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.
This volume contains originals and copies of correspondence between Major Adelbert Cecil Talbot, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf and Her British Majesty's Consul General for Fars; Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, Secretary to the Government of India; Muḥammad Amīn bin Badr, temporary Residency Agent at Bahrain; ‘Abd al-Laṭīf bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān, Residency Agent at Sharjah; Commander Hart Dyke, Senior Naval Officer Persian Gulf Division, Bushire; and Shaikh Rāshid bin Maktūm Āl Maktūm.The correspondence in this volume concerns the drafting, signing and ratification of the Exclusive Treaty (1892) with the shaikhs of the Trucial Coast and the Shaikh of Bahrain. The treaty bound themselves, their heirs and successors to the following conditions: (1) On no account shall any agreement or correspondence be entered into with any power other than the British Government; (2) Without the assent of the British Government, they shall not consent to the residence within their territories of the Agent of any other Government; and (3) On no account shall they cede, sell, mortgage or otherwise give for occupation any part of their territory save to the British Government. The treaty came in response to the intrigues of Hyacinthe-Alexandre Chapuy, a French merchant, with the chief of Umm al-Qaywayn, in 1891, and a period of Persian activity on the Arab coast of the Persian Gulf between 1887 and 1888, and the subsequent signing of an agreement between Edward Charles Ross, Political Resident and the Trucial Coast chiefs in August 1888.Copies of the ratified treaty in Arabic and English appear signed as follows: Ḥumayd bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Ras-el-Khymah [Ras al-Khaymah], dated 9 Sha‘bān 1309 and 8 March 1892 (folios 15-16); Aḥmad bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Mu‘allā, ruler of Um-el-Kawain, dated 9 Sha‘bān 1309 and 8 March 1892 [Umm al-Qaywayn] (folios 17-18); Ḥumayd bin Rāshid Āl Nu‘aymī, ruler of Ajman, dated 8 Sha‘bān 1309 and 7 March 1892 (folios 19-20); Ṣaqr bin Khālid Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Shargah [Sharjah], dated 8 Sha‘bān 1309 and 7 March 1892 (folios 21-22); Rāshid bin Maktūm Āl Maktūm, ruler of Debai [Dubai], dated 8 Sha‘bān 1309 and 7 March 1892 (folios 23-24); Zāyid bin Khalīfah Āl Nahyān, ruler of Abu Dhabi, dated 6 Sha‘bān 1309 and 5 March 1892 (folios 25-26); and ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah, ruler of Bahrain, dated 14 Sha‘bān 1309 and 14 March 1892 (folios 27-28).The correspondence includes: a letter from Talbot to Durand, dated 29 September 1891, with information concerning the intrigues of Chapuy (folios 3-4); letter from Talbot to Durand, dated 19 October 1891, concerning the agreement of 1888, the intrigues of Chapuy and the suggestion for a treaty with the chiefs of the Trucial coast (folios 6-7); approval for the treaty given by the Government of India (folio 10); copies sent for ratification (folio 12); suggestions for minor adaptations to the wording (folio 29); copies of the ratified treaty sent to the chiefs of the Trucial Coast and Bahrain with Commander Hart Dyke (folios 31-38); letter from the Shaikh of Bahrain to the Talbot confirming receipt (folios 39-40); and correspondence with the ShAikh of Dubai acknowledging receipt, questioning the ratification and criticising the Native Agent (folios 47-59).1 volume (71 folios)The volume contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest at the front of the volume to the latest at the end.Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A second foliation sequence is present between folios 3-66; these numbers are written in pencil & red crayon, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence. Foliation errors: 9, and 9A; 62, and 62A; 65, and 65A. Foliation omissions: folio 2.
This file contains correspondence concerning the Persian claim to the island of Sirrī, as well as their claim to and occupation of that place. In addition there is information concerning rival claims by Trucial Coast rulers, details concerning Dubai pearl divers on the island and details concerning other Persian Gulf islands, including Abu Musa [Abū Mūsá] and Tanb [Ṭanb].The correspondence in this file is between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire; ‘Abd al-Qasim and ‘Abd al-Laṭīf, Residency Agents at Sharjah; Āghā Muḥammad Amīn Badr, Residency Agent at Lingah [Bandar-e-Lengeh]; Ṣaqr bin Khālid Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Sharjah; Maktūm bin Ḥashr Āl Maktūm, ruler of Dubai; and various British officials in the Foreign Department of the Government of India. There are also copies of correspondence between India Office and Foreign Office officials.Folio 2 is an index, and folios 4-9 are a precis of documents within the file for folios 10-115. Subjects covered include: Persian flag hoisted on Sirri [Sirrī] (folios 18, 48); Persian refusal to remove the flag (folios 127-131); Memorandum by the Resident on Persian refusal (folios 141-144); Hajji Ahmad Khan [Hājjī Aḥmad Khān]'s Report (folios 80-93); Legation correspondence with the Persian Foreign Office (folios 70-77); Documents tendered in support of the Persian claim (folio 52-59); Shaikh of Shargah [Sharjah]'s claims to Sirri (folios 27-28); Persian claim to Abu Musa island (folio 80); Shaikh of Debai [Dubai] complains of pearl divers absconding to Sirri and the Persian Coast (folios 116-118, 154-160, 167-190); Chief of Ras El Khaimah [Ras al-Khaymah]'s claim to Tanb island (folios 22, 209).Notable documents within the file include: a precis of correspondence about occupation of the island of Sirri (folios 109-113); a report entitled
Question of the status of the Island of Sirri(ff. 165-166); a report by the Residency Agent at Lingah on the island of Sirri in Persian and English translation (ff. 200-202); correspondence with Sir Mortimer Durand regarding the island of Sirri (folios 211-215); and a statement by the Shaikh of Sharjah (f. 65).1 volume (235 folios)The file is arranged approximately in chronological order.Foliation: The foliation number is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the third folio after the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 227. The file contains the following foliation amendments: folio 1 is followed by folios 1A and 1B; no folio 3; folio 92 is followed by folio 92A; folio 156 is followed by folio 156A; folio 171 is followed by folio 171A.
Volume regarding affairs in Muscat relating to Syed Torkee [Turkī ibn Saʻīd Āl Sa‘īd] of Sohar's rebellious actions against Syed Soweynee [Thuwaynī ibn Saʻīd Āl Sa‘īd].The volume discusses the Joasmee [Āl Qāsimī] Chief's attempts at spreading dissention in Oman; the involvement of their brothers Sayid Majed [Mājid ibn Saʻīd] Sultan of Zanzibar and Syed Burgash [Barghash ibn Sa'id]; attempts at reconciliations between the brothers; the actions of the British Agent at Muscat (Lieutenant Walter Murray Pengelly) which were not approved of by the Government of Bombay; Wahabee [Wahhabi] interests in Sohar; and Sohar eventually being given over to Syed Soweynee, with Syed Torkee being confined to a fort in Muscat, which led to a large scale rebellion against Syed Soweynee. Contained within the volume are several letters in Arabic, some with translations, and one letter with translation in Hebrew.From folio 10 onwards the volume has been divided into smaller sections, each with their own subheading:English correspondence regarding differences between H H Syed Soweynee, Imam of Muscat and H H Brother Syed Turki of Sohar 1857-1860 (ff 10-119);Correspondence regarding piracies attended with murder during hostilities between the Chief of Sohar and the Imam of Muscat (ff 120-141);H H Syed Soweynee quarrel with Syed Majid of Zanzibar, Syed Bughash and Syed Torkee [who?] figure in the compilation (ff 142-194);Correspondence about Sued Soweynee's disputes with Syed Majid. Syed Soweynee intriguing secretly with the French attended to herein, also Syed Burgesh and Syed Torkee (ff 195-225);Miscellaneous. Complaints from Bombay Native Merchants against the authorities at Muscat for demanding customs upon the cargo of the Buglah
Fath El Khair; complaints of Syed Soweynee's indifference towards British Commissariat interests at Muscat; an attack on the
Fath El Khairsouth of Ras El Had [Ra’s al Ḩadd] (ff 226-317).Also included in the volume are four folios of manifest registers for goods exported by Bugla [Buggalow] to Aden produced 17 September 1856, which were sent to Colonel Atkins Hamerton, British Consul at Zanzibar in January 1857.The principal correspondents within the volume are the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Commander James Felix Jones); the Secretary to Government, Political Department, Bombay (Henry Lacon Anderson); the Native Agent at Muscat (Khoja Hiskale); the British Native Agent at Shargah [Sharjah] (Haji Yaqub); the Commander of the Persian Gulf Squadron (Commodore Griffith Jenkins, Commodore Henry Albert Matthew Drought); the British Agent at Muscat (Lieutenant Walter Murray Pengelly); the Imam of Muscat (Thuwaynī ibn Saʻīd Āl Sa‘īd); Her Majesty's Consul and British Agent at Zanzibar (Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Palmer Rigby, Colonel Atkins Hamerton).1 volume (327 folios)The file has been separated into sections, with the correspondence within each section being arranged chronologically according to the date it was received at the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences on the title page and terminates on the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Foliation anomalies: 1, 1A, 1B, 164, 164A, 165, 165A, 166, 166A.Folios 256, 257, 258 and 259 are blank.
The volume contains copies of correspondence sent and original correspondence received by the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, relating to Bahrein [Bahrain] and the Wahabees [Wahhabis]. The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf throughout the period was Captain (James) Felix Jones.The main correspondents are Hajee Jassem [Ḥājjī Jāsim], British Agent at Bahrein; Henry Lacon Anderson, Secretary to Government, Bombay, and Acting Secretaries to Government, Bombay; Herbert Frederick Disbrowe, Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf; Commanders of the Persian Gulf Squadron; Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Baghdad; Mahomed ben Khuleefa, Sheikh (or Chief) of Bahrein [Muḥammed bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah]; Mahomed bin Abdullah [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh], Sheikh (or Chief) of Demaum [Dammām]; and other local rulers and officials. Correspondence from local rulers and officials is mostly translated into English, but there are two letters in the original.The papers include: reports of relations between the Sheikhs of Demaum and Bahrein; infringements of maritime peace; rules observed by the Resident in registering British subjects in Bahrein, and in defining their privileges of exemption from taxation, June - August 1861 (folios 23-27); account of 'vexatious' behaviour by the Sheikh of Bahrein towards the British Agent and British subjects trading in his territories, September 1858 - March 1861 (folios 103-127); moves by the Ottoman Empire and Persia to obtain influence over Bahrein, March 1859- January 1862 (folios 150-187); and the removal of Mahomed bin Abdullah from Demaum, and the first visit to the backwaters and shallows south of Bahrein by the steam gunboat
Hugh Rose, June 1861 - January 1862 (folios 169-220).1 volume (226 folios)The correspondence is divided into separate subject groups numbered 1-15 (excluding 11), each with an introductory page entitled 'Head IV. Bahrein & Wahabee', followed by a subject number and title, e.g. 'Subject 15 Miscellaneous' (folio 222). Within each subject group, the correspondence is recorded in chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the front cover and terminates at 227 on the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomaly: ff 70A and 70B.Condition: there are holes resulting from insect damage and damage to the edges of pages throughout the volume. This occasionally results in loss of text.
