The volume contains letters sent to the British Resident at Bushire. The subject matter of the correspondence centres around the administration of the Bushire Residency, and company operations in the area. It therefore covers the wider commercial and political interests of the East India Company in the Persian Gulf, alongside those of the British Government during this period. This includes international relations between the British and the principal powers of the region; e.g. Persia, the Ottoman Empire, Muscat and Oman. It also concerns itself with piracy (as defined by British authorities) in the Persian Gulf; details of a British expedition which attacked Ra's al-Khaymah in 1819, and aimed to suppress 'piratical acts' in the region, can be found within.The volume does not cover the full time span indicated by the date range with the majority of the correspondence being from the period between 20 November 1816 to 29 December 1819. There are also a few letters inserted into the back of the volume of a much later date — January and February 1874 — sent to the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf via the office of the Assistant Resident. This correspondence concerns the financial affairs of the bin Rejubs [Bin Rajab] in Bahrain. The period from 1820 and 1873 is therefore not represented in this volume.The majority of the correspondence is in English with only a few items in Arabic towards the end of the volume.1 volume 272 items (162 folios)The letters are arranged chronologically by date received at Bushire, from 22 November 1816 to 29 December 1819. The last few letters in the volume are unrelated to this arrangement, and date January and February 1874; they are arranged in reverse order by date created. There is therefore a chronological jump near the end of the volume from 29 December 1819 to 22 February 1874.Foliation: The file has been foliated in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio with a pencil number. The foliation begins on the first folio of writing and ends on the last folio of writing.Pagination: The volume also has an original incomplete pagination sequence which consists of numbers in the top outermost corner of each page. The sequence which uses both ink and pencil numbers starts on the first folio of writing, with the number 1, and runs through to 151 (folio 76). The sequence continues on the verso of folio 77, with page number 152 and continues to folio 146 with number 283, however the numbering omits folios 80v-81v, 96v-97 and 130v-131.Condition: The file has suffered some pest damage, the individual folios which have been affected are recorded in the item level descriptions.
In this letter, Commodore George Robinson, Commander of the Persian Gulf Squadron, attaches two enclosures. The first enclosure is a copy of a letter, dated 12 June 1853, from Lieutenant Robert Anstice Stradling, Commander of the HC schooner
Constance, containing information from the lower part of the Gulf. In this letter, Stradling recounts his recent meeting with His Highness Syed Theweeny at Muscat [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘id al-Sa‘id], regarding the tribute paid by the latter to Abdullah ben Fyzul [Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah Āl Sa‘ūd, ruler of the Second Saudi State]. Stradling relays intelligence obtained from the Agent at Sharja [Sharjah], Hadji Yacoob, which includes information on the landing of large numbers of slaves, both at Ras-el-Khyma [Ra's al-Khaymah] and at Amalgawein [Umm al-Qaywayn]. In addition, Stradling relays information received from the Agent at Lingah [Bandar-e Lengeh], stating that a boat belonging to Syed ben Raschid, brother of Abdullah ben Raschid of Amalgawein, has reportedly been landed at Sharja with 240 slaves on board. Stradling gives details of other boats carrying slaves having been seized at Lingah. He states that he believes that the Shaikh of Lingah is awaiting the Resident's instructions on the disposal of the slaves. This letter is followed by a blank page. The second enclosure, which appears on the verso of folio 37, is a copy of a letter in Arabic, addressed to Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘id al-Sa‘id, from the people of Najd.4 folios
The file consists of a few letters sent to Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, by William Newnham, Chief Secretary to the Bombay Government. The subject is the status of the diplomatic relationship between the British Government and Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd, the Imam of Muscat; the British are willing to co-operate with the Imam in operations to suppress piracy, but are unwilling to get involved in wars between Muscat and other regional powers, such as the Wahhabi. The correspondence in the file, and its various enclosures, is intended to guide and inform the Resident's future conduct and decision making with regard to the Imam of Muscat.1 volume, 4 items (31 folios)The correspondence in the file is arranged chronologically by date created from 6 January to 11 February 1826.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the final sheet; 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 remains of a pagination sequence are also present between ff 2-32; these numbers are written in ink and are located in the top outermost corners of each page.
