Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-66 to dispatch no. 4 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 20 February 1839. The enclosures are dated 4 November 1837-16 May 1838.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Afghanistan, the Sikh Empire and Sindh. Much of the correspondence is concerned with the invasion of Herat by Persia [Iran], specifically:A treaty between the Shah of Persia [Mohammad Shah Qajar] and the chiefs of Kandahur [Kandahar, also spelt Candahar in the file], and the eventual renunciation of the treaty by the chiefs on the belief that the Shah had violated its termsThe surrender of Gorian [Ghurian, also spelt Ghorian in the file] to the Persian army after a ten-day siegeThe return to Herat of Kamran Shah and the city’s re-fortificationA meeting between the Shah of Persia and the Governor of Khorasan at Sahrood Boostan [Shahrud Bastam]The siege of HeratReactions to Persia’s actions by Dost Mahomed [Mohammad] Khan, Emir of Afghanistan, and his exiled predecessor Shah Shuja [Shah Shujah Durrani]A request by Yar Mohamed Khan, Vizier of Herat, for assistance from Candahar, Bhokhara [Bukhara] and Toorkistan [Turkestan].Other topics covered include:Intelligence reports believed to be inaccurate or unreliableReports of two thousand armed Baloches [Balochis] assembling near Rojhun [Rojhan]The return of Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire, to LahoreThe surrender of Bahram Khan Mazari to the Governor of Multan [Diwan Sawan Mal Chopra], and the return of his possessionsThe unauthorised publication of a secret Government of India despatch in Bombay [Mumbai] newspapersArrangements for a visit to the Sikh Empire by the Governor-General of India and a meeting between him and the MaharajahAn account of the roads between Peshawar and Cabool [Kabul]Reports of a Russian agent at CaboolA perceived threat of invasion of Peshawar by Sardar Mahamad Akbur Khan [Wazir Akbar Khan], Emir of CaboolNegotiations for stationing a British Resident in SindhFabricated credentials of Haji Hoosain Ali Khan, who had claimed to be a representative of the Government of CaboolDebts left behind by the late Dr Gerard, surgeon with the British mission to Cabool.The primary correspondents are: Colonel Claude Martin Wade, Political Agent, Loodianah [Ludhiana]; Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson, on a mission to Peshawar; Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool; and the Government of India.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 406, and terminates at f 603, 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence relating to the crisis in Britain’s relations with Persia in the early 1840s, in the wake of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42) and the siege of Herat (1838), which led to British occupation of the island of Karrak [Jazīreh-ye Khārk] in the Persian Gulf.The volume’s contents, sent and received by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain Samuell Hennell, relate to:Reports from British officials in Persia on the state of Anglo-Persian negotiations over British occupation of Jazīreh-ye Khārk and the restoration to the Persians of the fortress of Ghoriān, near the border town of Herat;Various reports, written by Hennell, and based on his tour of the Gulf, on the possibilities of occupation by the British of Bahrain [written as Bahrein throughout] or Grane [Kuwait], for the purposes of establishing a naval station in the Gulf;A report, written by Hennell, on relations between Muscat and Bahrain, and the prospects of an attack on Bahrain by the Imam of Muscat’s forces;An assessment, written by Hennell, of Bahrain’s climate, considered by the Resident to be too harmful to the ‘European constitution’ for permanent occupation of Bahrain by British forces;Egyptian territorial ambitions in Arabia and the Gulf, and measures to counter Egyptian influence;Relations between the Al Khalifah at Bahrain;The political situation at Bushire, including the removal of the Bushire Governor;Discussion between officials over whether the British Residency should remain at Jazīreh-ye Khārk (as desired by Hennell) or return to Bushire;Hennell’s absence through sickness, and his insistence that an assistant to the Resident is required.Some of the letters in the volume (folios 42, 61) have incorrect dates assigned to them (1853 and 1851 respectively); these dates have been omitted from the volume’s assigned date range.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence begins on the title page and ends of the last folio of content (i.e. text); these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: An original sporadic and incomplete pagination sequence is also present between ff 6-67; these numbers are located in the top outermost corner of the page when present.Condition: Many of the pages have suffered water damage, and are damaged at the edges, resulting in the loss of some text.
