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
Letter requesting that Lieutenant George Willock take a dispatch to the British Minister at the Court of Persia since the Vizier at Shiraz has recently stopped some letters sent by express. The letter also requests that the Chargé d'Affaires there be told about the recent events in Bushire.1 folio
Letter enclosing a packet to be delivered to the Governor of Bombay; directing him to weigh anchor and warning of pirate activity (packet not enclosed).1 folio
Letter requesting that Sergeant Hill of the 47th regiment be taken back to India on board the ship. Bruce also requests ammunition and an able-bodied sepoy to replace one at the Residency who has died.1 folio
Letter requesting that two sepoys be permitted to return to Bombay on board the
Vestalon account of their ill health and that two sepoys from the ship's detachment be stationed at Bushire in their stead.2 folios
Letter informing Phillips that he has been given instructions by His Majesty's minister at the Court of Persia to send any surplus funds from the mission to India and that 10,000 tomans are ready for shipping.1 folio
The letter conveys a complaint from the merchant Hajee [Haji] Aga regarding a bale of his goods that had been transported from Musulipatam [Machilīpatnam] to Bushire on the ship
Khosrowiebut had not been delivered and reminding the Captain that he cannot leave port until the matter is resolved.1 folio
The letter confirms that reports of piracy in the Gulf are accurate and advises the Captain to await the arrival of other ships so they can sail together, as he believes it is unlikely they would be attacked as a group.2 folios
Letter regarding a previous unresponded to letter and his uncertainty as to whom expenses for horses belonging to the East India Company, and left in his care, should be sent to. The letter also gives details on the state of the horses and asks where they should be sent to.1 folio
The letter advises Captain James Hardy not to leave port until the ship
Elizahas arrived so that the two can sail together for protection against pirates.2 folios
Letter discussing the difficulties of landing the cargo of the
William Petreeand reporting on his insistence on remaining neutral in the discussion between Captain Ross and the merchants of Bushire.2 folios
The letter requests that the
Fathulvadoodkeep company with the baghla [buggalow]
Nausarieduring the voyage to India for protection against pirates.1 folio
Letter confirming that Bruce will recommend additional payment for the speedy delivery of packets and to compensate Mr Cross for his loss of earnings due to his early departure from Bussora [Basra].1 folio
The letter requests that expenditure for public asses not be recharged to his own account since they are employed to fetch water for the detachment of sepoys. The letter goes on to describe problems in obtaining drinking-water and calculations for the repayment of Bruce's overdrawn allowance.2 folios
Letter acknowledging receipt his letter dated 1 September 1815 and confirming that the military stores described on the invoice have been received, with the exception of some saddlery.1 folio
The letter refers to enclosed account disbursements for the residency for February 1815 and a report of cash in the treasury for March 1815. The latter only is enclosed and states the amount of cash in the Bushire Treasury on 1 March 1815 and is signed by James Orton, Assistant Surgeon.1 folio
Letter enclosing disbursements for the Residency for May, June and July 1815 and reporting on cash in the treasury for June, July and August 1815.1 folio
The letter returns the 'extract from the general book of 1813-14 of the balance entry of the Bushire Residency' with explanatory comments and asks for clarification on the accounting of arrears.2 folios
Letter enclosing disbursements for the Residency from March 1815 and a report of cash in the treasury for April. The latter only is enclosed and states the amount of cash in the Bushire Treasury on 1 April 1815 and is signed by James Orton, Assistant Surgeon.1 folio
Letter enclosing a corrected bill of exchange for expenses of the cruizer
Vestalafter discovering an error in the original version sent on 17 August.1 folio
Letter enclosing account disbursements for the residency from January 1815 and a report of cash in the treasury for February 1815. Only the report is enclosed and gives the amount of cash in the Bushire treasury on 1 February 1815 signed by James Orton, Assistant Surgeon.1 folio
Letter acknowledging receipt of a circular from 26 April 1815 and confirming that he will comply with instructions about which monthly documentation to send.2 folios
The letter encloses disbursements for the Residency from October to December 1814 and a report of cash in the treasury for January 1815.The disbursements are not actually enclosed, however the report is and details the amount of cash in the Bushire Treasury on 1 January 1815 and is signed by James Orton, Assistant Surgeon.1 folio
Letter enclosing account disbursements for August and September 1815 and giving details of the sale of woollens from Bengal to the Nizam ud Dowlah [Nizam-ad-Doula]2 folios
Letter justifying the expenses of the residency that were questioned by a re-audit of disbursements for April and July 1813. The letter also includes a statement of repairs made to the Bushire factory in November 1814.4 folios
Letter enclosing a bill of exchange for military disbursements for the detachments returning to India from Persia, and requesting it be credited to the Residency.1 folio
Letter enclosing a list of allowances and pensions paid at Bushire as of 1 May 1815. Those lists are included and detail the individuals, their positions and how much they were paid.2 folios
Letter acknowledging receipt of a letter dated 28 September 1815 and explaining his expenses and salary. The letter also includes a detailed statement of expenses incurred by the Residency between 10 July 1812 and 31 March 1813.2 folios
Letter acknowledging receipt of a letter dated 13 March 1815 confirming that retrenchments from disbursements will be credited in the residency account.2 folios
Letter acknowledging the Bombay Government's request for sulphur for the gunpowder departments and stating that he hopes to be able to send some by the next ship.1 folio