The volume contains letters sent outwards and letters received from the Residency in the Persian Gulf. Outgoing correspondence was sent by the Resident of the Persian Gulf, who was Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Hennell until April 1852. After April 1852, the Resident was Captain Arnold Kemball, who worked in the capacity of Acting Resident from April to June 1852. Outcoming correspondence is marked as coming from the 'Political Department.' Most of the Resident's correspondence was sent to Arthur Malet, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay. Much of the volume's inward correspondence is from Malet.The subject matter of the volume is as follows: Bahrain affairs (ff 2-71); Arabian coast affairs (ff 73-128); the slave trade (ff 220-96); Muscat affairs (ff 298-326).1 file in two volumes (122 items, 338 folios)There are three levels of arrangement within the file. At the top level, there is a thematic arrangement, divided into 'Bahrain', 'Arabian Coast', 'Slave Trade' and 'Muscat.' Each of these thematic sections has a title cover page. Within each thematic section, the correspondence has been arranged in rough chronological order, beginning with the earliest items and finishing with the latest. The chronological sequences are approximate rather than precise, as a result of the Resident's outward letters and accompanying enclosures, along with inward replies to them, being grouped together.This was once a single volume that has since been split into two parts.Foliation: Through both volumes of the file there is an original pagination sequence, written in ink in the top-right corner of each recto and the top-left corner of each verso. The pagination sequence is inconsistent, perhaps due to the fact that the items in the volume have been compiled from various sources. the foliation system used in both volumes is written in pencil in the top-right corner of each recto page. It runs from 1 (title page) to 164 (inside back cover) in volume 1, and from 162 (first item) to 328 (inside back cover) in the volume 2.
This file contains correspondence mostly concerning the island of Sirri [Sirrī], as well as other Persian Gulf islands, including Tanb [Ṭanb] and Lesser Tanb, Farur [Farūr] and Lesser Farur, Dalmah [Dalmā], Halul island [Ḥālūl], Sir Abu Nu'ayr [Ṣīr Abū Nu‘ayr], and Sir Bani Yas [Ṣīr Banī Yās]. These papers contain details concerning the status of these islands, as well as geographical and topographical information, including details of mineral deposits.The correspondence in this file is between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire; ‘Abd al-Laṭīf, Residency Agent at Sharjah; ‘Īsá bin ‘Abd al-Laṭīf, acting Residency Agent at Sharjah; Āghā Muḥammad Amīn Badr, Residency Agent at Lingah; Ṣaqr bin Khālid Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Sharjah; T J Malcolm, Bushire; and various British officials in the Foreign Department of the Government of India.There is a file index on folio 2. Subjects include: Muin's [Moin-ut-Tujjar] claims to Sirri (folios 103, 121); connection of Sirri question with that of fisheries (folio 15); Hajji Ali Akbar [Ḥājjī ‘Alī Akbār]'s attitude oxide at Sirri (folios 39-47, 79, 84, 124); Strick's enquiries on oxide at Sirri (folios 90-91); Abdullah bin Hassan Galadari [‘Abdullāh bin Ḥassan Jaladārī] (folio 55-56); German visits to Sirri (folio 73); status of Nabiyu Tanb island (folios 92, 100); status Farur and Nabiya Farur islands (folios 88, 100, 121); oxide on Dalmah island (folio 100); oxide on Sir Abu Nu'air island (folios 100, 130-131); oxide on Halul islands (folios 100, 115); manganese on Halul island (folios 130-131); Sir Bani Yas island (folios 130-131); note on Sirri island (folios 25-27); situation at Sirri Island in 1904 (folios 8-15); the Jowasimis [Āl Qawāsim] occupation of Sirri (folio 62).1 file (146 folios)This file is arranged approximately in chornological order.Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A second incomplete mixed foliation/pagination sequence runs in parallel between ff. 4-143; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio, along with the corresponding top left (sometimes) of the verso side. The file contains the following foliation amendments: 109, and 109A; 114, and 114A; 116, and 116A.
