The letter encloses drafts for 17,700 Eyn piastres as part of the remittance for the disimbursement of the Bussora [Basra] residency and discusses possible ways of conveying the remainder of the sum. Also enclosed is a copy of a letter of warning to ships to be on guard against piracy in the Gulf.1 folio
Letter acknowledging receipt his letter dated 30 August 1815 and confirming that the shipment from the
Aurorawas received by that some saddlery was missing.1 folio
Letter apologising for the non-acceptance of a bill of exchange by the government and promising to rectify the situation. The bill of exchange relates to the horses which were transported on the shipwrecked
Ahmed Shah.1 folio
Letter acknowledging receipt of his letter of 31 May and confirming he will send the horses in question to Bengal at the earliest possible opportunity and discussing the arrangements for shipping in some detail.1 folio
The letter confirms a shipment of twelve horses for the 17th regiment which is aboard the
Khosrowieand states that fifty-seven horses are still at Bushire awaiting shipping. The letter also includes a bill of exchange for the freight of the horses to be paid to Catchatoor Johaness.1 folio
The letter confirms a shipment of forty horses for the 17th regiment is on the baghla [buggalow]
Nausarieunder the command of Cojea Matook. The letter also states the baghla will be sailing in the company of the
Fathalvadoodand a batille. Also included is a bill for 4000 rupees dated 27 February 1815.2 folios
Letter enclosing a copy and translation of a firman [decree] from the Prince at Shiraz to William Bruce.The letter also reports the disagreements between the acting governor of Bushire, Shaik Mohammed ben Nasser [Shaikh Muhammad bin Nasir], and Mirza Hassen [Hassan] Khan. Shaik Mohammed thinks that Mirza Hassen Khan is trying to kill him and his tribe and is therefore making preparations for his defence.After a meeting on 28 July 1815 between Mirza Hassen Khan and Shaik Mohammed's cousin Shaik Rehma [Shaikh Rahma bin Jabir], the former returns to Tangastoon [Tangestān] but threatens to take Bushire by force. He returns on 30 July 1815, threatening to cut off Bushire's water supply and storm the town. William Bruce dissuades him and negotiates guarantees for the British Factory.On 3 August 1815 Mirza Hassen Khan's forces hold William Bruce's watermen and deprive Bushire of drinking water, which results in some deaths of thirst. While some merchants negotiate a supply of water to the town, little of it reaches the British Factory and William Bruce reports his distress at the situation. He requests that the Bombay government be prepared to pay for the ship
Fyzelkarimif he needs to use it as accommodation and discusses other plans of rescuing himself, the 300 people under British protection and some property, if necessary.4 folios
Letter reporting that Aga Baba Khan and Mirza Hassan Khan have returned to Sheraz [Shiraz] and that Nasseroolla Khan Karagoozloo [Nasrullah Khan Karagözlü] had been appointed governor of Bushire.The letter goes on to discuss Nasseroolla Khan Karagoozloo's personality and reputation and also discusses allegiances of different rulers in the region.Bruce also reports that the Prince of Sheraz [Shiraz] has promised to restore the contents of warehouses that were plundered during the disturbances.1 folio
Letter reporting on developments of the conflict in Bushire:On 19 August 1815, the water supply to Bushire was again cut off and William Bruce's messenger to Eusof Khan was fired at. For a couple of days, William Bruce and others at the British Factory lived on low water rations.On 22 August, Bruce sails for Kalillah, most other people have also left the town. On 25 August, Joasemee [Qasimi] boats arrive in Kalillah [Halīleh], having been sent from Sultan Sugger [Sultan bin Saqr] for his support of Shaik Mohammed [Muhammad bin Nasir]. They promise to protect British property during their plunder and sail for Bushire. Bruce informs Eusof Khan of their plans.On 28 August, Bruce travels to Bushire. He meets with Shaik Mohamed, who reports to him that Bushire has been plundered and people killed and wounded by his rival tribe, the Behbanys [Behbehānis]. Shaik Mohammed leaves town in the evening. Shortly afterwards, Bushire is stormed by Aga Baba Khan, Eusof Khan, Mirza Hassan Khan and their troops. The troops plunder heavily, including the Factory Compradore's house and six East India Company warehouses. The remaining inhabitants of the town are now leaving.On 30 August, Bruce returns from Kalillah. Shaik Mohammed sails for Carrack [Bandar-e Chārak]. Bruce also reports that he has sent a letter to the Prince of Shiraz regarding the extent of the plunder.4 folios
Letter reporting on developments of the conflict between Shaik Mohammed ben Nasser [Shaikh Muhammad bin Nasir] and Mirza Hassen [Hassan] Khan and that Mirza Hassen Khan had restored the supply of water to Bushire.On 11 August 1815, Eusof Khan arrives from the Prince of Shiraz. William Bruce is determined to remain as neutral as possible. From 11 to 13 August William Bruce and Mirza Kazim negotiate with Shaik Mohammed to let the Prince's officer into Bushire. Shaik Mohammed refuses and is determined to hold the town.On 15 August, the water supply to Bushire is cut off by Eusof Khan, although William Bruce is allowed to bring in supplies by boat. On 16 August the water supply is restored. The letter also discusses the strength of Shaik Mohammed's troops and potential developments.3 folios
Letter enclosing extracts of two letters from Bruce to the British Chargé d'Affaires at the Court of Persia and explaining the difficulties he has been having with persian officers requesting ships in order to remove Shaik Mohammed [Muhammad] from Kharrak [Bandar-e-Chārak].2 folios