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-102 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of India, dated 13 August 1838. The enclosures are dated 16 May-11 August 1838.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to a plan to overthrow Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] as Emir of Afghanistan and return former Emir Shah Shuja ool Moolk [Shujā‘ al-Mulk Durrānī, also written as Shah Shooja in the item] to the throne. Topics covered include:Negotiations between Shah Shuja, the Government of India, and Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empire], and proposed amendments to a treaty already negotiated between Shah Shuja and Runjeet Singh to include the co-operation of the Government of India. Draft copies of the amended treaty are included on folios 501-505 and 518-523Runjeet Singh’s refusal to give up Peshawer [Peshawar] or Shikarpoor [Shikarpur], his rejection of any British interference in ‘his affairs across the Indus’, and a proposed annual tribute to be paid to him by Shah Shuja in exchange for abandoning his claim to Julalabad [Jalalabad]Reports of the state of Dost Mahomed’s relationships with Russia and Persia [Iran]Failed negotiations to end the Persian siege of Herat, including an offer made to Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy, Vizier of Herat] by the Shah of Persia for territory in Persia if he will give up the cityA British mission led by William Hay Macnaghten to Runjeet Singh’s summer capital at Adina Nagur [Dinanagar, also written as Adeenanuggur in the item], including accounts of meetings with Runjeet Singh and biographies of members of his courtThe continuance of Macnaghten’s mission to Loodiana [Ludhiana] to present Shah Shuja with the proposed amendments negotiated with Runjeet Singh, and his approval of themThe recovery from Toorkestan [Afghan Turkestan] of the books and papers (listed on ff 449-450) of explorer William Moorcroft, who died there of a fever in 1825, and their proposed donation to the Asiatic Society of BengalA report on the affairs of Candahar [Kandahar], including its history, biographies of prominent figures, and its relations with other states, particularly in relation to the Persian siege of HeratPlans for the logistics of restoring Shah Shuja to the throne of Afghanistan, including potential routes for him to enter the country, consideration of the possible actions of Dost Mahomed and how to counter them, his perceived level of support in the country, and specific British battalions and officers to be appointedA British mission led by Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson to recruit the Nuwab of Buhawulpore [Nawwāb of Bahawalpur] as an ally, and to gain permission to move troops through his territory. A draft treaty with the Nuwub is included on folios 648-649Consideration of the security of India if large numbers of troops are sent to Afghanistan, particularly relating to potential hostilities with Ava [Burma or Myanmar], including the possible transfer of troops from Ceylon [Sri Lanka].The primary correspondents are: Shah Shuja; Runjeet Singh; Macnaghten; Mackeson; Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool [Kabul]; the Commander-in-Chief, India; the Governor of Ceylon; the Government of India; and various Indian Army officers.Physical description: 1 item (396 folios)
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-4 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of India, dated 15 July 1838. The enclosures are dated 17 April-23 June 1838.Enclosure no. 3 (ff 339-43) consists of a report by the Russian Agent [Yan Vitkevich/Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] on his mission to Candahar [Kandahar] and Cabool [Kabul], and his diplomatic meetings with the Emir of Afghanistan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy]. The enclosure is in Russian.Enclosure no. 4 (ff 345-47) consists of a report by the Political Agent at Herat, Major Elliot D’Arcy Todd, on the continuing Persian siege of Herat, unsuccessful peace negotiations between Herat and Persia [Iran], and perceived Russian encouragement of Persian actions.Physical description: 1 item (13 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 7 of 1838, dated 27 April 1838. The enclosures are dated 13 March-27 April 1838.The papers chiefly comprise despatches to William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Governor-General of India, from Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool [Kabul, also spelled this way in this item] and Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent in Loodhiana [Ludhiana, also spelled Lodiana in this item], with enclosures.The despatches chiefly concern: British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharaja Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire, also spelled Maharajah and Maha Raja in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawur [Peshawar]; the Afghan rulers’ relations with each other and with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and the siege of Herat by Persia (with Russian