The letter is acknowledging the receipt of communications sent by the Resident dated 11 December 1825, 1 and 4 January 1826. In response, it instructs the Resident to reassure Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd, the Imam of Muscat (also spelt Muskat), that he has nothing to fear from the activities of British agents on the African coast, and that he is fully entitled to the assistance and friendship of the British.However, it is explained that the British Government does not acknowledge the existence of an offensive and defensive alliance between the two states; the neutrality of the Imam in Britain's recent war with France is used to illustrate this point. It further explains that previous joint expeditions had had — from the British point of view — the sole aim of suppressing piracy. It also notes that it is neither possible nor desirable for the British to enforce peace over the entirety of the Persian Gulf.A number of enclosures have been included in order to inform and guide the Political Resident in his future dealings with the Imam of Muscat. The item has four enclosures:1. Two copies (one in Arabic and one in English) of a letter from Jonathan Duncan, Governor of Bombay to Sultān Āl Sa‘īd, the Imam of Muscat, dated 27 May 1807.The letter is responding to communications from the Imam respecting Sheik Mahomed bin Jaber [Shaikh Muḥammad bin Jabr] and the ship
Hajee Adbolla bin Umee Ahmed [Hājjī ‘Abdullāh bin ‘Ummī Aḥmad]
.With respect to the former, the Imam is informed that no restrictions are placed on persons pursuing peaceful trade at Bombay. In respect of the ship, it is stated that she is in the process of being returned to her rightful owners, and it is noted that she will be treated as if she is British property.The Imam is also informed that the captured French brig
Vigilantis en route to Bombay for repair, and it is explained that it is the intention of the Bombay Government to send her to Muscat with her crew. She can therefore be restored to the Government of France, and the neutrality of the Imam assured.It is further noted that the HC Cruizer
Mornington, currently protecting the Port of Muscat, has been ordered to leave the Persian Gulf. If the Imam still feels the port requires the protection of a cruizer, he is asked to inform Lieutenant Hamilton.2. Two copies (one in Arabic and one in English) of a letter from George Brown, Governor of Bombay to Syyed Saeed [Sultān Āl Sa‘īd], Imam of Muscat, dated 20 November 1811.The letter is a response to a request sent by the Imam for an auxiliary force of troops to be dispatched to Muscat to assist him against the Wahabee [Wahhabi]. It explains that as no hostilities have taken place between the British and the Wahabee, the Bombay Government is not willing to accede to this request. It further notes that that if it did, the Imam would be expected to defray the cost of such a force.It does however state that the Bombay Government would be willing to send an expert bombardier to Muscat, if one volunteered; it is explained that the climate of Muscat has proven fatal to many Europeans, and as a result the Government is not willing to compel anyone to serve there.3. A copy of a letter from Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay to Captain Thomas Perronet Thompson, HM 17Dragoons and late Political Agent at Kishma [Qeshm], dated 10 January 1821.The letter blames the Captain for the failed expedition against the Beni Bow Alli [Banī Bū ‘Alī] tribe and accuses him of having over stepped his remit to suppress piracy by getting involved in the internal affairs of other powers; the Political Agent is accused of having worked against British interests and over stepped his authority by promising too much to the Imam of Muscat, Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd. The Captain's choice of recruiting a messenger from Muscat in order to communicate with the tribe is also considered to be highly questionable. The letter also announces the Captain's removal from his post and impending court martial.4. Extract from the summary of relations between Muscat and the British Government.The extract provides details on the history of Oman from 1798, and the state's interactions with the British. It covers British efforts to diminish French influence in Oman, and their respect for the Imam's neutrality during their war with France. It also details the extent of British co-operation in tackling piracy, and their reluctance to become embroiled in the Imam of Muscat's conflict with the Wahabee.25 folios