The volume contains official tour reports of the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain (James) Felix Jones, with supporting correspondence and papers, for the years 1858 and 1859. There is a title page within the volume stating : 'Head IX. Subject 2, Part 1. Resident's Tour. Reports for the years 1858 & 1859' (folio 1). The volume also contains correspondence and papers concerning the tours of 1860 and 1861. This section is introduced by a second title page stating 'Head IX. Tour Reports. Subject 2, Part 2. Tour reports for 1860 ad 1861' (folio 91).The 1858 report covers the tour of Jones aboard the HC (Honourable Company's) steam frigate
Assayeto Bahrein [Bahrain], Abothubee [Abu Dhabi], Debai [Dubai], Shargah [Sharjah], Amulgawein [Umm al Qaywayn], the Pirate Coast, Bunder Abbass [Bandar-e ʻAbbās], Bassidore [Bāsa‘īdū], Lingeh [Bandar-e Lingeh], Maghoo [Bandar-e Moghūyeh], Charrack [Bandar-e Chārak], and Congoon [Bandar e-Kangan]. Issues covered include:the treatment of Mahomed ben Abdullah [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh] of Demam [Dammām] by Mahomed ben Khaleefa [Muḥammed bin Khalīfah], Chief of Bahrain (folios 4-6);the suppression of slavery;piracy;the pearl trade;the conduct of local rulers;account of internal dissensions in Shargah (folio 8);the imposition of penalties on the Joasmee [Āl Qāsimī] tribe for infractions of maritime peace (folios 8-9);reports of conversations with the Imam of Muscat [Thuwaynī ibn Saʻīd Āl Sa‘īd] at Bunder Abbass, including the conclusion of an agreement between the Resident and Imam on the complete suppression of slavery (folios 11-14; copies of the agreement in Arabic and English follow the report on folios 21-22);the poor condition of the naval station at Bassidore (folios 14-15; related correspondence: folios 24-29);the importance of the Resident's making his tour in the
Assaye, as means of impressing the maritime tribes and settling local disputes (folios 2, 19-20);instructions for HajeeYacoob [Ḥājī Ya‘qūb], Agent at Shargah, left by the Resident on 31 May 1858.The 1859 report covers Jones's tour aboard HM steam frigate
Zenobiato Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi], Debaye [Dubai], Shargah, Ejmaun [Ajman], Amulgavine [Umm al Qaywayn], Ras ul Khymah [Ras al-Khaymah] and Joasmee Chief, Sheeheyheen [Sharqiyin] Ports, Muscat, Bassidore, Lingah [Bandar-e Lingeh], Charrack, Asseloo [Bandar-e `Asaluyeh], and Bahrein. Issues covered include:internal dissensions in Shargah and the activities of the Wahabees [Wahhabis] in the area (folios 43-47);the Resident's censure and fining of Sheikh Abdullah ben Rashid [Abdullah I bin Rashid Al Mu`alla] of Amulgavine, whom he accused of fomenting the troubles at Shargah and committing other offences (folios 48-51);remarks on the pearl fishery of Bahrein and Socotra [Suqutrá] (folios 66-67);slavery;piracy.The papers relating to the tour reports of 1860 and 1861 include correspondence (June 1860-March 1863) between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf and Henry Lacon Anderson, Secretary to Government, Bombay; statement of outstanding fines adjusted by the Political Resident, Persian Gulf during tour of 1860 (folios 94-95); statement of fines etc. carried to the credit of the Government in cash accounts rendered from the Residency in the Persian Gulf between April 1858 and June 1860 (folios 100-101); and statement of complaints adjusted by HBM's Political Resident in the Persian Gulf during the tour of the Persian Gulf in 1861. Jones remarks in his correspondence with Anderson on the 'perfect tranquillity' that prevailed in the Persian Gulf in those years.1 volume (115 folios)The volume contains the tour report of 1858, consisting of an introductory page entitled 'Secret Department No. 184 of 1858, Tour Report 1858' (folio 2), the report itself (folios 3-20), and accompanying correspondence and papers (folios 21-36); the tour report for 1859, consisting of an introductory page entitled 'Secret Department No. 196 of 1859, Tour of 1858' (folio 38), the report itself (folios 39-67), and accompanying correspondence and papers (folios 69-89); and correspondence and papers relating to the tour reports for 1860 and 1861 (folios 91-112).Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the second folio after the cover and terminates at 114, the last folio before the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are enclosed in a circle, and appear in the top right corner of the recto page of each folio. This is the system used to determine the order of pages.Pagination: there is also a local pagination sequence numbered 1-54 (folios 41-67).
The majority of this volume includes letters from the Secretary to the Government of Bombay to Lieutenant John MacLeod, Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire. They concern details of his appointment following the dismissal of Captain William Bruce and various instructions, including regarding the withdrawal from the island of Qishm; the salaries of the Native Agents; claims of Raḥmah bin Jābir and ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah, the ruler of Bahrain; and providing a pension to the family of Mahdī ‘Alī Khān. There is one letter from the Secretary to the Government of India to Lieutenant-Colonel Ephraim Gerrish Stannus following the death of MacLeod.1 volume, 17 items (145 folios)Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An original pagination sequence written in ink runs between ff. 1C-141, it can be found in the top right and the top left corners of the recto and verso sides respectively. Foliation errors: 1A, 1B and 1C.
The file contains:Letters exchanged between the British Government in London, the British Government of India and the Bombay Government, the British Resident in the Persian Gulf and the British Agent Muscat, September 1840 to February 1841 about alleged French demands on the East African territories of the Imaum of Muscat in the vicinity of Zanzibar (folios 2-10);Letters exchanged between the British Envoy to Persia and the British Resident in the Persian Gulf, and an intelligence report from the British Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, concerning Persian affairs, April 1841 (folios 23-25) and the evacuation of British troops from the Island of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye], October 1841 (folios 40-41);Intelligence reports submitted by the British Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf to the Superintendent of the Indian Navy, February-March 1841 (folios12-19) and the British Resident in the Persian Gulf, March 1841 (folios 20-22) and which include English translations of letters from Sheikh Mucktoom [Maktūm] of Dubai (folio 19) and Sheikh Salmin ben Nassur of El Biddah [Doha] (folio 16), together with two Arabic promissory notes from the latter Sheikh (folios 23A and 23B). The reports relate to the British naval patrol of the Trucial Coast in the winter of 1841, referring to hostilities between the Chiefs of the Arab Ports and British enforcement of the Maritime Peace Treaty by the collection of money and goods from chiefs who had given protection to pirates or who had failed to take measures against any of their subjects known to have committed acts of piracy, as compensation to the rightful owners of plundered boats;Intelligence reports submitted by the British Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf to the British Resident in the Persian Gulf, July-October 1841 (folios 26-39) regarding his patrol of the Pearl Fishery banks during the summer pearling season.1 file (40 folios)The letters are arranged chronologically. Several letters incorporate copies of earlier letters (folios 16-17, 19, 23A-23B) or enclose them separately (folios 6-8).Foliation: the letters are numbered 2-50, 23A, 23B, 23, 24-41, from front to back. The numbering is written in pencil in the top right corner and encircled, on the recto. Two small documents numbered 23A and 23B form a single folio. The front of the file cover is numbered 1.Pagination: the contents of the file were originally numbered in ink as follows: 29-33, 46-53, 69-70, 87-104, 106, 118-119, 123-125, 197-203, 212-223, 245-248, 250-251, 264. Blank pages and pages containing brief details such as name and address are unnumbered.One of two Arabic seals that appear on the reverse side of two Arabic promissory notes (folios 23A and 23B) is partly obscured by the strip of paper to which both documents are attached.
The file contains letters received by Captain Samuel Hennell, British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire, from the Government of Bombay, between 1843 and 1848. Some correspondents address him as Major Hennell rather than Captain Hennell. A few of the letters received in 1843 are addressed instead to Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball, the Assistant British Political Resident in charge of the Persian Gulf Residency, during the absence of Captain Hennell.Most letters received between 1846 and 1848 are from Arthur Malet, Secretary to the Government of Bombay. Letters received between 1843 and 1846 are from J P Willoughby and other secretaries to the Government of Bombay.The letters contain information, guidance and instructions from the Governor in Council of Bombay. The letters often contain or enclose separately, copies of pertinent correspondence between other British officials, including: the Governor General of India in Council, Calcutta; Captain Atkins Hamerton, British Political Agent for the dominions of the Imam of Muscat, based in Zanzibar; the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, London; Lord Aberdeen and his successor Lord Palmerston, as British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, London.All file correspondence is in English, except for one letter from the Imam of Muscat to the Governor General of India, dated January 1846, for which there is an Arabic copy as well as an English translation (folios 32-34).The letters and their enclosures discuss events in East Africa and the Persian Gulf between 1843 and 1848 and the implications for British foreign policy, relations and interests in the region. The main topics discussed are the suppression of the maritime slave trade, the actions of the Imam of Muscat and the Chief of Bahrain and the territorial ambitions of Turkey and Persia, as follows:Legal opinion about the liability of British subjects to incur penalties for entering into slave transactions in Muscat, under the anti-slavery provisions in the treaties of 1822 and 1839 between Great Britain and the Imam of Muscat, 1843 (folios 2-7);Measures by the Imam of Muscat to prohibit the African slave trade between his East African ports and his ports in the Persian Gulf, 1846-1847 (folios 35-37);British response to the plans of the Imam of Muscat to invade Bahrain, 1845 (folios 19-21), blockade the Persian port of Bushire, 1846-1847 (folios 31-34, 38-39, 51-53) and take retaliatory measures against Persian ports and vessels, following Persian oppressions against his Governor of Bunder Abbas and other of his dependencies in Persia, 1848 (88-92, 95-99, 110);British cooperation with Turkey and Persia for the suppression of the maritime slave trade, following the prohibition by their rulers, on the importation of African slaves into the Persian Gulf ports under Turkish and Persian control respectively, 1847-1848 (folios 49-50; 74-78; 82, 101-105);Legal opinions and naval instructions 1847-1848, about the powers of British naval ships and courts in India to seize, condemn and confiscate African slave ships intercepted in the ports and seas of East Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, under the terms of the treaties concluded by the British Government with the Imam of Muscat in 1845 and the Arab Chiefs of the Trucial Coast in 1847 (folios 54-57, 63-65, 69-73, 84-87, 106-109);British intentions to negotiate new trade and anti-slavery treaties, 1847-1848, with the Arab Chiefs of Bahrain (folios 76, 82, 93-94) and Sohar (folio 100) in the Persian Gulf;British suspicions about Turkish ambitions to supremacy over Bahrain and other Arab sheikdoms on the Trucial Coast, 1847 (folios 62, 74-78), British resistance to Persian involvement in the disputes between the rival Arab chiefs claiming sovereignty of Bahrain, 1844 (folios 11-18), an English translation of the claim advanced by the Persian Government to the sovereignty of Bahrain and an assessment of its legal validity by the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London, 1845 (folios 22-30);Opinion of Lord Palmerston, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, London that British naval ships operating in the Persian Gulf do not have the right to pursue and seize pirates beyond the Restrictive Line, into the Euphrates and other rivers in Turkey, or to detain them in the open sea for offences committed within Turkish limits, 1847-1848 (folios 45-48; 58-62; 74-78);Approval by Lord Palmerston, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, London given for the use of British naval ships to defend Bahrain, at the request of its chief, Sheik Mahomed bin Khuleefa, in the event of an attack by disaffected members of the Uttobee tribe, who had left Bahrain and sought refuge on the island of Kenn, near the Persian coast, 1847-1848 (folios 66-68, 79-81, 83).1 file (111 folios)The letters are arranged chronologically. Many letters incorporate copied extracts from earlier letters or enclose them separately.Foliation: numbered 2 to 112, from the front to back of the file. The numbering is written in pencil on the recto, in the top right corner and encircled. The front of the file cover is numbered 1. The back of the file cover is unnumbered.Present in the file are remnants of earlier foliation and pagination sequences, written in ink. Most folios have been numbered twice, usually on both the recto and verso, in the top right or left hand corner respectively. The main numbering system runs from 15 to 356, with gaps, from the front to the back of the file. The other main numbering system is made up of multiple sequences between 100 and 500, in no particular order. The blank verso of any folio is usually unnumbered.