assistance).The papers notably cover the following matters:The on-going negotiations with the Ameer [Amīr] of Cabool, Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], including Burnes’s: repetition of British policy regarding Peshawur, and responses to the Ameer’s proposals of the terms upon which he will not ally with Persia or Russia; report that discussions regarding the ‘adjustment of differences’ between the Ameer and the Sikhs have terminated unsuccessfully and that the Ameer has written to his Candahar brothers stating his loss of hope in the British; and report that he has requested from Dost Mahomed leave to quit the city (ff 289-301, ff 323-333)The news of a treaty having been made by the Sirdars [sardars, leaders or rulers] of Candahar [Kandahar] with Persia, which will purportedly be ratified by the Russian Ambassador in Tehran, and Burnes’s belief that the Sirdars have agreed to aid Persia in subverting Herat under threat of being similarly attacked by Persia (ff 303-308)A translated copy of Dost Mahomed’s letter to Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India, in which he: complains of the ‘painful delay’ in settling his affairs with the Sikhs; claims he seeks an alliance only with the British; asserts that the Candahar Sirdars made a treaty with Persia out of fear; and notes that Persia’s attack on Herat is a breach of that country’s treaty with Britain (ff 335-336)Wade’s observations on events in Cabool, repetition of his suspicions of Dost Mahomed’s ‘true position’, and view that Burnes should instruct the Ameer to send an agent to Peshawur to arrange peace terms with Runjeet Singh (ff 338-344)Wade’s reports of his difficulties in ascertaining Runjeet Singh’s real intentions regarding a settlement of his dispute with Dost Mahomed over Peshawur, and his views on how overtly the British should appear to be involved in the negotiations (ff 348-357)Intelligence concerning the Persian siege of Herat, including reports of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger in Herat, which indicate the increasingly unlikely prospect of success by the Persian Army (f 309 and ff 313-317)The Governor-General’s decision to discontinue offers of ‘good offices’ to Dost Mahomed for peace with the Sikhs and instructions to Burnes to leave Cabool, including a copy of his letter notifying Dost Mahomed of Burnes’s recall and stating that ‘my further interposition in this affair could not lead to beneficial results’ (ff 360-364)News from Dr Percival Lord relating to his and Lieutenant John Wood’s proceedings in Koondooz [Kunduz], including a possible attack on Koondooz by the King of Bokhara [Bukhara], his extended stay to treat the family of the Ruler of Koondooz, and Wood’s exploratory field work (ff 319-321).Physical description: 1 item (84 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 9 of 1838, dated 1 May 1838. The enclosures are dated 14 February-1 May 1838.The papers chiefly comprise despatches of: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Governor-General of India; Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent in Loodhiana [Ludhiana]; Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul]; and Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger in Herat.The despatches concern the siege of Herat by Persia [Iran], notably covering and including the following:Letters for Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India, from Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat, and his Vizier [minister] Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān], urgently soliciting the intervention of the British Government in their present dispute with Persia (ff 376-377)A detailed report by Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger in Herat relating his proceedings and those of Colonel Charles Stoddart, British Agent with the Persian Camp, acting as messengers between the Ruler of Herat and the Persian Prime Minister Hajee Meerza Akasee [Ḥājī Mīrzā Āqāsī] and the Shah of Persia, up to late February 1838, and noting that they have conveyed to the Shah’s camp outside Herat that the British Government is the ‘well-wisher’ of the Persians and Afghans but its policy is to prevent ‘foreign enemies’ from aggression on Afghan territory (ff 379-390)Macnaghten’s instructions to John McNeill, HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia, regarding arrangements for conveying rapid intelligence to India during the ‘present highly critical emergency’, including the despatch of the ship
Hugh Lindsayto the Persian Gulf for his use and that of the Persian ResidentMacnaghten’s encouragement of McNeill to visit the Shah’s camp outside Herat with duplicates of the Governor-General’s replies to the Ruler and Vizier of Herat (which have also been sent via Burnes) and to mediate peace (ff 391-392)Copies of the Governor-General’s replies to Shah Kamran and Yar Mahomed, expressing friendship and sympathy, urging ‘undaunted courage’ on the ‘brave and intrepid people’ and informing them of McNeill’s advance to the Shah’s camp (ff 394-396).Physical description: 1 item (37 folios)