The letter relates to the Persian Gulf squadron’s expedition to Bahrain and Al-Qaṭīf, to attack the boat and position of the fugitive Humud bin Mujdell, and to obtain reparations from Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah at Bahrain.There are three principal enclosures to Kemball’s letter, some of which have their own enclosures:1. Letter no.177 of 1854 (142-44) from Commodore George Robinson, Commanding Officer Persian Gulf Squadron, to Kemball, dated 25 November 1854. Robinson reports that he delivered Kemball’s letter to Humud bin Mujdell, the reply to which (folios 142, 143) compelled Robinson to continue the proposed action against Humud bin Mujdell. Robinson states that twelve boats of the squadron were manned and armed for the operation. The
Falkland, under the command of Commander Hewitt, was dispatched with the task of attacking Humud bin Mujdell's position, and destroying his buglah [boat]. Robinson reports that his fleet came under fire from a tower situated in the Sheikh of Al-Qaṭīf’s territory. Robinson writes that he despatched a letter to the Shaikh (not included in the file) demanding an explanation for this action (folios 140, 141). Robinson reports of the success of the operation, including the burning of Humud bin Mujdell’s boat. Four of Humud bin Mujdell’s men were killed, and seven or eight injured.Robinson's letter includes the following enclosures:A letter (folios 145-48) from Commander H Hewett, Commanding Officer of the Honourable Company’s sloop
Falkland, dated 22 November 1854. Hewett's letter is a detailed account of the operation against Humud bin Mujdell, including Humud bin Mujdell’s surrender, and a description of the four injuries suffered amongst the British sailors;A letter (folio 140) from the Shaikh of Al-Qaṭīf to Robinson, dated 23 November 1854;A translation (folio 141) of the letter (folio 140) from the Shaikh of Al-Qaṭīf to Robinson, dated 23 November 1854;A letter (folio 142) from Humud bin Mujdell to Robinson, dated 22 November 1854;A translation (folio 143) of the letter (folio 142) from Humud bin Mujdell to Robinson, dated 22 November 1854;2. Letter no.183 of 1854 (folio 153) from Robinson to Kemball, dated 4 December 1854. Robinson writes that, on his arrival in Bahrain, Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah promptly paid the reparations demanded from him by Kemball, of 2,599 Muḥammad Shah rupees;3. Letter no.402 of 1854 (folios 154-55) from Kemball to Robinson, dated 11 December 1854, in which Kemball congratulates and commends Robinson and his colleagues on the success of the operation against Humud bin Mujdell;4.The translation of a letter (folio 156) from Kemball to Humud bin Mujdell, dated 12 December 1854;5.The translation of a letter (folio 157) from Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah to Kemball, dated 3 December 1854. Shaikh Muḥammad states that he has paid the sum of 2,599 rupees demanded of him by the British Government, although he questions the full extent and nature of the reparations that he has been held responsible for;6. The translation of a letter (folio 158) from Kemball to Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah, dated 12 December 1854, in which Kemball states that Shaikh Muḥammad’s appeal against his complicity in the plunder of boats and sale of captives in his dominions is unlikely to be heard out.19 folios