This file contains letters and enclosures inwards from William Newnham, Secretary to the Governor of Bombay, to Captain Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire between 1826 and 1827. There are letters relating to Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rasūl Khān, the former Governor of Bushire; relations with Persia and the Imam of Muscat; East Africa, including Mombasa and Seeuee [Siyu]; and the Arab littoral of the Persian Gulf.1 file, 9 items (33 folios)Pagination: There is a pagination sequence, which is written in ink, in the top right corners of the rectos and in the top left corners of the versos.Foliation: There is a foliation sequence, which is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. The sequence begins on the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 33. This is the sequence which has been used by this catalogue to reference items within the volume.
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.
The volume contains secret correspondence (original correspondence received and copies of correspondence sent) within the following three separate categories: Bahrein [Bahrain]; Muscat and Bunder Abbass [Bandar Abbas] (and local); and miscellaneous and local. The Resident in the Persian Gulf during the period covered by the volumes was Commander (James) Felix Jones (acting until July 1856).The correspondence is principally with Henry Lacon Anderson, Secretary to Government, Bombay and other East India Company officials, including Commodore Richard Ethersey, Indian Navy, commanding the Persian Gulf Squadron; Captain Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Political Agent, Turkish Arabia; and the commanders of vessels of the Indian Navy. There is also correspondence with other British officials, including Charles Augustus Murray, Envoy and Minister-Plenipotentiary to the Court of Persia, and correspondence (some of it in Arabic) with local rulers and Persian officials.General topics include:the slave trade;political intelligence;the Wahabees [Wahhabis];the operations of the Indian Navy in the Persian Gulf;Russian involvement in Persia;relations with Persia;administrative matters;appointments;the transmission of dispatches around the region;pearl fishing;the Anglo-Persian War (1856-57).Specific topics include:correspondence concerning the effect of the British suppression of the slave trade, January - May 1856 (folios 12-19);correspondence concerning the migration of the Al Ali tribe to Demaum [Dammām], March 1856 - January 1857 (folios 20-90);correspondence concerning relations between Muscat and Persia in the light of the claim of the Imam of Muscat to Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas], February - August 1856 (folios 92-110);letter from Jones to Henry Frederick Disbrowe, Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf, dated 3 May 1856, briefing him on his duties at Bushire during Jones's temporary absence (folio 144);papers concerning Civil Surgeons' fees for attendance on the families of public officers of the East India Company in the light of the unhealthy nature of the climate at Bushire, June - September 1856 (folios 148-152);correspondence between Jones and the Government of Bombay and between Jones and the staff officers of the Bombay Army, concerning military operations in the Persian Gulf, September 1856 - February 1857 (folios 172-297).2 volumes (305 folios)The volumes are divided into three parts, with separate title pages: 'Secret Records 1856/57, Bushire Residency, Bahrein [Bahrain]' (ff 11-90); '1856/57 Secret Records, Bushire Residency, Muscat and Bunder Abbass [Bandar Abbas]' (ff 91-112); and '1856/57 Secret Letters, Bushire Residency, Miscellaneous' (ff 113-297). Within each section the correspondence is arranged in approximate chronological order. There is an index between ff 4-9. This is divided into three sections corresponding to the three parts of the volumes: 'Bahrein' (ff 4-5); 'Muscat and Bunder Abbass and Local' (f 5); and 'Miscellaneous and Local' (ff 5-9). The index is entered in the same order as the correspondence and has columns for number, address, subject, and page.Foliation: the foliation sequence runs across the two volumes into which this record has been bound (Part 1 ff 1-141B; Part 2 ff 142-299). The foliation sequence commences at 1 on the (modern) title page of volume one and terminates at 299, the last folio before the back cover of volume two. The numbers are written in pencil and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff 141, 141A, 141B. This is the system in use.Pagination: three original pagination sequences, which generally number only those pages bearing text, numbered 1-124 (ff 12-90); 1-30 (ff 92-111); and 1-305 (ff 113-297) are also present. The numbers are written in ink and appear in various positions at the top of each page.
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.
The volume contains a mix of inward and outward letters, received and sent from the Residency. Most of the letters are outward letters, sent by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to various representatives of the Government of Bombay.The letters in the volume fall into three main categories:Reports on events in the Gulf, primarily concerning the hostilities being waged and peace deals brokered between the various tribes. Intelligence on the activities of Rahma bin Jaber [Raḥmah bin Jābir] appear extensively throughout the volume;The financial administration of the Residency, including such matters as disbursements and bills of exchange, which are sent onwards to the Accountant General in Bombay;Letters confirming the receipt of despatches, or covering notes forwarded with onward despatches, often sent between Basra or Tehran and Bombay.1 volume, 59 items (92 folios)The items in the file, as outlined in a handwritten note made on the front cover made by an archivist in 1955 (folio 1), originally comprised three separate files (volumes 37, 38 and 40), but have been merged together and arranged into a complete chronological order, from the earliest item at the front of the file, to the latest at the end. A number of the letters included are incomplete.1 volume in one slipcaseFoliation: The foliation system starts on the first page of content and runs to the last page of content, using circled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. The front cover, front fly-leaf, rear fly-leaf and inside back cover are unfoliated.There is an earlier, possibly original pagination system that runs inconsistently throughout the volume, located in either the top-right or top-left of recto and some verso pages. The inconsistency of this pagination sequence is likely a result of the volume being comprised of three original volumes (each with their own pagination sequences) being merged into one volume.
The file consists of miscellaneous official and demi-official correspondence relating to the outbreak of World War One and its impact on Bahrain (which is generally referred to in the papers as Bahrein). Most of the correspondence dates from 1914.The papers largely consist of correspondence from the Political Agent, Bahrain and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, but also includes correspondence in Arabic and English between Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa [Sheikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah], Ruler of Bahrain and the Political Agent. The papers include regular reports by the Political Agent on general conditions in Bahrain. Specific topics include: proposed increase in Agency guard, June 1914; proposed regulations covering foodstuffs, pearls and security [1914]; Turkey, and the possibility of Turkish support for Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Sa‘ūd)], July 1914; the pearl trade, August 1914; prohibition of export of foodstuffs, August 1914; food prices, August, October 1914; effect on customs receipts, September 1914; problems caused by unemployed Kurds and Basris in Bahrain, September - October 1914; distress among pearl divers, September 1914; currency issues, October 1914; rumours of German ships in the Persian Gulf, October 1914; the services rendered by Sheikh Abdullah [Sheikh ‘Abdullāh bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah] to the British, the statement that he had been the moving spirit behind the donation of 9600 rupees by Sheikh Isa's family to British charitable war funds, and the recommendation that he receive an honour, November 1914; and hardship caused by the infrequent arrival of mails, March 1917.1 file (81 folios)The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1A on the front cover and terminates at 81 on the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff. 1A, 1B; ff. 16A, 16B; ff. 78A, 78B, 78C, 78D, 78E. In some places the foliation system has numbered versos as well as rectos, with the result that folios 35, 41, 49 and 63 are missing from the recto pages. The following folio needs to be folded out to be read: 78E.
Bushire Residency correspondence, inwards and outwards. The correspondence is mainly concerned with the recovery of fines exacted against the rulers of the Trucial Coast. The reasons for the fines include breaching the maritime peace, abducting of slaves, and plundering of pearls. Topics include:Recovery of financial penalties levied for breach of maritime peace from various rulers on the Gulf coast including the Sharjah Chief; Himreeah [Hamriyah] Chief; Lingah [Bandar-e Lengeh] Chief; Shaikh of Koomjar; Charrack. A table 'Return of Cash received from Shaikhs between 28th January and 17th February 1860' is given on folio 207;Joasmee [Qasimi] Chiefs dispute with the Sharkeeyeen [Sharqiyin] tribe at Dibba. The Joasmee chief Shaikh Sultan bin Saggar [Saqr] attempted to correspond with the Indian Government who referred him to the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Commander Felix Jones, who refuted his complaint;Commendations passed by Captain Felix Jones, Resident in the Persian Gulf, on Lieutenant Carpendale, Commander, Her Company's Corvette
Falklands, for recovery of fines from the Shaikhs of Sharjah and Himriyah;Correspondence directing the 'Aboothabee chief not to aid the Imaum of Oman against his brother, the Sohar Chief' (subject 14);Attack on Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] in 1856 (subject 18);Slave traffic connected with Joasmee Chief and East Coast of Oman.The correspondence is mainly in English except for the following letters in Arabic: f 152; copy of letter from Senior Officer to Shaikh Zaid bin Khalifah, Aboothabee (f. 177); copy of letter from Senior Officer to Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid of Oomulqawein [Umm al Qaywayn]; letter from Sheikh Sultan bin Saggar [Saqr] to Haji Yakoob (ff 179-180) ; Haji Ahmad (f. 181); Correspondents include: Commander Felix Jones, Resident in the Persian Gulf; Henry Lacon Anderson, Secretary to Government, Bombay; Commodore Griffith Jenkins, Commander, Persian Gulf Squadron; Hajee Yakoob, British Agent in Sharjah; rulers of Trucial Coast.1 volume (334 folios)The volume is arranged in 18 subject headings which give further details on the content contained in the subject: headingSubject 1 (folio 10);Subject 2 (folio 25);Subject 3 (folio 68);Subject 4 (folio 113);Subject 5 (folio 124);Subject 6 (folio 139);Subject 7 (folio 149);Subject 8 (folio 197);Subject 9 (folio 205);Subject 10 (folio 210);Subject 11 (folio 218);Subject 12 (folio 227);Subject 13 (folio 239);Subject 14 (folio 215);Subject 15 (folio 250);Subject 16 (folio 262);Subject 17 (folio 266);Subject 18 (folio 275).Foliation: Foliated with pencil number in top right front corner of each folio from front to back excluding covers and blank pages. Foliation anomalies: 1A,1B,1C,1D
The file comprises letters and their enclosures, sent under the heading of ‘Secret Department’, to the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Samuel Hennell). The letters are sent by LR Reid, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay.The file’s contents include correspondence relating to:the Imam of Muscat’s desire to return the yacht
Prince Regent, given to him by King William the Fourth, and arrangements for its repairs at Bombay (folios 2-13, 76-77);praise for and costs associated with Captain Hamerton’s journey to Brymee [Al Buraymī] (folio 14);the ratification of the Convention of Commerce agreed between the British Government and the Imam of Muscat at Zanzibar on 31 May 1839 (folios 14-39), including a copy of a letter (in English and Arabic) from Lord Palmerston (Henry John Temple) to Sultan Said Syeed bin Sultan [Sa‘id bin Sulṭān] the Imam of Muscat, dated 2 April 1840 (folios 18-22);Egyptian designs on Arabia and Muscat, with details of a discussion between Colonel Hodges, Her Majesty’s Consul in Alexandria, and Mahomed Alli Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Bāshā] (folios 40-43, 52-55);Commander Brucks’s orders for the prohibition of gun salutes in the Gulf, and regulations for the use of gun salutes (folios 44-51);disapproval of the East India Company Board of Directors of Hennell’s pledge to the Sultan of Muscat to protect his territory from invasion (folios 56-57);the granting of permission by Government for the British Agent at Muscat ‘to remove at the unhealthy season from that place’ (folios 61-62);British response to the blockade at Kateef [Al-Qaṭīf], Sohat [Sayhat] and Ajeer (folios 63, 78);British policy to not interfere in differences between the Maritime Arab Chiefs (folios 64-66);a letter sent by Lord Palmerston to the Imam of Muscat, dated 4 October 1840, on French designs on Oman (folios 67-68);the Imam of Muscat’s proposed trip to Zanzibar (folios 69-72);the Imam of Muscat’s designs on Bahrain (folios 73-75).1 file (79 folios)The incoming letters are arranged chronologically in the order they were received, from the earliest at the front of the file to the latest at the back. Enclosures to letters are arranged after the letter they were enclosed with.Foliation: There is a foliation sequence, which 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 before the back cover, on number 80. Foliation anomalies: no ff 21-22.Pagination: There is an incomplete pagination sequence, which is written in ink, in the top-right corners of the rectos and in the top-left corners of the versos.
