Abstract: The volume contains letters and enclosures from Captain John Malcolm, British Envoy at Abusheher [Bushehr, various spellings appear in the volume] to the Earl of Mornington, Governor-General, Fort William (Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess, Wellesley, spelled Marquis in the volume). Letters were also sent to Neil Benjamin Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government in the Secret Political and Foreign Department, Fort William; Lieutenant-Colonel William Kirkpatrick, Secretary to the Government in the Foreign Department, Fort William; Jonathan Duncan, Governor of Bombay [Mumbai]; Henry Dundas, President of the Board of Control; and to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors.The letters cover a variety of issues and topics including:Malcolm's journey to Persia [Iran], via Muscat, and his meeting with the Imam of Oman [Sayyid Sulṭān bin Aḥmad Āl Bū Sa‘īd, also written as Imaum]Malcolm's arrival at Abusheher and his reception by Persian officialsHis visits to a number of cities and regions including: Muscat, Hormuz [Jazireh-ye Hormoz], Kishm [Qishm], Anjam, Sheraz [Shiraz, various spellings appear in the volume], Isfahaun [Isfahan], Kashan [Kashan], and Teheraun [Tehran]Malcolm’s observations on the following: a general view of the former trade of European nations with the Persian Gulph [Gulf], from its first establishment until the year 1763; the present state of the trade with the Persian Gulph; the model by which the East India Company (EIC) could improve its trade; the port best situated for a settlement in the Gulph; an estimate of revenues and expenses; and the best way to carry this plan (ff 29-62)His communication with the ambassadors from the late Tippoo Sultan [Sulṭān Fātiḥ ʻAlī Ṣāḥib Tīpū, Ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, d 1799], to the Court of Persia offering his advice to enable them to return to IndiaCorrespondence with Jaffier Ali Khan [Ja‘far ‘Alī Khān, various spellings appear in the volume], ‘Native Agent’ in Sheraz; and with Mirza Mehdi Alli Khan [Mirzā Mahdī ‘Alī Khān, various spellings appear in the volume], ‘Native Agent’ in AbusheherMalcolm’s memoir on the origin and rise to power of the Royal Family of Persia, covering narration of the character of Baba Khan [Fatḥ ʻAlī Shāh Qājār], his ministers and generals, the Persian army, the internal state of Persia, and its foreign relations (ff 68-76)‘Abridged memoir of the Khajar [Qājār] Family’ (ff 77-92)Reports received from Herat about the advance of Zemaun Shah’s army [Zamān Shāh Durānī, Amīr of Afghanistan] in PersiaRussian-Persian war over GeorgiaPersian-Afghan WarBritish-Afghan relations‘Substance of a Declaration or manifest of the Empress Catherine the 2nd on taking up arms against Aka Mahummud Khan [Āqā Muḥammad Khān Qājār], King of Persia, printed at Astracan [Astrakhan] 23rd May 1796 in the Russian and Armenian languages’ (ff 114-117)Translations of rukums [royal grants confirming specific trading privileges] from the Shah of Persia, Futteh Ally Khaun [Fatḥ ʻAlī Shāh Qājār, various spellings appear in the volume] (ff 128-129 and ff 182-183)The relations between Zemaun Shah and the late Tippoo SultanArrangements for Malcolm to meet with the Shah of PersiaThe French activities in Baghdad [also spelled as Bagdad] and Bussorah [Basra]The appointment of certain officials in the Persian CourtThe communication between the Shah of Persia and Prince Mahomood [Maḥmūd Shāh Durānī, brother of Zamān Shāh]Copies of a Political treaty (ff 247v-251) and a Commercial treaty (ff 253v-259r) between the English Government and the Government of Persia. Each treaty was preceded by firmaun [farman, also spelled as Firimaun] from Futteh Ally Khaun (ff 246-247, 252-253, and 258v-259r)The possibilities of the Russian Government forming a connection either with the Aosbegs [Uzbeks] led by Shah Mooraud [Shāh Murād r 1785–1800], Zemaun Shah, or the Persians for the purpose of invading IndiaMalcolm’s arrival at Baghdad and his meeting with Soliman Pacha [Büyük Sulaymān Pāshā, also spelled as Pashaw]; Harford Jones, British Resident at Baghdad; and Samuel Manesty, British Resident at BussorahA journal of Malcolm’s mission to Persia including notes on the manners and habits of the Persian Court, and details of general military affairs in the region (ff 288-291).Further correspondence, included as enclosures in the volume, comes from Persian officials: Cheragh Ali Khan, Wakeelud dawlah [Chirāgh ‘Alī Khān Navā’ī, Wakil al-Dawlah, Vizier to the Prince Regent of Shiraz]; Hajy Abrahim [Ḥājjī Ibrāhīm Khān Zand Kalāntar Shīrāzī, Eʿtemād al-Dawlah, Persian Prime Minister]; and Reza Kouli Khan, Governor of Kazeroon (Rezā Qulī Khān, Governor of Kazerun]. Besides some intelligence received from notable merchants, and native inhabitants of Afghanistan, Georgia and Persia.The volume includes some duplications, and some faded letters/enclosures.