Abstract: Enclosure no. 3 to dispatch no. 5 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 9 May 1839. The enclosure is dated 13 March 1839.The enclosure consists of a letter signed by the Officiating Secretary to the Government of India and sent to the Government of Bombay as a reply to four forwarded letters relating to the conquest of Nedgd [Najd] by the Pacha of Egypt [Muhammad Ali]. The letter contains reactions to the conquest and instructions for the Resident in the Persian Gulf regarding the protection of Bahrein [Bahrain].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 812, and terminates at f 818, 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 A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.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 item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay. The item is chiefly concerned with the Government of Bombay's opinions on the draft Treaty negotiated between the Pasha of Egypt and John Benzoni, Assistant to British Agency in the Red Sea, which relates to trade between India, Cairo, Alexandria, Abyssinia and Malta. In particular, the item refers to:The Government of Bombay's criticisms of Captain Rudland, Agent in the Gulph [Gulf] of Arabia, and his Assistant Benzoni for going beyond the remit of their mission by including commercial interests in their negotiations with the Pasha of Egypt, whereas their principal object was to secure safe passage of packets from India to Europe through EgyptAttempts by Captain Rudland to defend himself against the above criticismDiscussions of particular articles within the draft Treaty, including the stipulation that the Pasha of Egypt would guarantee the neutrality of the country in the event that France forced Turkey to enter into a war against Great Britain, and the emphasis by the Government of Bombay that only the authorities in England could decide on the question of forming a more intimate connection with EgyptThe Government of Bombay's confusion as to how the draft Treaty differs from the current understanding between England and EgyptThe Government of Bombay's decision to convey to the Pasha of Egypt that they must decline to ratify the Treaty.The item also contains a copy of the provisional Treaty of Commerce between Mehmed Ally Pasha [Muḥammad ʻAlī Pāshā], Viceroy of Egypt, and Benzoni (ff 96 - 102).Correspondents: Government of Bombay; Henry Rudland, Agent in the Gulph of Arabia; Louis Cini, merchant at Grand Cairo; John Benzoni, Assistant to the British Agency in the Red Sea; Samuel Briggs, British Consul at Alexandria; Gilbert Lord Minto, Governor General in Council at Fort William; Jonathan Duncan, Governor of Bombay; Government of Bengal; George Osborne, Secretary to the Government of Bombay.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 20, Season 1814/15, Draft 20' and 'Examiner's Office November 1812'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 78, and terminates at f 111, 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.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai].The item concerns complaints of unfair treatment by British subjects trading in Mocha, and in particular the efforts of Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Commander of HMS
Palinurus, to seek redress on behalf of these merchants. It includes:A petition from a group of Surat merchants complaining of additional fees being charged at Mocha, something they claim is at odds with an earlier agreementThe investigations of Haines into the duties being charged on goods traded by British subjects in MochaThe alleged interference of the Mocha authorities in the trade in certain goods, in particular coffee, to the detriment of British subjectsAccusations of damage caused to goods while being held in the Custom House in MochaThe correspondence of Haines with Ibrahim Pasha [Ibrahim Pasha Kavali], Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Army in Yemen, and Solyman Aga [Sulaymān Āghā], Governor [Dola] of Mocha, regarding the above complaintsThe representation made by Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Campbell, Consul General in Egypt, to Mehemit Ali [Muḥammad 'Alī Pāshā al-Mas'ūd bin Āghā], Viceroy of Egypt [Wali of Egypt and Sudan].As well as the above, correspondents include: Meeya Shaik Tyeb Ebrahimjee [Mīrzā Shaikh Ṭayyib Ibrāhīmjī], Native Agent at Mocha; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy; Sir Robert Grant, Governor of Bombay; and John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to Government, Bombay.The item contains a table of contents (ff 400r-401v), and the title page (f 399) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 2196, No. 7, Draft 573-1838, Collection No. 6 of No. 32’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 399 and terminates at f 425, 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.