This file concerns the conclusion of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation with the Sultan of Muscat, Sayyid Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd on 19 March 1891. The new treaty was modelled on a recently concluded treaty with Zanzibar. It superseded the Treaty of Commerce of May 1839 and its main purpose was to shut out French interests and influence in Muscat.Correspondence in the volume is between the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire and the Political Agent at Muscat, as well as British officials in the Foreign Department of the Government of India, the Foreign Office and at Zanzibar. There are also copies of correspondence from the Sultan of Muscat.The file has an index on folio 2A. Subjects within the file include: the exclusion of Cape of Good Hope from the Treaty (folios 88, 94); importation of arms and ammunition (folio 37); the expiration of the Treaty (folios 108, 112-114); British protection for Goanese subjects under the Treaty (folios 144-148, 154-156); modifications to the Treaty (folios 119-120); accession to Natal (folios 88, 94); accession to Newfoundland (folios 95-96); draft of the Treaty (folios 8-17, 22-31); draft protocol (folios 74-77); accession to Queensland (folios 95-96); draft of Revised Treaty (1904-1905) (folios 138-170); Separate Declaration by Sultan as to non-cession of his dominions (folios 54-57, 61-62); treaty executed but not-ratified (folios 49-53); Zanzibar Commercial Treaty (1886) (folios 18-21, 40-48).1 volume (180 folios)This volume is arranged approximately in chronological order.Foliation: Foliation numbers are circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. They begins on the title page, on number 1B, and end on the last folio of writing, on number 170. The file contains the following foliation amendments: folios 1A-B; folios 2A-C; folios 4A-B; folios 78A-B; folios 79A-B.
The volume contains copies of incoming and outgoing correspondence for the Persian Gulf Residency. At the start of 1852 Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Hennell is Resident, before being superseded in March by Captain Arnold Kemball.The volume includes:Correspondence with the British Envoy at the Court of Persia, Colonel Justin Sheil, reporting on affairs in Persia, on the construction of an upper story for the house of John Malcolm at Bushire, and requesting for information on the history of Bahrain before 1716;Correspondence with the Secretaries to the Government at Bombay regarding affairs in Persia, the Persian Gulf slave trade, commerce, the 1853 occupation of the Island of Carrack [Kharg, Iran] and the conversion of an Armenian to Islam in Basra;Correspondence with the British Envoy at the Court of Persia and the Political Agents at Muscat and Shiraz, in regard to the dispute between the Imam of Muscat and Feerooz Meerza, the Prince Governor of Fars Province, over Bandar-e ʻAbbāsThe volume contains letters in Arabic, one from the Imam of Muscat (folios 57 and 133).1 volume (146 folios)The correspondence is arranged chronologically.Foliation: the foliation is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. The numbering begins on the first folio with 2, and runs through to the final folio with 146.Pagination: there is also an original pagination sequence, which is not complete; only the pages with writing have been paginated.
The majority of correspondence in the file consists of miscellaneous letters and instructions, with enclosures, in Arabic and English, between 9 February 1884 to 24 February 1914, from the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf at Bushire and ‘Abd al-Qāsim, Khān Bahādur ‘Abd al-Laṭīf bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān and ‘Īsá bin ‘Abd al-Laṭīf, Residency Agents on the Trucial Coast at Sharjah. There are also letters from Messrs A & T J Malcolm & Company (f. 9) and the Residency Agent at Lingah (f. 49). Enclosures typically include copies and originals of letters to and from various Persian Gulf rulers (for example, ff. 69, 70-77) and from British native agents at Bahrain and Lingah (for example, f. 151). Also included within the file are copies of responses from the Residency Agent to the Political Residency (for example, f. 67) and list of claims of various residents of Abu Dhabi (ff. 78-87).The Arabic and Persian text of the letters is handwritten and appears on the left hand of the folio, while the English text occasionally appears typed (for example, ff. 191-192). Some letters have strips of paper attached to them indicating the subject of the letter (for example, ff. 141-144), while on the recto side of some folios the subject of the letter is written in Arabic in pencil or pen (for example, f. 26v). The letters are numbered according to the year, for example, ‘No 389 of 1886’ (f. 107), although some letters appear unnumbered (for example, f. 171).The correspondence within the file deals generally with commercial and consular matters and the relations of the rulers of the Trucial Coast shaikhdoms with one another and the British. Subjects covered within the file include: the islands of Dalmā, Sīrī, Sir Bu Neir [Ṣīr Bū Nu‘ayr] and Abū Mūsá and red oxide mines; the status and claims of British Indian subjects (
banyans) in the Persian Gulf; pearl diving matters and cases of absconding divers; relations between Aḥmad bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Mu‘allā, the ruler of Umm al-Qaywayn, and his son Muḥammad; the transport of armed men and munitions by sea, and the preservation of maritime peace; relations between Shaikh Zāyid bin Kahlīfah Āl Nahyān of Abu Dhabi and Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī of Qatar; attack on an al-Wakrah boat and correspondence from ‘Alī bin Rāshid, the shaikh of al-Wakrah; various slavery cases, including one related to the shaikhs of Abu Dhabi and Qatar; relations between Shaikh Zāyid and al-Qubaysāt, al-Manāṣīr and Banī Hājir tribes; relations between Oman and Persia vis-à-vis the Trucial Coast; and a breach of the maritime peace by the people of al-Ḥamrīyah against ports on the Persian littoral of the Gulf.1 file (241 folios)Foliation: The foliation numbers are circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. They begin on the front cover, on number 1, and end on the inside of the back cover, on number 241. Foliation errors: f. 78 is followed by f. 78A; no f. 211.
This file contains correspondence related to the Persian Government's claim of sovereignty over Bahrain and the actions of some its agents in connection to operations taken by the British Government against the chiefs of Bahrain that it had accused of acts of piracy.The correspondence includes original copies of letters from Persian Government officials (in both Persian and Arabic) to Mahomed bin Abdullah [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Khalīfah] the Chief of Bahrain. English translations of these letters are also included.1 volume (56 folios)The file is arranged chronologically. An index of the correspondence contained in the file is included on folios 3-5.Condition: Previously bound, the file's pages have been de-bound and are now loose in the file's original cover.Foliation: The file's foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The file contains the following foliation errors: 1, and 1A and the following foliation omissions: 6-7, and 10-11.
This file contains correspondence between British officials and the various chiefs of the Trucial Coast regarding arrangements concerned with runaway sailors and divers in the area.The file contains several letters and other documents in Arabic (with English translations) sent from the British Agent at Sharqah [Sharjah], Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed, to the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Edward Charles Ross.The file also contains original letters in Arabic (with some English translations) from the following regional rulers:Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chief of AjmanZayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu DhabiHumayd bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chief of Ras Al KhaimahAhmad bin Abdullah Al Mu'alla, Chief of Umm Al QaiwainSalim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chief of SharjahHushr bin Maktoum, Chief of DubaiThe file contains an English translation of an agreement between the British and the chiefs of Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai, Umm Al Qaiwain, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah signed in June 1879 (folios 117-118).1 volume (230 folios)The file is arranged chronologically, with the earliest letter at the beginning of the file and the most recent letter at the end.Condition: A bound volume.Foliation: The file's main foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A second mixed foliation/pagination sequence runs in parallel between ff 3-227; these numbers are written in either blue or red crayon, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio, along with sometimes the corresponding top left of the verso side.The file contains the following foliation errors: 81, and 81A; 113, and 113A; 179, and 179A and the following omissions: 142.
The volume comprises correspondence between the Ruler of Katr [Qatar], Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī, and British officials, concerning relations between Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad and a variety of parties on the Arab coast, including Indian subjects in Qatar, the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi, and the British and Turkish Governments. The principal correspondents in the file are the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Colonel Edward Ross, Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī, and the Residency Agent at Sharjah, Hajjī ‘Abd Āl Qāsim.The principal subjects discussed in the volume are:Relations between Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī of Qatar and Shaikh Zayid bin Khalīfah of Abu Zhabi [Abu Dhabi] including: Shaikh Jāsim’s intention to occupy the village of ’Odaid, considered to be Abu Dhabi property, with the Resident’s response to the move (folios, 5, 14), raids by Qatar tribes (folios 130-31) and subsequent reprisals (folios 134-35), reconciliation (folios 137-38), and a later deterioration of relations between Qatar and Abu Dhabi in 1885/86 (folios 189-91);Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad’s intentions to attack the Ajman tribes at El Katiff [Al-Qaṭīf] (folios 34-35);The actions of Butuye bin Khadim and his people (the Kubeysat). The Kubeysat originated from ’Odaid and were indebted to Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad. Butuye bin Khadim subsequently moved from Al Bidda to Wakrah [Wukrah] without repaying his debts, and was accused of stealing pearls at Wukrah (folios 59-61, 66-67);Reports of ill-treatment by the inhabitants of Al Bidda against Indian banians (folios 121-22);A report on a discussion between Commander Nesham of HMS
Woodlarkand Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī, dated 7 February 1882, covering: the 1868 treaty between Great Britain and Qatar, and Shaikh Jāsim’s desire to break relations with the Turks and have relations with Britain similar to that enjoyed by Abu Dhabi; Shaikh Jāsim’s relations with the Turkish authorities; and the treatment of Indian subjects [banians] in Qatar (folios 164-75);Reports of Turkish activities at Al-Hasa and Al-Qaṭīf (folios 176-80).Correspondence on these subjects throughout the volume, exchanged between Ross and the Government of India, includes discussion on the ambiguous jurisdictional nature of Britain’s relationship with Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī who, in spite of having signed a treaty with the British in 1868 (folios 52-53, 57-58), had aligned himself with Turkey in 1871. A copy of a letter from the Assistant Political Agent at Basrah [Basra] to the Political Resident and Consul General in Baghdad, dated 2 September 1886 (folios 214-15), indicates Abu Dhabi’s status as Britain’s most westerly protectorate on the Arab coast, and its close proximity to Qatar, the most southerly domain in Arabia under nominal Turkish control.1 volume (221 folios)The contents of the volume are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest items at the front of the volume to the latest at the end. As a general rule, translations into English of letters received in Arabic are arranged immediately before the original Arabic item.Foliation: The volume’s foliation starts on the first page after the front cover and finishes on the last page of the volume, using pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. The following foliation anomalies occur: 1a.Some pages are damaged at the edges, through tears or water damage, resulting in the loss of a small amount of text.
This file contains correspondence discussing the concerns of British officials regarding the movement of Persian Government officials in the Gulf and their supposed attempts to challenge British power in the region.The movements of Haji Ahmed Khan (also given as Hajee Ahmed Khan and Hajee Ahmed bin Mohamad Ali), the Governor of Bushire, are discussed in detail throughout the file and copies of some of his correspondence with local rulers and the British are contained in the file.The file also contains letters in Arabic (with English translations) from British agents in Lingah [Bandar-e Lengeh] and Sharjah that were sent to the Political Resident in Bushire and correspondence between the Political Resident and the following local rulers:Zayed bin Khaleefah [Khalifa], Chief of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi]Rashid bin Huamid, Chief of AjmanHumaid bin Abdullah bin Sultan, Chief of Ras El Khaymah [Ras Al Khaimah]Ahmad bin Abdullah, Chief of Ummal Kaiwain [Umm Al Quwain]Rashed [Rashid] bin Maktoum, Chief of Debay [Dubai]1 volume (162 folios)The file is arranged chronologically, from the earliest letter in the file at the front to the most recent letter in the file at the back.Condition: a bound volume.Foliation: The file's foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The file contains the following foliation errors: 1, and 1A; 28, and 28A; 91, and 91A.Pagination: A pagination sequence is also present between ff 2-160; these numbers are written in blue/red crayon, and are located in the top outermost corner of each page.