This file consists of correspondence received by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, Major David Wilson, from various officials at the Government of Bombay. Correspondents include: Charles Norris, Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay; Robert Cotton Money, Acting Persian Secretary to Government and Secretary to the Bombay Native Education Society; and John Pollard Willoughby, Acting Secretary to Government, Bombay. One of Willoughby's letters (no. 2348, ff 6-9) is followed by enclosed copies of three letters, addressed to Colonel Samuel Goodfellow, Chief Engineer, Major Stratford Powell, Acting Adjutant General, and the President and Members of the Medical Board respectively.The first letter of the file (see ff 2-5), from Charles Norris, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, includes copies of a proclamation (in English, Arabic and Hindi), dated 31 December 1829, issued by Norris on behalf of the Honourable Governor in Council, John Malcolm. The proclamation refers to a recent Government Act which prohibits British subjects from serving under any foreign flag employed against the Turks, in any part of India or the Red Sea.Most of the items in this file are circular letters which relate to matters across the Bombay Presidency and beyond. The prominent theme in these letters is education. Topics of discussion include the following: the Governor of Bombay's decision to reform the Engineer Institution under the new name, 'Government Institution', and place it under the control of the Government of Bombay, rather than that of the Chief Engineer; changes to the way in which the Native Medical institution is regulated; the circulation of a list of the Bombay Native Education Society's publications.In one of only two letters addressed directly to the Resident in the Persian Gulf (see ff 28-29), David Wilson is given authorisation to warn local Arab chieftains that the British Government will not permit any acts which attempt to weaken the power of the Imam of Muscat [Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Bū Sa‘īd]. Enclosed with this letter are copies of two letters addressed to the Honourable Governor of Bombay, John Malcolm: a substance of a letter from Syyud Mahomed bin Salim, Regent of the Imam of Muscat (see ff 30-31); a translation of a written communication from the Imam of Muscat's Agent at Bombay, Agha Mahomed Shoostury (see ff 32-33).In the second letter addressed directly to the Resident (no.1098, f 34), Willoughby includes a copy of a letter to Norris from Richard Clive, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Fort Saint George, in which it is requested that the Resident procure a variety of plants and seeds and send them to Tellicherry [Thalassery], Calicut [Kozhikode] or any other port on the coast, so that they can be taken to the Neilgherry Hills and cultivated in the gardens there.1 volume (40 folios)With the exception of the first letter in the file, which is dated 22 January 1830, the letters proceed in chronological order, from 21 December 1829 to 11 June 1830.Pagination: There is a pagination sequence which is written in ink, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio and in the top left corner of the verso of each folio. The sequence is inconsistent: some of the pages have not been paginated and the sequence is not complete.Foliation: The foliation sequence is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 40. It should be noted that in this sequence f 20 is followed by f 20A; the sequence then resumes on f 21. This is the sequence used by this catalogue to reference items within the file. Foliation errors: f 20 is followed by f 20A.
Letter written in English and translated into Arabic regarding Pelly's expectation that on arriving in Koweit [Kuwait] he would be greeted by Amir Faysul [Amir Faisul ibn Turki al Sa'ud] and his disappointment on finding that he was not there.The letter goes on to request either a reply to this letter, or a person sent to accompany him to Riadh [Riyadh].1 folio
Letter in Arabic, with an English translation on the verso, of a letter from Faysul ibn Torky Al Saood [Faisal ibn Turki Al Sa-ud] sent 2 Ramathan [Ramadhan] 1281 (29 or 30 January 1865) and received by Lewis Pelly 7 February 1865 informing Pelly that he may come on to Riyadh from 'the Sirkar' and that he will be treated with hospitality along the way.The Arabic letter contains an ink seal, most likely belonging to Amir Faisal.A draft copy of the translation to the letter, with corrections, is given on folio eight. This letter is a reply to the letter at folio two.2 foliosThe paper contains a watermark.