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 293; 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Seven articles, written in English and Arabic, laying out the terms and conditions of the agreement between the British Government and the state of Muskat [Muscat] regarding the laying of 'one or more telegraph lines within the territories appertaining to the state of Muskat'.The agreement was signed 17 November 1864 by His Highness Syed Thurveynee bin Saeed [Sayyid Thuwaini bin Sa'id] Sultan of Muscat in the presence of Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf and Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Disbrowe, Political Agent at Muscat.Physical description: Foliation: The file has been foliated using a pencil number, enclosed in a circle, located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio.
Abstract: Copy of a letter from the British Government of India’s Envoy to Persia [Iran], Brigadier-General Sir John Malcolm, to HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, Sir Harford Jones, of 15 July 1810. The letter contains Malcolm's views concerning the Definitive Treaty [Preliminary Treaty of Friendship and Alliance] between Britain and Persia. In the letter, Malcolm recommends the establishment of a permanent military force in Persia to provide for Persia’s defence and stability, and therefore create in Persia a buffer to protect the north western frontier of India. Malcolm also gives reflections on the present state of forces in Persia, recommendations for the composition and leadership of his proposed force, his views on the possible factors that might affect Anglo-Persian relations, and makes suggestions for the future of Britain's relationship with the King [Shah], Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, and the Heir Apparent [Crown Prince], Abbas Mirza.The letter was enclosed in Jones's secret letter of 26 July 1810, which was received on 21 November 1810.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 3 from HM Ambassador Extraordinary to Persia [Iran], Sir Gore Ouseley, in Tehran, to the Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William, Lord Minto, of 2 February 1812. The dispatch requests Lord Minto’s views on the Definitive Treaty between Persia and Britain, which Ouseley is attempting to negotiate, and also the as yet unratified Commercial Treaty. The dispatch also discusses Ouseley’s conversations with the Shah of Persia; the Shah’s viewpoint on the government of the East India Company in India; and the suggestion of a regular communication between Lord Minto and the Shah, and possibly giving the Shah an annual gift.The dispatch also encloses the translation of a letter from the Shah to Lord Minto (not enclosed in this item, see IOR/L/PS/9/68/126).The dispatch is enclosed with a cover letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company, dated 20 February 1812, discussing Ouseley’s efforts and difficulties in negotiating the Definitive Treaty, and was received on 8 August 1812.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 10 from HM Chargé d'Affaires to Persia [Iran], Henry Willock, in Tehran, to HM Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Viscount Castlereagh, of 10 May 1818. The letter concerns the determination of the Shah of Persia to send a Persian embassy to Britain, detailing Willock’s representations concerning the high cost of the embassy and the fact that it would have to be paid for solely by Persia. The letter also discusses the aims of the embassy, particularly the Shah’s hopes of seeking pecuniary compensation from Britain for territory lost to Russia in the peace treaty of 1813. Willock details the Persian government's belief that Britain had acted in bad faith in this respect, both in their role in negotiating and facilitating the peace treaty, and in subsequent negotiations between Britain and Persia for the Treaty of Tehran in 1814.The letter was enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 25 May 1818 (see IOR/L/PS/9/68/173), which was received on 15 September 1818.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 82 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabriz, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 21 January 1828. Macdonald Kinneir reports his communications with Prince Abbas Mirza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] concerning a proposal made by the former for the abrogation of the third and fourth articles of the current Anglo-Persian treaty [Definitive Treaty of 1814], which provide for a subsidy from Britain to Persia in times of war, in return for a compensation payment (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/155). He details the discussion and indicates his belief that a sum of at least 350,000 tomauns [tomans] will be required for Abbas Mirza to agree to the proposal.This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 21 January 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/154).