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay.The item consists of correspondence regarding an application by the Pasha of Egypt [Muḥammad ʻAlī Pāshā] to procure or purchase two armed ships from the East India Company with the intention of sending an expedition to recover Judda [Jeddah], Mecca and Medina from the Wahabees [Wahhabis]. The application was made through Captain Rudland, British Resident in Mocha, and his assistant John Benzoni, Assistant to the British Agency in the Red Sea. The correspondence also concerns the general desire of the Pasha to strengthen connections with the British Government and the potential advantages and disadvantages of such a relationship.The correspondence consists mainly of letters between Captain Rudland, John Benzoni and the Government of Bombay. The other correspondents are: Governor-General and Council at Fort William; Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; Court of Directors of the East India Company.The Pasha is alternatively referred to in the item as: Mahomed Ally Bashaw; Bashaw; Pacha; Viceroy of Egypt.Captain Rudland is alternatively referred to in the item as: Agent in the Gulph [Gulf] of Arabia; British Agent in the Persian Gulph.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 22, Season 1814/15, Draft 20' and 'Examiner's Office November 1812'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 145, and terminates at f 154, 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.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. The main correspondents are the Government of Bombay and Lieutenant-Colonel William Charles Barker, commanding East India Company steam packet
Ajdaha.The item concerns an account of the aid given by Barker to a steamer belonging to the Viceroy of Egypt, which was wrecked near Ras Gharib in the Red Sea. The item also includes a discussion over whether to allow Barker to keep the sword presented to him by the Viceroy.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft No 626’, ‘1852’ and ‘Collection No 2 of No 51’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 258, and terminates at f 267, 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.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, resolutions, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Suleyman Beg [Sulaymān Beg], an agent of the Pacha [Pāshā] of Egypt; Alfred Walne, Consul and Political Agent, Cairo; and Beghet Agha [Bahjat Āghā], an agent of the Pacha of Egypt. It is the first in a series of two items about missions from Egypt.The item concerns a mission of Suleyman Beg to collect birds in India for the aviary of the Pasha’s son, El Hamee Pasha [Ibrāhīm Ilhāmī Pāshā], and financial aid lent to him by the Government of Bombay. The item also mentions Beghet Agha, who was sent to India and the Gulf to purchase horses for the Pacha.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft No 653_1853’ and ‘Collection No. 20 of No. 50 of 1853’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 464, and terminates at f 475, 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.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, resolutions, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. The correspondents are the Government of Bombay and Hoosen bin Alee Kuwas [Ḥusayn bin ʿAlī Quwās], an Agent of Abbas Pacha [‘Abbās Ḥilmī Pāshā I], Viceroy of Egypt.The item concerns a request by Hoosen for money to continue his journey from Bombay [Mumbai] to Bussorah [Basra] and Bagdad [Baghdad] as ordered by Abbas Pacha.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft No 91 of 1851’ and ‘Coll[ection]: 12’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 387, and terminates at f 392, 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.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Enclosures nos. 3-11 to a dispatch from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 29 February 1840. The enclosures are dated 6 November 1839-28 February 1840. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden, including:The perceived continued threat from the Abdalee [Abdali] and Fouthelee [Fadhli] tribes after their attack on Aden on 11 November 1839Reports of an offer made by Mahomed Alli Pasha [Muhammad Ali, Wali of Egypt] to the Imaum of Sennaa [An-Nasir, Abdallah, Imam of Yemen] to ‘drive the English from Aden’The abdication of M Housein Fudthel [Sultan Muḥsin bin Faḍl al-'Abdalī] as Sultan of Lahedge [Lahej] in favour of his son Hamed M Houssain Fudthel [Aḥmad bin Muḥsin al-'Abdalī].The primary correspondents are: the Political Agent, Aden; the Government of India; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Native Agent, Mocha; the successive Sultans of Lahedge; and various officers serving at Aden.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 585, and terminates at f 623, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The file consists of secret letters sent to Samuel Hennell, British Resident in the Persian Gulf. The majority of this correspondence is from either the Government of Bombay, or the Secret Committee based at India House in London. These letters frequently contain enclosures (i.e. copies) of communications sent between the Government of Bombay, the Government of India, and the home authorities in Britain; this also includes correspondence with HM Consul-General to Egypt.The principal correspondents in the file are as follows:Patrick Campbell, HM Consul-General to Egypt.George Eden, Governor-General of India.Thomas Henry Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor-General, writing in the Secret Department.Rear-Admiral Sir Lewis Frederick Maitland, Commander of the East Indies and China Station.Lestock Robert Reid, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay.Henry John