The volume contains memos, reports and correspondence exchanged between the British officials in the Persian Gulf, the Political Resident and his Agents at Sharjah and Bahrein [Bahrain], the Ruler of Katr [Qatar], Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī, and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Zayid bin Khalīfah, discussing hostilities between the two rulers, occurring between 1888 and 1889. The hostilities were initially due to the dispute on the sovereignty over Al Udaid [’Odaid, Qatar] considered to be Abu Dhabi property, and provoked attacks and raids. The main events dealt with in the volume are the attack of Bedouin from Abu Dhabi on Al Bida [Qatar] during which twenty-four men were killed including Ali, Shaikh Jasim's son, and the subsequent Qatari attack to Dhafrah [Abu Dhabi].The volume also contains copious letters in Arabic (with English translations) sent to the Political Resident in Persian Gulf at Bushire by local rulers.3 volumes (404 folios)The volume is arranged chronologically, from the earliest letter in the file at the front to the most recent letter in the file at the back.Condition: three bound volumes.Foliation: The foliation sequence runs through three volumes as a single continuous series. It commences at the title page of volume one with 1, 1A and 1B, and terminates at the last folio of volume three with 402; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The volume’s contents fall into two categories:Reports and memoranda on Bahrain, dated 1875, including a report on the rulers of Bahrain (folios 2-7); a history and genealogy of the Uttoobee [ʿUtūb] tribe (folios 9-10); names of the ʿUtūb rulers (folios 11-13); a memorandum on Bahrain (folios 15-44) covering etymologies of the islands’ names, its inhabitants, political character, and history from the earliest known period to the present day; and a list of some of the principal families in Bahrain (folios 45-46). The first three of these reports are ascribed to an individual called Hajee Abdool Cassim, and are present in the volume in Arabic original and English translation. The author of the last two reports is unclear.The second part of the volume contains correspondence relating to arrangements for the excavation of Bahrain’s tumuli. There are a number of letters dated 1879 (folios 49, 52, 53, 58, 59-60) exchanged between Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Ross, Resident in the Persian Gulf, and the Principal Librarian of the British Museum (Edward Bond), the latter being eager to initiate excavations of the tumuli at Bahrain, and forwarding funds of £100 sterling for the project. Later correspondence covers arrangements for the purchase and delivery of pickaxes to Bahrain for the excavations (folios 61-74), and arrangements and letters of recommendation to Shaikh Esau bin Khuleefah [Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah] for Theodor and Mabel Bent to visit Bahrain in 1889 to undertake excavations (folios 91-98).Note that Durand’s notes on the antiquities of Bahrain, cited in the original file title, are not themselves included in the volume.1 volume (104 folios)The volume’s contents have been arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest items at the front to the latest at the end.Foliation: The volume is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. The following foliation anomalies occur: 1a, 1b, 1c.
The volume contains correspondence relating to British forces sent to Bushire during the Anglo-Persian War of 1856-57. The correspondents include: Major-General Foster Stalker (later James Outram), Commander of British Forces in Persia; Henry Lacon Anderson, Secretary to Government at Bombay; Charles Augustus Murray, British Minister to Persia (in Baghdad during the war); James Rennie, Commander of the vessel
Ferooz; John Darke, Commander of the vessel
Hugh Lindsay; Arnold Burrows Kemball, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia and Consul General at Baghdad; Stratford Canning, British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople; Meerza Hassan Ally Khan [Ḥasan ‘Ali Khān], Governor of Bushire; Brigadier Honner, Commander of the Second Light Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant Thain, Commander Deputed to Karrack [Kharg] Island; Rear Admiral Henry Leeke, Commander of the Naval Squadron of the Persian Expeditionary Force; George Frederick Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department; G I Fraser, Civil Surgeon at Ahmednagar, in charge of the Persian Prisoners of War; the Secret Committee, in London; the Foreign Office, in London; Lieutenant J Ballard, Intelligence Officer; Hajee Ahmed [Ḥājī Aḥmad], Arabic Secretary to the Political Resident at Bushire; and Bawkir Khan, Chief of Tungistoon [Tangestān].The volume is divided into sections, each containing correspondence pertaining to a particular topic, as follows:I. 1: This section contains no correspondence, but bears the title 'Expeditionary Force placed under the command of General Stalker, C. B.; Commander Felix Jones is nominated Political Agent to the Persian Field Force, and is further to retain the title and discharge the functions of Resident in the Persian Gulf'.I. 2: Relates to the appointments of Felix Jones as Civil Commissioner in the town of Bushire and Major Taylor as Stalker's assistant and interpreter.I. 3: Relates to the siege and capture of Bushire by British Forces, and their unopposed occupation of Kharg Island.I. 4: A diary of events at the Residency from 29 November 1856 to 5 April 1857.I. 5: Relates to the wartime policy regarding Persian and Arab merchants at Bombay who wish to trade with Persian Gulf ports.I. 6: Relates to Leeke's refusal to correspond directly with Jones, and the Government of India's disapproval of his behaviour.I. 7: Relates to where to send prisoners of war and their servants and effects. It contains several English cover letters for correspondence between prisoners and their families.I. 8: Contains extracts from Secret Committee and Foreign Office dispatches that outline on what terms Britain will agree a peace with Persia.I. 9: Contains correspondence and intelligence on the movements of Persian troops in the interior around Bushire and Shiraz, and what allegiance Britain can expect from the tribes of the area. Included are letters from several Persian and Arab leaders, most notably Bawkir Khan, Chief of Tangestān.1 volume (226 folios)The volume is firstly divided into sections relating to a specific topic. Each section is given a topic number with the letter I (ranging from I.1 to I.9), and the sections are arranged using this number. Within each section the correspondence is arranged chronologically.Foliation: the numbers in the sequence are circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio, on number 2, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 218. There are the following irregularities: f 2 is followed by f 2A; f 12 is followed by f 12A; f 26 is followed by f 26A; f 48 is followed by f 48A; f 89 is followed by f 89A; f 98 is followed by f 98A; f 111 is followed by f 111A; f 126 is followed by f 126A; f 141 is followed by f 141A.
The letter is enclosing a communication sent by Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay to Rahma bin Jabir [Raḥmah bin Jābir], Shaikh of the Jalahamah tribe, dated 16 January 1826, in response to a letter received from him, dated 7 November 1825. The enclosure is in Arabic and includes a translation in English.The enclosed letter explains that the British interfered with his conflict with the people of Quteef [Al-Qaṭīf] because he had targeted the boats of neutral tribes, and thus threatened the stability of trade in the region. It further urges him not to renew a system of piracy in the Persian Gulf.3 folios
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
This letter refers to William Newnham's letter dated 22 February and transmits an original letter from the Governor of Bombay to Sooltan bin Suggur [Sulṭān bin Ṣaqr Āl Qāsimī, the ruler of Sharjah] together with English and Arabic copies for the Resident's information. Only the Arabic copy is enclosed and is dated 4 Sha‘bān 1242 [2 March 1827].2 folios
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.
A volume of letters sent outwards. Most of the correspondence is from Nicholas Hankey Smith, Resident at Bushire, mainly to various company officials in India or elsewhere in the Gulf and surrounding regions. Correspondence is also frequently sent to Jaffer Ali Khan [Ja‘afar ‘Alī Khān], the Resident's native agent at Shiraz, along with various other Persian officials. From July 1808, correspondence is sent out by William Bruce, who becomes Acting Resident following the departure of Nicholas Hankey Smith. The volume also contains some letters inwards, mainly as enclosures to letters outward.The subject matter of the correspondence is the administration of the Bushire Residency, company trade and political matters in the Gulf. French diplomatic activity, and plans to advance on British India is also a frequent topic in the correspondence.The following abbreviations have been used:HCC - Honourable Company's CruizerHMS - His Majesty's Ship2 volumes, 314 items (212 folios)This was once a single volume that has since been split into two parts.Part 1: ff.1-96Part 2: ff.97-1942 volumes in one slipcaseFoliation: The foliation sequence runs through two volumes as a continuous sequence. It commences at the title page of volume one and terminates at the last folio of volume two; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The file contains the following foliation corrections: 1 is followed by 1A; 11 is followed by 11A; 117 is followed by 117A; 193 is followed by 193A.Pagination: An original pagination sequence also runs through both volumes between ff 1-194; these numbers are written in ink, and are located in the top outermost corner of each page. The pagination is intermittent in places as numbers have been lost as a result of damage to the folios.Condition: The volumes have suffered from extensive pest damage resulting in the loss of a significant amount of text, and as a result the content can be difficult to read in places.
Most of the letters are written by Lieutenant William Bruce, who was the Resident at this time. A handful of letters are written by James Orton, Assistant Surgeon at Bushire, who took temporary charge of the Residency while Bruce was away from Bushire. Subjects relating directly to the Residency include: accounts; stationery; military and marine expenses; and the sending of arms from Bombay to the Court of Persia, via Bushire. Broader themes within the letters include the procurement of sulphur for its use in India, the woollen and silk trades in Persia, and the threat of Āl Qāsimī pirates to British trade in the Persian Gulf.1 volume, 254 items (142 folios)The items are arranged in chronological order, beginning on 1 April 1813 and ending on 28 December 1814.1 volume in one slipcasePagination: This file has an original pagination sequence, which is written in ink, in the top right corner of each recto and the top left corner of each verso. This sequence runs until page 100. A later pagination sequence, which is written in pencil, begins at page 101. This sequence is inconsistent, with many numbers repeated out of sequence.Foliation: The volume has been foliated for referencing purposes by circling numbers in pencil, in the top right corner of each folio. The sequence begins with the first letter, on number 1, and runs through to 138, ending on the inside of the back cover of the volume. This is the sequence that has been used by this catalogue to reference items within the volume.
This file is divided into two sections. The first section (folios 2-21) consists of fourteen letters from Bushire to Tehran, two letters from Bushire to Baghdad and two letters from Tehran to Bushire. The letters from Bushire are written by Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to one of the following: His Excellency Colonel Justin Sheil CB, Her Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia, Tehran; William Taylour Thomson, Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at the Court of Persia, Tehran; Colonel Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Baghdad. In addition, there are two letters from William Taylour Thomson to Arnold Burrowes Kemball. Subjects covered in the first section include: British relations with the Persian Government; the state of affairs in Tangestān and Bandar-e 'Abbās; the retrieval of consignments of indigo, which formed part of the plundered cargo of the
Centaur. The second section (folios 24-59) consists of fourteen letters from Commodore George Robinson, Commander of the Persian Gulf Squadron, to Kemball and eight letters addressed by Kemball to Robinson. Many of Robinson's letters include enclosed copies of letters from various officers of the Naval Squadron (namely Lieutenants James Tronson, Robert Anstice Stradling, Charles Golding Constable and David Rose Dakers), which include not only accounts of duties carried out in the lower end of the Gulf but also reports of intelligence received from the native agents at Sharjah and Bandar-e Lengeh respectively. Subjects covered include: attempts made by Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah Āl Sa‘ūd, ruler of the Second Saudi State, to obtain a tribute from the Governor of Muscat, Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘id al-Sa‘id, for the Al-Bāṭinah coast; the various duties carried out by officers of the Squadron, such as seizing boats that have imported slaves into ports along the Arab coast.1 volume, 39 items (60 folios)For the most part, the letters within the two divided sections proceed in chronological order, although there are several exceptions. The first section ranges in date from 6 January to 2 December 1853 while the second section ranges in date from 22 March to 8 November 1853.Pagination: There is an original pagination sequence which is written in ink, in the top right corners of the rectos and in the top left corners of the versos. The sequence is consistent, although not all of the pages have been paginated.Foliation: There is a foliation sequence, which is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. This sequence begins on the third folio after the front cover, on number 1A, and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 62. It should be noted that the sequence begins on f 1A and is followed by f 1B and f 2. This is the sequence used by this catalogue to reference items within this file.