Letter regarding recent murders in Muscat and the methods that the 'Arabs' guilty of committing them have for obtaining protection from prosecution.1 folio
Correspondence regarding relations between the people of Bahrein [Bahrain] and the Wahabees [Wahhabis] and the involvement of the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain (James) Felix Jones, in affairs.The correspondence consists of letters and reports sent by Captain Jones to the Secretary to Government at Bombay (Henry Lacon Anderson, Alexander Kinloch Forbes) describing the situation in Bahrein in which an atmosphere of anxiety and alarm had arisen over reports that Mahomed ben Abdullah, Chief of Demaum [Dammam] was amassing men and boats for an attack on Bahrein, and detailing the response by Captain Jones to these reports, including the decision to send British vessels of war to help boost morale and assist in the defence of Bahrein; investigations made by these vessels into the forces massing to attack Bahrein; and the seizing of boats and vessels belonging to the Chief of Demaum and his supports. Also included is a copy of the Government resolution permitting Captain Jones to have Mahomed ben Abdullah and his supporters forcibly removed from Demaum.Enclosed with them are copies of correspondence and reports on affairs at Bahrein including accounts of the forces massing at ports including Demaum and Katiff [Al Qaţīf], which were sent to and from the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf by Hajee Jassem [Haji Jasim], British Agent at Bahrain; Shaikh Mahomed ben Khalifah (also written bin Khuleefa) [Muḥammed bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah], Chief of Bahrein; Sheikh Alee bin Khuleefa [‘Alī bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah]; [Sheikh Mahomed ben Abdullah [Muḥammed bin‘Abdullāh], Chief of Demaum; Ameer Fysul ben Torkee [Faisal ibn Turki], Ruler of Nedjd [Najd]; The Senior Naval Officer Commanding the Persian Gulf Squadron (Charles Golding Constable, Charles John Cruttenden) ; Commander Philip William Fendell of HMS
Falkland; Commander Richard William Whish of HM Schooner
Mahi; and Commander William Balfour of HM Steam Frigate
Semiramis.Also included in the file is correspondence with Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson and Charles Alison, Her British Majesty's Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia, and Lewis Pelly, Charge d'Affaires at the Court of Persia, regarding Mirza Mehdi, Persian Agent for Foreign Affairs at Bushire, who is sent by the Prince Governor of Farsistan [Fārs] on a special mission to meet Ameer Fysul, Ruler of Nedjd [Najd] to discuss safe passage for Persian Pilgrims to Mecca, which the Political Resident believes is also being used as an opportunity to discuss Bahrein, which the Persians and the Wahabees have both laid claim to. Further correspondence on the matter includes intelligence reports from the British Agent at Bahrein, Hajee Jassem, including the arrival of Turkish emissaries at Bahrein and the decision by the Shaikh of Bahrein to hoist the Persian Flag at his forts.Later correspondence includes letters to and from Richard Rogers, Officiating Political Agent at Basreh [Basra], John McAdam Hyslop, Officiating Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, and Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer, HBM's Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire regarding Turkish functionaries who had been sent on a mission from Basreh to Bahrein; and the raising of the Turkish flag at Bahrein. This correspondence also includes letters written in both English and Ottoman Turkish to the Governor-General of Baghdad, and copies of letters in Arabic from the Shaikh of Bahrein to the Pasha of Baghdad.The file concludes with correspondence relating to Mahomed ben Khuleefa's attempts at retaliation, including blockading the Wahabee ports of Demaum and Katiff; and the decision in May 1861 to sign a convention and bond with the British Government:Terms of a friendly convention entered into between Sheikh Mahomed ben Khuleefa, independent ruler of Bahrein on the part of himself and successors, and Captain Felix Jones, Her Majesty's Indian Navy, Political Resident of Her Britanic Majesty in the Gulf of Persia on the part of the British Government, 1 May 1861, in Arabic and English (ff 321-326).Translation of a bond sealed by Sheikh Mahomed ben Khuleefa of Bahrein and entered into by him with Captain Felix Jones, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, 31 May 1861, in Arabic and English (ff 327-328).2 volumes (354 folios)The correspondence has been arranged chronologically according to the date of its receipt or despatch from the Political Residency in Bushire.Foliation: The foliation sequence runs across the two volumes, and is therefore split into two ranges ff. 1-182 & ff. 183-341. It commences at the first folio of writing in volume one and terminates at the last folio of writing in volume two. These numbers are written in pencil, and can be found in the top right hand corner of the recto side of each folio. Foliation errors: 1, 1A.