Temple, Third Viscount Palmerston, Foreign Secretary for the United Kingdom.John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, writing in the Secret Department.The subject matter concerns the conquest of Nedjd [Najd] by Khorshid Pasha [Khūrshid Pāshā] on behalf of Mahomed Ali Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā], Viceroy of Egypt; and his subsequent efforts to subjugate Bahrein [Bahrain] and the Arab tribes of Oman. It therefore covers British efforts to prevent the further advancement of Egyptian forces towards the Persian Gulf; this includes their reaction to the voluntary submission of Abdoola bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Chief of Bahrein, to Egypt, and their efforts to coordinate the Arab tribes against the Egyptians.The other main subject covered by this file is the diplomatic rupture between Britain and Persia. The occupation of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] by a British force from India, and the removal of the Residency from Bushire to that island are therefore covered as a result. The feasibility of an invasion of southern Persia is also discussed within the correspondence.Topics featured in the correspondence to a lesser extent include the following:The reprimand of Lieutenant-Colonel James Shiriff, Commander of the British force at Karrack, for undermining the political position of the Resident.The strengthening of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf.The removal of Shaikh Nasir [Shaykh Nāṣir] from the island of Karrack.A visit to the Persian Gulf by Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland aboard HMS
Wellesley.A report from Captain Aikins Hamerton and Captain John T Leslie on their mission to obtain mules for the British force at Karrack.The provisioning of two steamers for an expedition to navigate the rivers Euphrates and Tigris.The correspondence in French only amounts to 5 folios (see ff 75-79), and consists of translations of Egyptian correspondence relating to British pressure on Khorshid Pasha to abandon his designs on Bahrein.Please also note that in the file Mahomed Ali Pasha is also spelt Mehemet Ali, and there is a degree of variation in the spelling of Khorshid Pasha. Pasha is also frequently spelt Pacha.Physical description: Condition: The content of the file is largely in good condition. However, ff 81-88 have a section missing — possibly a result of pest damage — and some of the text has been lost as a result.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; 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 file also contains an original pagination sequence, which is written in ink.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 106 of 1847, dated 30 December 1847. The enclosures are numbered 3-6 and are dated 21 to 28 December 1847.The enclosures relate to the request from the Secretary of the Bombay Steam Fund Committee, John Smith, that the Government of Bombay forward a letter to HM Consul-General in Egypt, Charles Augustus Murray. The letter expresses the Committee’s desire for Murray to help in renewing the concession granted by Mahomed Ali [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pasha al-Mas‘ūd bin Āghā], Viceroy of Egypt, on 7 May 1838. The concession was originally for ten years and permitted the following: a free grant for the station houses erected by the Bombay Steam Fund in the desert between Cairo and Suez; the right for passengers travelling between England and India to transit through Egypt.Enclosure No. 3 is a letter from John Smith to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Arthur Malet, with enclosed copies of: the letter from Smith to Murray; the concession of 7 May 1838 (in French); and a letter from Colonel Charles John Barnett, in his former role as HM Consul-General in Egypt, to Smith, dated 19 April 1845, stating that in the opinion of HM Government, the sale or surrender of the station houses to the Pacha [Pāshā] of Egypt would be very inexpedient from ‘a political and national point of view’.Enclosure No. 4 is a minute by the Governor of Bombay concurred in by the Board, approving the Committee’s request.Enclosure No. 5 is a letter from Malet to Murray, forwarding the letter from the Committee and recommending that he give such support to the request of the Committee as he is able to and he considers desirable.Enclosure No. 6 is a letter from Malet to Smith, informing him that the letter to Murray will be sent by the next overland mail.Physical description: 1 item (11 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 38 of 1850, dated 25 July 1850. The enclosures are numbered 3-13 and are dated 21 January to 25 July 1850.The majority of the item consists of a memoir on Egypt by Lieutenant-Colonel James Outram, enclosed in a letter to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Arthur Malet (enclosure No. 7), for the attention of the Governor in Council of Bombay, Viscount Falkland. Outram’s memoir concerns the military resources of Egypt and the danger of overland communication between Great Britain and India through Egypt being prevented in the event of war between Britain and France.The memoir contains a preface, twelve sections, a conclusion and twenty-seven appendices. The plans, maps and drawings which Outram mentions in his letter are not included in