This file consists of letters written and received by James Felix Jones, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire. Aside from Jones, the two most prominent correspondents are Henry Lacon Anderson, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, and Commodore Griffith Jenkins, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf. Other correspondents include: Henry Young, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; Cecil Beadon, Secretary to the Government of India, Fort William; and George Frederick Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of India, Allahabad.The two main subjects of this file are the condition of the naval station at Bassidore [Bāsaʻīdū] and Britain's assumption of the sovereignty of India. The letters received from Griffith Jenkins are primarily concerned with the status of the naval station at Bassidore. In one of his letters to Jones (ff 5-8), dated 18 March 1858, Griffith Jenkins remarks on the total inefficiency of the naval establishment at Bassidore and solicits Jones's aid in presenting this issue to the Government so that arrangements can be made for its repair. The file includes a letter to Griffith Jenkins from a committee which has been appointed to report on the condition of the public buildings at Bassidore. This letter (ff 28-33), dated 18 March 1859, submits the committee's report on the condition of the port, the water tanks, the storehouses, the houses for liberated slaves, the smithy, the hospital and the sepoys' quarters at Bassidore.In his letters to Henry Lacon Anderson, Jones discusses the distribution of the ships of the Indian Naval Squadron and expresses his opinion on whether it is advisable for British subjects to engage in pearl fishing in the Persian Gulf.Jones's correspondence with Henry Young concerns the dissemination throughout the Gulf of copies of Her Majesty's proclamation on Britain's assumption of the sovereignty of India. Included with the received letters from India are printed extracts from the Government of India Act (1858) (ff 54-62), as well as translations of the aforementioned proclamation in Persian (handwritten, ff 43-46), Arabic (printed, f 48) and English (printed, ff 63-64).Further items on this subject include letters, both in Arabic (it is not clear whether the letters in Arabic are originals or transcriptions) and in English, from the Imam of Muscat, Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘id Āl Bū Sa‘īd, to Felix Jones (see ff 74-77 and f 80), in which Jones is informed that Her Majesty's assumption of the sovereignty of India was marked with the decoration and illumination of Muscat for three successive nights. In addition, there is a copy of a letter to the Resident which is written in Persian (ff 78v-79, name of correspondent unclear). These items are followed by translated purports of letters from the British Agents at Muscat and Sharjah (Khojeh Hiskale and Hajee Yacoob – see f 81 and ff 84-85 respectively), which convey the acknowledgements of the Imam of Muscat and other local rulers.1 volume (94 folios)For the most part, the letters in this file have been arranged in chronological order, proceeding from 25 February 1858 to 24 December 1859.Foliation: This file has a foliation sequence, which is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio of writing, on number 1, and ends on the final folio before the back cover, on number 96. This is the sequence that has been used to reference items within the file.
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.
This file consists of letters received by David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, from William Newnham, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay, and Charles Norris, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay. The letters cover the following subjects: the concerns of Mahomed Bin Ulee Jellanee, Chief of the Banī Bū ‘Alī tribe, about the distressed situation of the tribe resulting from the actions of Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Bū Sa‘īd, His Highness the Imam of Muscat; attempts by the British Government to discourage the Imam from launching an expedition against Bahrain; and a request for a quantity of shining sand for stationery use.1 volume, 3 items (18 folios)The correspondence proceeds in chronological order from 25 March 1829 to 21 July 1829.Pagination: There is a pagination sequence which is written in ink and which appears in the top right corner of the recto of each folio and in the top left corner of the verso of each folio. This sequence is inconsistent: some of the pages have not been paginated and the sequence is not complete.Foliation: There is a foliation sequence which 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 19. This is the sequence used by this catalogue to reference items within the file.
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.
The volume contains correspondence relating to the employment and activities of British Agents responsible to the Persian Gulf Residency at Bushire. The correspondents include: Felix Jones, British Resident at Bushire; the Government of Bombay; Captain Christopher Palmer Rigby, British Consul and Agent at Zanzibar; Syed Thuweynee [Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Sultan of Muscat; the British Agency at Muscat; Commanders of the Persian Gulf Naval Squadron; the British Agency at Sharjah; the British Agency at Shiraz; Prince Tahmasp, Governor of Fars; Charles Murray (later Charles Alison), British Minister at Tehran; and Lieutenant R W Whish, Commander of the
Mahi.The volume is organised into sections, each relating to a different topic, as follows:Subject 1: Relates to the British Agent at Muscat, covering the following matters:the dismissal of Heskael bin Yusuf as Agent due to lack of communication and inefficiency;the appointment by Jones of Henry Chester as Agent, and his subsequent removal because of the need for officers of his rank in the navy;the argument, put forward by Jones, for the need for a British-born agent at Muscat because of the sensitive political situation (the political split between Zanzibar and Muscat), a new telegraph station at Muscat that requires the expertise to operate, the slave traffic in Oman, and the growing influence of foreign powers (France) in the country;the appointment of William Pengelley as Political Agent at Muscat.The section contains (folios 24-32) detailed instructions for new agents at Muscat and a discussion of the protection to be given to banyans (Indian traders) in the region and the extent of British jurisdiction.Subject 2: relates to friction and disagreement between Jones and Hormuzd Rassam, appointed temporarily as British Agent at Muscat, caused by the former communicating directly with the Sultan of Muscat and the latter considering himself under the authority of the Residency at Aden, not Bushire.Subject 3: relates to Hajee Yacoob [Ḥājī Ya‘qūb], British Agent at Shargah [Sharjah], including praise and reward for his good service, and compensation paid to the family of Hajee el-Mir [Ḥājī al-Mīr], a munshi who drowned off Sharjah and was employed at the Agency.Subject 4: also relates to Ḥājī Ya‘qūb, specifically the transferral of a boat in store at Bassadore [Bāsaʻīdū] to Sharjah for the use of the Agent.Subject 5: relates to the position of British Agent at Shiraz after the Anglo-Persian War. Matters covered include:the re-appointment of Meerza Mahomed Hussun Khan [Mīrza Moḥamad Ḥasan Khān] as agent by Jones and his subsequent dismissal in favour of Hajee Mahomed Khuleel [Ḥājī Moḥamad Khalīl], who had been appointed by Charles Augustus Murray, British Minister at Tehran;the disagreement between Jones and Murray following these events;the routes of communication with India to be used and whether, if Shiraz is bypassed, to retain an agent there.Subject 6: relates to the resignation of Ḥājī Moḥamad Khalīl as agent at Shiraz and a cholera epidemic affecting the city.Subject 7: relates to the appointment of E N Castelli as British Agent at Shiraz, his retirement shortly afterwards, and the re-appointment of Moḥamad Ḥasan Khān. Also briefly covers Charles Murray's return to Europe on sick leave.Subject 8: consists of correspondence between the Resident at Bushire and Castelli, Agent at Shiraz, on miscellaneous topics, including the case of a Persian merchant in Bombay, naturalised as a British subject, seeking legal protection in Persia, and the death of Mirza Mahomed Ali Khan [Mīrza Moḥamad ‘Ali Khān] Nawabi Hindi.Subject 9: relates to the work of several munshis employed by the British Government, including:interpreter Meerza Mahomed Jawad [Mīrza Moḥamad Jawād] joins a mission to Muskat [Muscat];praise for the work of Abdool Kurrem [‘Abdul Karīm];Abdool Cassim [‘Abdul Qāsim] transferred from the
Cliveto the
Aucklandto be appointed the Commodore's munshi.Subject 10: relates to a claim by Khulfan Rattonsee on the estate of the deceased brother of Moolla Ahmed [Mullā Aḥmad], British Agent at Lingah and complaints made about former Muscat Agent, Hezkiel.Subject 11: relates to leave granted to Khodadad bin Mahomed [Khudādād bin Moḥamad], Slave Agent at Bāsaʻīdū, in order to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.1 volume (318 folios)The volume is firstly divided into sections relating to a specific subject within the main subject of British Agents. Each section is given a subject number, ranging from 1 to 11, and arranged using this number. Within each section the correspondence is arranged chronologically.Foliation is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio of writing, on number 2, and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 303. There are the following irregularities: f 55 is followed by f 55A; f 90 is followed by f 90A; f 106 is followed by ff 106A-B; f 158 is followed by f 158A; f 162 is followed by f 162A; f 195 is followed f 195A; f 207 is followed by f 207A; f 218 is followed by f 218A; f 237 is followed by f 237A; f 238 is followed by f 238A; f 255 is followed by f 255A; f 267 is followed by f 267A; f 278 is followed by f 278A; f 280 is followed by f 280A; f 286 is followed by f 286A.
This volume includes miscellaneous draft correspondence, as well as Internal Transit Permits, in English with accompanying Arabic and Persian (with the presence of
siyāqaccountancy script) translations from 23 May 1870 (21 Ṣafar 1287) to 14 March 1872 (4 Muḥarram 1289).The letters are between the British Residency in the Persian Gulf at Bushire, during Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Pelly's residency, and various correspondents, most prominent among them are:British native agents: Hajee Abdul Rahman [Ḥājjī ‘Abd al-Raḥmān], British Agent at Sharjah; Hajee Mahomed Bushir [Ḥājjī Muḥammad Bushayrī], British Agent at Lingah; Mirza Hassan Ally Khan, [Mīrzā Ḥassan ‘Alī Khān], British Agent at Shiraz;Persian officials: Mirza Mahomed Khan [Mīrzā Muḥammad Khān], Governor of Bushire; Hajee Ahmed Khan [Ḥājjī Aḥmad Khān]; Governor of Bandar ‘Abbās; Persian Slave Commissioner;Rulers: Shaikh Esau ben Alee ben Khalifah [‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah], chief of Bahrain; Shaikh Mahomed ben Tanee [Muḥammad bin Thānī], chief of Gutter [Qatar]; Syed Toorkee ben Syed Saeed [Sayyid Turkī bin Sayyid Sa‘īd], Sultan of Muscat; Shaikh Zayed ben Khuleefah [Zāyid bin Khalīfah], chief of Aboo Thabee [Abu Dhabi];Others: Hajee Moosa Maymanee [Ḥājjī Mūsá Maymanī], Bushire / British Indian subject; Ebrahim ben Yusuf [Ibrāhīm bin Yūsuf], merchant at Lingah; Nassir ben Rashed Hyderabady [Nāṣir bin Rashīd Ḥaydarābādī]; Ebrahim ben Mohsen Rajab [Ibrāhīm bin Muḥsin Rajab], merchant at BahrainGeneral subjects covered throughout the volume include of relations between the British Residency at Bushire and the Persian government; communications with their native agents, local rulers and merchants on both littorals of the Persian Gulf; relations with other powers including the Wahhabis and the rulers of Najd, the Sultanate of Oman and the Persians; the status and claims of British India protected subjects; trade, exports, imports and customs; preservation of the maritime peace; pearling issues; and slavery cases. The volume also covers the period directly after the attack on Bahrain by Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah and Nāṣir bin Mubārak Āl Khalīfah, and the murder of ‘Alī bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, ruler of Bahrain in 1869 (ff. 187r, 188r); Ottoman reconquest of Eastern Arabia (ff. 116r and 75-71); Great Persian Famine (ff. 77r, 51v).Specific events and details include: relations between Qatar and Āl Na‘īm tribe (f 167v); intelligence gathering from native informants (f. 153v); transportation of books for Reverend Robert Bruce to Persia (ff. 126v, 130v); vessels arriving in the Gulf for the purpose of surveying operations (f. 99r); sanitary conditions in the town of Bushire and quarantine arrangements (ff. 88-89); opening for the position of second munshi at the Bushire Residency (f. 87r); decrees concerning export and storage of grain (ff. 58r, 56r, 55v); posting of Major Sidney Smith, Assistant Resident, to Bahrain; Persian Telegraph Department; and an appeal from Jewish poor of Bushire for aid (f. 31v).Miscellaneous notes in Persian appear on folios 1, 193v and 194r. There are inserted folios of Persian and Arabic documents on folios 141, 137, 124, 69 and 3. A stamp reading 'Received - Political Department' dated 4 December 1907 appears on folio 1r with 'from Mr Wollaston on retirement' written below in pencil.1 volume (195 folios)The volume is arranged from right to left with the earliest correspondence appearing on folio 193r and the latest on folio 2r. Both the recto and verso of the folio are divided into a grid with the English appearing in the right hand column and the Arabic or Persian appearing in the left hand column, although there are exceptions where the Arabic or Persian appears in the right hand column and the English appears in the left hand column (for example, folio 168r). Writing in purple ink appears over some of the English text as a post-script or note (for example, folio 174v), as does the word 'Cancelled' in black ink or a note in purple ink (for example, folios 105r and 86r). The letters in this volume are numbered, running from 46 to 308 for the year 1870 between folio 193r and 132v; 1 to 536 for the year 1871 between folio 132r and 25r; and 1 to 100 for the year 1872 between folio 24r and 2r. Between folios 30r and 26v there are some unnumbered letters. There are inserted folios of Persian and Arabic documents on folios 141, 137, 124, 69 and 3.Foliation: The foliation number is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio after the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the recto of the back cover at number 194.
