in exchange for money. A duplicate of this letter can be found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/105.5. A letter from Jones to Elgin, sent from Bagdad and dated 17 January 1800. Jones acknowledges the receipt of Elgin’s letter of 21 December and pledges not to open or read letters addressed to Elgin from India as instructed. A duplicate of this letter can be found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/107.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: This item contains copies of four letters:1. A translation of an anonymous letter sent to Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], from Isfahun [Esfahan], dated 9 Zelhejeh [Dhū al-Ḥijjah]/23 April 1801. The letter reports news from Afghanistan, where Zeman Shaw [Zamān Shāh Durrānī] controls Caboul [Kabul] and is said to be planning an expedition against Shah Zadé Mahmood [Mahmūd Durrānī] who controls Candahar [Kandahar]. The letter also reports developments in the campaign of Baba Khan [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] in Khorassan [Khorasan].2. A letter from Captain William Campbell, Head Assistant to the Mission of Captain John Malcolm to Persia [Iran], to Harford Jones, sent from Bagdad and dated 11 May 1801. The letter transmits lists (not enclosed) of gold, silver, and other articles acquired by the Mission to Persia which Campbell has handed over to Jones, and their approximate value.3. A letter from Captain William Campbell to Harford Jones, sent from Bagdad and dated 12 May 1801. The letter reports Campbell’s departure for Bussora [Basra] and the transfer of his remaining duties to Lieutenant Charles Pasley, Second Assistant to the Mission, who will remain in Bagdad with the Mission’s troops and horses, and asks Jones to assist Pasley.4. A letter from Harford Jones to Captain William Campbell, sent from Bagdad and dated 13 May 1801. Jones acknowledges the receipt of the above letters and pledges to assist Lieutenant Pasley.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Captain John Malcolm, Envoy of the Governor-General of Bengal to Persia [Iran], to Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], sent from a camp five miles from Aboosheher [Bushehr] and dated 18 April 1800.The letter forwards three extracts of the latest intelligence Malcolm has received from the interior of Persia:1. An extract of a letter from a merchant in Herat dated 1 Shawal [Shawwal] 1214/24 February 1800. The letter reports that Rahmat Ullah Khan [Raḥmatallah Khān Sādūzāī], the leading Minister at the Court of Zemaun Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrānī, Ruler of Afghanistan], has ordered the execution of a number of Affghaun [Afghan] notables after the discovery of a conspiracy to bring the exiled brothers of Zemaun Shah to power.2. An anonymous letter from Yezd [Yazd] dated 1 Zekad [Dhū al-Qa’dah] 1214/22 March 1800. The letter reports that the King [Shāh] of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] is planning to march towards Khorassan [Khorasan] in co-ordination with Prince Mahmood [Mahmūd Durrānī], the exiled brother of Zemaun Shah. It also reports that a number of Affghan [Afghan] notables made contact with Mahmood’s forces and were subsequently exposed and executed by Zemaun Shah.3. An extract of a letter from Moulla Askar, Moonshee [Mullah ‘Askar, Munshi or Secretary] to Shaikh Nasser of Aboosheher [Naṣr Khān Āl Madhkūr, Shaikh of Bushehr] dated 12 Zekad [Dhū al-Qa’dah] 1214/April 1800. The letter describes the King’s imminent march towards Khorassan.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A translation of a letter from Mohammed Sadoo [Muḥammad Ṣadr?], an informant of Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], to Jones, sent from Isfahaun [Isfahan] and dated 5 Jemaud-ul-sauny [Jumāda al-Thānī] (13 October 1801).The letter forwards reports from Afghanistan, including the capture of Caboul [Kabul] by Shah Mahmood [Mahmūd Shāh Durrānī], the blinding of Shah Zeman [Zamān Shāh Durrānī], and the execution of the Vizier Wafadar Khan [Raḥmatallah Khān Sādūzāī]. It also reports that Sujah-al-Mulk [Shāh Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrānī], Shah Zeman’s brother, resisted an attack by Shah Mahmood’s forces on Pishaver [Peshawar] and later recaptured Caboul.Attached are notes by Harford Jones on these reports.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], to Sir Stephen Lushington, Chairman of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from Bagdad and dated 12 April 1799.The letter concerns the mission of Meerza Mehedi Ally Khan [Mīrzā Mahdī ‘Alī Khān Bahadūr], Resident in Bushire [Bushehr], to the court of Baba Khan [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] in Tehrian [Tehran]. It discusses a rumour current in Bagdad that the purpose of the mission is to incite Baba Khan to attack Zeman Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrānī, Ruler of Afghanistan]. Jones instead recommends cultivating an alliance with Zeman Shah.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], to Sir Stephen Lushington, Chairman of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, sent from Bagdad and dated 17 April 1799.Jones states that he is able if necessary to open a channel of communication with Rehmat Ullah Khan [Raḥmatallah Khān Sādūzāī], the leading Minister at the Court of Zeman Shah Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrānī, Ruler of Afghanistan].Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)