this item (the only plans included are the plans on f 513 and f 514 in appendix 10, as listed below).The sections relate to the following:Section I Fortifications of AlexandriaSection II Resources of EgyptSection III Defensive measures likely to be adopted by the FrenchSection IV Preliminary proceedings of the British fleet. Measures to be adopted to prevent reinforcements reaching the French armySection V Descent by the British on Egypt, from the MediterraneanSection VI Seige of the Baghaz Forts and Fort LesbehSection VII Policy to be pursued when the British have established a footing in EgyptSection VIII Preliminary measures of the Indian GovernmentSection IX First proceedings of the Indian Army. Capture of Suez, and the operations to be conducted from that baseSection X Invasion of Upper Egypt from Cosseir [El Qoseir]Section XI Siege of CairoSection XII Blockade of Alexandria.The appendices are as follows:Appendix 1: Letter from Outram to the British Consul General in Egypt, Charles Augustus Murray, dated 17 December 1849, describing the coast defences near Damietta and Rosetta, and providing supplementary information regarding the present state of the Alexandria fortificationsAppendix 2: Extracts from papers presented to the British Parliament in 1841, relating to affairs of the Levant in 1839-40, illustrating French ‘intrigues’ in EgyptAppendix 3: Translation of the firman of investiture of Mehmet Ali Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā al-Mas‘ūd bin Āghā], on his being re-installed in the Pachalic [Pashalik] of Egypt, dated 20 May 1841Appendix 4: Extracts from papers on the affairs of the Levant laid before the British Parliament in 1841, showing the state of the Egyptian Army at the time of the Second Syrian WarAppendix 5: Census of the population of Egypt taken in 1847-48Appendix 6: Information regarding the strength and organisation of the Egyptian Army and Fleet at the end of 1849Appendix 7: Account of the British expedition to Egypt in 1807Appendix 8: Extract from a report of 1840 on the supply of war munitions in EgyptAppendix 9: Information regarding the revenues of Egypt, relating to grain produce, livestock, fish, and other articles of consumptionAppendix 10: Report on Lake Menzaleh [Birkat al Manzilah], which includes a ‘Plan of the Foum Dibe Corresponding with the ancient Mendesian Mouth of the Nile’ on folio 513, and ‘Plan of the Town of Menzaleh And its immediate vicinity’ on folio 514Appendix 11: Information on supplies of grain and boats in EgyptAppendix 12: Information regarding the ‘Arab tribes’ bordering Suez and Cosseir and their resourcesAppendix 13: Translations of letters addressed by General Reynier to General Menon, dated 4 March to 13 April 1801Appendix 14: Information on the strength and disposition of the French and English armies in Egypt in 1801Appendix 15: Information regarding coast routes from Tripoli to Bengazi [Benghazi, also spelled Bengasi in this item] and Derna [Darnah]Appendix 16: Information on coast routes from Alexandria to DernaAppendix 17: Extract from a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Outram to Lieutenant-Colonel Le Messurier, dated 14 March 1850, detailing certain points on the African coast regarding which further information is desirableAppendix 18: Meteorological observations taken at Alexandria in 1639, 1847, and 1848-49, Rosetta in 1777-78, and Cairo in 1777 and 1791Appendix 19: Nautical information derived from various sources, relating to the Mediterranean and northern coast of EgyptAppendix 20: Nautical information derived from various sources, relating to the Red Sea and Indian OceanAppendix 21: Table displaying the pay and allowances of the Indian and Egyptian ArmiesAppendix 22: Description of the routes between Keneh or Geneh [Qina] (on the Nile) and CosseirAppendix 23: Description of the routes between Cairo and SuezAppendix 24: Information regarding the coast route from Cosseir to Suez, and Cosseir to Cario, directAppendix 25: Enumeration of the commanding points on the Nile below KenehAppendix 26: Information regarding the southern route from Cairo to Suez via Bazatin [Al Basatin, also spelled Bazateen in this item], and from Atfieh [Atfih] to SuezAppendix 27: Information on the water supplied to Alexandria.The other enclosures in this item are minutes of the Governor and members of council of the Bombay Presidency, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay Army, Willoughby Cotton, and letters from the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, relating to Outram’s memoir.These enclosures discuss matters including: the memoir being sent to Court of the Directors of the East India Company and the Government of India; the copying of the plans submitted with Outram’s memoir by an officer of the Bombay Engineers and his remuneration for this; and remuneration proposed to be granted to Outram for the period he was detained in the Bombay Presidency supervising and correcting the copies of his memoir to be sent to England. The enclosures also include: a minute by John Pollard Willoughby containing a condensed summary of Outram’s memoir (No. 8); and a letter from Malet to Outram conveying the thanks of the Government of Bombay and the highest commendations from the Governor in council for his memoir (No. 11).Physical description: 1 item (411 folios)