This volume includes miscellaneous draft correspondence in English with accompanying Arabic and Persian (with the presence of
siyāqaccountancy script) translations from 9 August 1856 (7 Dhū al-Ḥijjah 1272) to 28 January 1859 (23 Jumādá II 1275).The letters are between the British Residency in the Persian Gulf at Bushire, during Captain James Felix Jones's residency, and various correspondents, most prominent among them are:British native agents: Hajee Yacoob [Ḥājjī Ya‘qūb], British Agent at Sharjah; Hajee Jassem [Ḥājjī Jāsim], British Agent at Bahrain; Khojah Hiskal, British Agent at Muscat; Mullah Ahmed [Mullā Aḥmad], British Agent at Lingah; [Mīrzā Muḥammad ‘Alī?], British Agent at Shiraz; Khodādad, Bassidore Native Agent; Hajee Mahomed Bushire [Ḥājjī Muḥammad Bushir, Agent at Karrack [Bandar-e Chārak]; Ḥājjī Muḥammad Khalīl, government agent at Shiraz;Persian officials: Mirza Ahmad Khan [Mīrzā Aḥmad Khān], Derya Begge [Daryā-Begi] and Governor of Bushire; the Prince of Fars; Mirza Muhammad Khan [Mīrzā Muḥammad Khān], Persian Slave Commissioner; Sayyid Muḥammad Tāhir, mojtahid [mujtahid] of Bushire;Rulers: Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, ruler of Bahrain; Jābir bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Ṣabāḥ, ruler of Kuwait; Zāyid bin Khalīfah Āl Nahyān, ruler of Abu Dhabi; Sulṭān bin Saqr, ruler of Ras al-Khaymah and Sharjah; Khalīfah bin Sa‘īd, chief of Lingah; Sa‘īd bin Buṭṭī, chief of Dubai; Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh, chief of Dammam; Sayyid al-Thuwaynī, Imam of Muscat; Ḥusayn bin ‘Abdullāh, chief of Chārak; Jābir [al-Ka‘abī] bin Maurdo [Mardū], chief of Muhammarah; Ḥassan bin Jābir, chief of Kagan [?]; ‘Abdullāh bin Rāshid, chief of Umm al-Qaywayn; Ṣaqr bin ‘Abdullāh, chief of Kishm; Amir Fayṣal, chief of Najd; chief of Khasab; chief of Bu Samit tribe; chief of Ajman [Ḥumayd bin Rāshid]; chief of Tangistan; chief of Kumzar; chief of Mogoo; chief of Bukhā; chief of Ḥamayrah; Sayyid Turkī, governor of Sohar; chief of Ka‘ab; governor of Ṣaḥam;General subjects covered throughout the volume include relations between the British Residency at Bushire and the Persian government; communications with their native agents, local rulers and merchants on both littorals of the Persian Gulf; relations with other powers including the Wahhabis and the rulers of Najd, the Sultanate of Oman and the Persians; the status and claims of British Indian protected subjects; trade, exports, imports and customs; preservation of the maritime peace; pearling issues; and slavery cases. This volume also covers the period of Anglo-Persian War and the Battle of Bushire.Specific events and details include: the affairs of Ibrāhīm Maymanī; passes and duty on horses and donkeys at Bushire (ff. 125r, 123v, 71r); presents for the ruler of Kuwait (f. 120r); death of Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Sultan of Muscat (f. 116r); congratulations from Shaikh of Kuwait on fall of Bushire (f. 121r); commemorations for the Day of Ashura at Bushire (f. 96); murder committed by ‘Īsá bin Jarrāḥ of the Āl Bin ‘Alī tribe (ff. 94r, 93v); shipwrecks (ff. 92v, 66v); pension for widow of Mullā Ḥusayn, deceased Native Agent at Sharjah (f. 91v); evacuation of troops of Karrack island, December 1857 (ff. 71r, 63v, 59r); recognising national festivals by hoisting a flag (f. 67v); the state of the Bushire customs house (ff. 67v, 67r); excavation of certain mounds near Bushire (f. 64v); announcement of the marriage of Victoria, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, to Prince Frederick of Prussia, later Frederick III, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia (f. 53v); invitation to the Daryā-Begi for an evening of entertainment at the Residency (f. 49v); facilitating watch repair for Zāyid bin Khalīfah Āl Nahyān, shaikh of Abu Dhabi (f. 12r); notice of English New Year (f. 10r); and request for British protection by Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, shaikh of Bahrain (f. 7v).Miscellaneous notes in Arabic and Persian appear on the verso of the front cover and folios 1r-6v and 135v-136v. A stamp reading '[Received] In [Political Department]' dated 4 December 1907 appears on the inside of the front cover with 'from Mr Wollaston on retirement' written below in pencil. Also on the inside of the front cover there is a Persian inscription that appears to be verses of the poet Shihāb Turshīzī.1 volume (140 folios)The volume is arranged from right to left with the earliest correspondence appearing on folio 135r and the latest on folio 6v. Both the recto and verso of the folio are divided into a grid with the English appearing running vertically down the folio in the right hand column and the Arabic or Persian appearing in the left hand column. The text of some letters are crossed out (for example, folio 115r) indicating they were cancelled. Letters for the year 1856 run from 9 August on folio 135r to 27 December on folio 121vv; for the year 1857 from 2 January on folio 121v to 31 December on folio 67r; for the year 1858 from 1 January on folio 67r to 30 December on folio 10r; and for 1859 from 3 January on folio 9r to 28 January on folio 6v.Foliation: The foliation number is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio after the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 137. Foliation errors: f. 6 is followed by ff. 6A-B.
This volume includes miscellaneous draft correspondence, reports and statements, as well as Internal Transit Permits, in English with accompanying Arabic and Persian (with the presence of
siyāqaccountancy script) translations from 14 May 1863 (25 Dhū al-Qa‘dah 1279) to 18 October 1865 (27 Jumādá I 1282).The letters are between the British Residency in the Persian Gulf at Bushire, during Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Pelly's residency, and various correspondents, most prominent among them are:British native agents and Residency staff: Mahomed Hassan Khan [Muḥammad Ḥassan Khān], British Agent at Shiraz; Hajee Yacoob [Ḥājjī Ya‘qūb], British Agent at Sharjah; Hajee Ahmed [Ḥājjī Aḥmad], Bushire Residency Arabic secretary; Hajee Jassem [Ḥājjī Jāsim], British Agent at Bahrain; Hajee Mahomed Busheer [Ḥājī Muḥammad Bushīr], British Agent at Lingah; Jaffer Kolee Khan [Ja‘far Qūlī Khān], brother of British Agent at Shiraz and acting Agent; Mahomed Jeauder Ali, havalidar [Havildar] of the Bushire Residency; Mirza Jowad [Mīrzā Jawād], Coal Agent at Bassidore; Abdul Causem [‘Abd al-Qāsim], Slave Agent at Bassidor;Persian Officials: Agha Mahomed Ali [Āghā Muḥammad ‘Alī], Melek et Tojjar [Malik al-tajjār], Bushire; Mirza Mahomed Ali Khan [Mīrzā Muḥammad ‘Alī Khān], Persian Foreign Agent at Shiraz; Ahmed Khan [Aḥmad Khān], Governor of Bushire; Mirza Saeed Khan [Mīrzā Sa‘īd Khān], Minister for Foreign Affairs; Prince Governor of Yezd; Sultan Aweis Mirza [Sulṭān Aways Mīrzā], Governor of Behbahan; Mahomed Yusuf Khan [Muḥammad Yūsuf Khān], Deputy Governor of Bushire; Sheikh Abd al Ali [‘Abd ‘Alī], mujtahid of Bushire; Mirza Suleyman Khan [Mīrzā Sulaymān Khān], Acting Governor of Bushire; Mirza Ibrahim Khan [Mīrzā Ibrāhīm Khān], Deputy Governor of Bushire;Rulers: Chief of Moghoo [Sulṭan bin Ḥusayn?]; Governor of Kuteef [al-Qatif]; Agha Khan Muhallati; Ameer Faysul [Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Sa‘ūd], chief of Najd; Syed Majid [Sayyid Mājid bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Sultan of Zanzibar; Mahomed Khan [Muḥammad Khān], chief of Khormooj [Khvormūj]; Sheikh Ali ben Abdullah [Ālī bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Mu‘allā], chief of Amulgowine [Umm al-Qaywayn]; Sheikh Hushur ibn Muktoom [Ḥashr bin Maktūm], chief of Debai [Dubai]; Sheikh Mahomed ibn Khalifah [Muḥammad bin Khalīfah], chief of Bahrain; Sheikh of Ajman, Ḥumayd bin Rāshid Āl Nu‘aymī; Sheikh of Lingah [Khalīfah bin Sa‘īd]; Sheikh Subah [Ṣabāḥ Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ], Chief of Koweit; Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr [Sulṭān bin Ṣaqr Āl Qāsimī]l, ruler of Ras al-Khaymah and Sharjah; Sheikh Zayed ibn Khalifah [Zāyid bin Khalīfah Āl Nahyān]; Sultan of Muscat, Thawaini [Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd];Others: Hajee Ibrahim Mahmeny [Ḥājjī Ibrāhīm Maymanī], Bushire merchant; Sheikh Ali ibn Khalifah [‘Alī bin Khalīfah], Bahrain; Hajee Ahmed [Ḥājī Aḥmad], wazir of the Sultan of Muscat; Ibrahim ibn Yusuf [Ibrāhīm bin Yūsuf], Bassidor; Lalezur, a Jewish inhabitant of Bushire; Mahomed Saleh [Muḥammad Ṣāliḥ], Bushire merchant; Mirza Ali Akbar [Mīrzā ‘Alī Akbār], Shiraz merchant at Bushire; Sayed Subhanullah [Sayyid Subḥānullāh], inahbitant of Akbarbad; Shahibanor, widow of late Hajee Khodadud [Ḥājjī Khodādad], British Agent at Bassidore; Yoseph bin Buder [Yūsuf bin Badr], Kuwait merchant; widow of Agha Yusuf [Āghā Yūsuf], munshi; Beebee Fatimah [Bībī Fāṭimah], daughter of late Mahomed Nubee Khan [Muḥammad Nabī Khān].General subjects covered throughout the volume include relations between the British Residency at Bushire and the Persian government; communications with their native agents, local rulers and merchants on both littorals of the Persian Gulf; relations with other powers including the Wahhabis and the rulers of Najd, the Sultanate of Oman and the Persians; the status and claims of British Indian protected subjects; trade, exports, imports and customs; preservation of the maritime peace; pearling issues; and slavery cases.Specific events and details include: the affairs of Ibrāhīm Maymanī; procuring housing at Bushire (ff. 131r, 128v-129r, 125r); the English burial ground at Bushire (f. 129r); pilgrims proceeding on hajj (f 124r); trip of Hajee Mirza Ahmed [Ḥājjī Mīrza Aḥmad], Residency Head Munshi to the Arab Coast (ff. 95r, 92r); Wahhabi influence on the Trucial Coast (f. 82r, 81v); acquiring a plot of land for the Persian Gulf Telegraph (f. 73v); an incident on board British vessels at Bushire involving Captain Warner (f. 78v); arrangements for the birthdays of Queen Victoria (f. 66v) and the Nāṣir al-Dīn Shāh Qājār (f. 61v, 20v); abolition of the Agency at Bahrain (f. 58r, 57v); and announcing the English New Year (f. 46v).Miscellaneous notes in Arabic and Persian appear on the verso of the front cover and folios 1r-6v and 135v-136v. A stamp reading 'Received In [Political] Department' dated 4 December 1907 appears on folio 2r with 'from Mr Wollaston on retirement' written below in pencil.1 volume (142 folios)The volume is arranged from right to left with the earliest correspondence appearing on folio 133r and the latest on folio 5r. Both the recto and verso of the folio are divided into a grid with the English appearing in the right hand column and the Arabic or Persian appearing in the left hand column. Some letters appear with the word 'Entered' at the bottom of the text (for example, folio 133r), while others appear with the word 'Cancelled' written over the text (for example, folios 123v and 35r) or crossed out (folio 34r). The letters in this volume are unnumbered. Letters for the year 1863 run from 14 May on folio 133r to 2 December on folio 90v; for the year 1864 from 13 January on folio 90v to 23 December on folio 47r; for the year 1865 from 3 January on folio 46r to 18 October on folio 5r. There are inserted folios of Arabic and English documents on folios 4A and 136.Foliation: The foliation number is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the third folio after the front cover (the front cover being separate from the rest of the volume), on number 1, and ends on the last folio of writing, on number 136. Foliation errors: f. 4 is followed by ff. 4A-B; f.112 is followed by f. 112A.