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 91 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Chief Secretary to the Government of India, George Swinton, of 26 March 1828. The letter concerns the agreement between Macdonald Kinneir and Abbas Meerza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia] for the abrogation of the third and fourth articles of the treaty existing between Britain and Persia [Definitive Treaty of 1814] (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/192-193). Macdonald Kinneir indicates that he offered Abbas Meerza the opportunity to reconsider the agreement and return the 200,000 tomauns [tomans] paid to him by the British ‘in case of repentance’, whereupon he received a reply from Abbas Meerza indicating that the money has already been paid to Russia for the evacuation of the Province [the Province of Azerbaijan].This document originally enclosed Macdonald Kinneir’s above communication with Abbas Meerza, and also correspondence between Macdonald Kinneir and the Shah of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] (now catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/71/255-257).This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 34 to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 28 March 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/253).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copy of an official statement made by HM Ministers to Persia [Iran], James Morier and Henry Ellis, to the Persian plenipotentiaries Mirza Shafi [Mirza Muḥammad Shafī‘ Māzandarānī], Mirza Buzurg [Mirza ‘Isá Khan Farāhānī, Mirza Buzurg] and Mirza Abdul Wahab [Mirza ‘Abdul Wahhāb Nishāṭ Iṣfahānī] during the negotiations for the revision of the Definitive Treaty, of 18 November 1814. The statement clarifies the meaning and implications of an expression, ‘right was on their side’, which Morier and Ellis used during the negotiations and which they believe the Persian plenipotentiaries have misunderstood.The statement was enclosed in Morier and Ellis’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 30 November 1814 (see IOR/L/PS/9/68/158).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copy of an official statement by HM Ministers to Persia [Iran], James Morier and Henry Ellis, to the Persian plenipotentiaries Mirza Shafi [Mirza Muḥammad Shafī‘ Māzandarānī], Mirza Buzurg [Mirza ‘Isá Khan Farāhānī, Mirza Buzurg] and Mirza Abdul Wahab [Mirza ‘Abdul Wahhāb Nishāṭ Iṣfahānī] written during the negotiations for the revision of the Definitive Treaty, of 22 November 1814. The statement concerns the decision to allow two officers from the British military mission training Persian troops, which is to be withdrawn, to remain in Persia. The statement also refers to the sensitivity of the Persian claims that British officers were engaged against the Russians during the battle at Aslandooz [Aslanduz] (see IOR/L/PS/9/68/162).The statement was enclosed in Morier and Ellis’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 30 November 1814 (see IOR/L/PS/9/68/158).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Copy of an official statement by HM Ministers to Persia [Iran], James Morier and Henry Ellis, to the Persian plenipotentiaries Mirza Shafi [Mirza Muḥammad Shafī‘ Māzandarānī], Mirza Buzurg [Mirza ‘Isá Khan Farāhānī, Mirza Buzurg] and Mirza Abdul Wahab [Mirza ‘Abdul Wahhāb Nishāṭ Iṣfahānī] written during the negotiations for the revision of the Definitive Treaty, of 27 November 1814. The statement proposes that all commercial transactions between Britain and Persia be regulated according to the Commercial Treaty concluded by Major John Malcolm in 1800. The statement was enclosed in Morier and Ellis’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 30 November 1814 (see IOR/L/PS/9/68/158).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: A copy of translation of a firman [edict] from the King [Shah] of Persia [Iran] from Futteh Ali Shauh [Fath-'Ali Shāh Qājār], and an annexed treaty concluded between Haujy Ibrahim Khaun [Hāji Ibrāhīm Khān Zand Kalāntar Shīrāzī], Prime Minister (Sadr-e 'Azam) of Persia, and Captain John Malcolm, Envoy of the Supreme Government of India to Persia.The articles of the treaty cover the military assistance which Persia would provide to Britain in the event of an Afghan attempt to invade India, and the military assistance which Britain would provide in the event of French hostilities towards Persia.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: Copy of an unsigned letter, possibly from HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia [Iran], Sir Harford Jones, to the Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William, Lord Minto, of 22 July 1810. The letter forwards a copy of what is possibly a communication of the ratification of the terms of the Preliminary Treaty of Friendship and Alliance between Persia and Britain (not enclosed in this item).The letter was enclosed in Jones's secret letter of 26 July 1810, which was received on 21 November 1810.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)