Letter in Arabic, with English translation, from Syed Majid [Sayyid Majid bin Said Al-Busaid] to Ameer Abdullah [Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki al-Saud].The letter discusses Ameer Abdullah's ownership of the Arab coastline of the Persian Gulf, and stating that Guttur [Qatar] does not belong to them, but instead is subject to the Rulers of Bahrein [Bahrain]. The letter goes on to give the history between the rulers of Bahrain and the al-Saud's from 1197 (1783) onwards focusing especially on Faisal bin Turki al-Saud, his relationship with the rulers of Bahrain and arrangements for receipt of payments of tributes.The letter itself is not dated, however the events referred to within it occured in 1870.The letter is addressed to Colonel Lewis Pelly as he was acting as intermediary in negotiations between the two parties at the time of writing.3 folios
The volume contains letters received by the Residency, relating to a number of issues affecting or occurring in the Persian Gulf during the period covered: regulations for British vessels visiting the Persian Gulf and Bushire; hostilities on the Arab coast between the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Ra's al-Khaymah and Ajman; the forwarding of letters from the Honourable Governor in Council to the Wahhābī ruler Turki bin Sa‘ūd, and the Shaikh of Ajman Rashid bin Humayd.1 volume, 5 items (12 folios)The letters in the volume are arranged in chronological order, from the earliest at the front of the volume, to the latest at the rear.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first page of text and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An original incomplete pagination sequence, written in ink, is also present in the volume between ff 1-12. This is the sequence used by this catalogue to reference items within the volume.
The letter is a covering letter, enclosing a letter in English (folio 11) and Arabic (folio 12) from Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay, to Sooltan bin Suggur [Sultan bin Saqr], dated 16 February 1825. The Acting Secretary requests that Stannus forward the letters to the Governor to Shaikh Sultan bin Saqr.In the enclosed letter, Elphinstone writes that he is pleased that peace has been concluded between Sultan bin Saqr and the Imam of Muscat [Sa‘id bin Sulṭān al-Sa‘id], and hopes, with God's blessing, that no more violence will be inflicted by Shaikh Sultan's neighbours.4 folios
Letter in Arabic, with envelope, to Thuwaini bin Said al-Said, Sultan of Muscat. The letter is most likely from Lewis Pelly, as folio 16 contains a letter to Pelly from His Highness.The letter is most likely written sometime between 1863 and 1865 as Lewis Pelly only commenced his position as Political Resident in the Persian Gulf in mid-1862 and Thuwaini bin Said was killed in February 1866.2 folios
The letter relates to the death of the Shaikh of Bahrain, and the intentions of the Imam of Muscat [Sa‘id bin Sulṭān al-Sa‘id] to help the late Shaikh's sons take power, and his plans to seize the Bahrain islands for himself. Newnham's letter is a covering letter, enclosing copies, in English (folios 5-6) and Arabic (folio 7), of a letter from the Governor of India to His Highness the Imam of Muscat, dated 20 February 1825. The enclosed letter states that the British Government is bound by a treaty with the Sheikhs of Bahrain to protect the islands, and that Britain will go to war with the Imam of Muscat if necessary, which will result in a loss of order to the Gulf region and a renewal of piracy.5 folios
Kemball acknowledges receipt of 50 copies of the Government Gazetter (22 July) containing the notification for commanders, masters, and nakhodas of native vessels trading between the westen coast of India and the Persian Gulf (as described in f 232-37), with its native translations. Kemball discusses the possiblility of misinterpretation of the Arabic version of the notification by Arabic-speaking peoples, regarding the use of the term 'native vessels'. Accompanied with the original letter was an amended copy of the Arabic notification, not included in the volume. The Arabic amendments made have been marked on the copy letter, with reference to the pages and lines of the notification amended.2 folios
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 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
The letter is conveying a request for the detention of Hajee Abbas bin Mahomed [Hājjī ‘Abbās bin Aḥmad] in Bahrain. It is noted that this request was forwarded to Major Charles Grant, 1 Assistant Resident, via memo No. 189/103 of 1874 dated 17 February 1874. A copy of this letter in Arabic is also present (f. 153).Enclosed with the letter is a list of debts (in Arabic and English) of named individuals.4 folios
The letter is informing the Shaikh of Bahrain that the balance of debts owed by and owed to the bin Rejubs [Bin Rajab] will be enquired into by the law courts of Bahrain. It notes that the final balance will be determined in three month's time. If this meets with the Shaikh's approval, the letter requests that he order an enquiry into the case. The letter includes an Arabic translation.1 folio
Letter in Arabic, with English translation, from Shaikh Zayid ben Khalifeh [Zayid I bin Khalifa Al Nahyan], Chief of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] to Lewis Pelly, dated 19 Ramadhan 1287 (13 December 1870) and received by Pelly at Bushire 19 December 1870.Letter regarding the Ghobaysat [Qubaisat] tribe who had departed Aboothabee, but had settled and begun to build at Odaid [Al ‘Udayd] and informing Pelly that as his territory extends from Nakee-ul-Hejare [Nakhl, Hajar] to Aghnaz he cannot permit them to claim this area and settle there as it falls within his jurisdiction.The letter goes on to request permission to breach the peace at sea in order to retake Odaid and informing Pelly that he does not wish the tribe to settle at Odaid as they will cause great disturbances and will most likely commit breaches of the peace at sea.2 folios
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 requesting that Ahmed accompany Captain Warner on the Residency Steamer to Bahrein [Bahrain], and on arrival communicate with the Sheikh [Muhammad bin Khalifah Al-Khalifah], including handing him an enclosed letter in Arabic.The letter goes on to instruct that Ahmed use his stay in Bahrein to gather information, with names of places, rivers etc, on the adjacent mainland to Bahrain and the province of Nejd [Najd] and to write a report on his findings, as well as collecting information on Pearl Fishing in the area.The second half of the letter (on the recto of folio eleven) has been crossed through and a pencil letter, possibly intended as a replacement for the crossed through section, has been given on the verso of folio eleven:Pencil letter regarding Pelly's expected date of arrival from the interior of Nejd and making arrangements to travel to Bahrein, including requesting either horses, donkeys or ponies from Shaikh Ali bin Khalifah Al-Khalifah and instructing him to inform the villagers of his intended visit.On the verso of folio twelve is a letter in Arabic, which is most likely the enclosed letter for Shaikh Muhammad bin Khalifah Al'Khalifah, referred to in Pelly's letter. On the recto of folio eleven is an Arabic ink stamp seal.2 folios
Letter discusses William Bruce's meeting at Bushire with Hassan ben Mohummed ben Gaith [Hasan bin Muhammad bin Ghaith], Vakeel of Hassan ben Rehma [Hasan bin Rahma], the Joassemee [Āl Qāsimī] Chief. Bruce reports that Hassan ben Rehma continues to deny having captured any British property. Bruce states that Hassan ben Rehma intends to send his Vakeel to the Presidency to enter into more full and firm engagements with the British Government. Bruce reports that he has entered into a few preliminary articles with Hassan ben Mohummed ben Gaith. Includes the following enclosures: [1] translation of a letter, received 2 October 1814, from Abdella iben Soud [Abdullah bin Saud], the Wahabee [Wahabi] Chief, to Bruce, in which the Wahabee Chief promises to ascertain whether or not Hassan ben Rehma is holding any English property; [2] translation of a letter, received 2 October 1814, from Hassan ben Rehma, Ameer of the Joassemes [Qawāsim], to Bruce, in which he states that he has sent Hassan ben Gaith [Hasan bin Muhammad bin Ghaith] on his behalf, should Bruce wish to renew engagements; [3] copy of a preliminary agreement made between Bruce, on the part of the British Government, and Hassan iben Mohumed iben Gaise [Hasan bin Muhammad bin Ghaith], on the part of Ameer Hassan iben Rehma [Hasan bin Rahma], the Chief of the Joassemees [Qawāsim] at Ras el Khima [Ra's al-Khaymah], at Bushire, on 6 October 1814. The preliminary agreement is written in English and Arabic, and concludes by stating that it is subject to the approval of the Governor in Council of Bombay.6 folios
The letter is informing the Political Resident that the Shaikh of Bahrain has issued orders to detain Hajee Abbas bin Mahomed [Hājjī ‘Abbās bin Aḥmad] until his accounts have been inspected, as originally requested by Ibrahim bin Rujub [Ibrāhīm bin Rajab] in an address to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (see ff. 154-155).2 folios
Letter in Arabic from Thuwaini bin Said al-Said, Sultan of Muscat.The letter is most likely written sometime between 1863 and 1865 as Lewis Pelly only commenced his position as Political Resident in the Persian Gulf in mid-1862 and Thuwaini bin Said was killed in February 1866.1 folio
Letter regarding his thirty-four years of service to the British Government and his petition for a pension as he is no longer able to carry out his duties.1 folio
Letter regarding recent murders in Muscat and the methods that the 'Arabs' guilty of committing them have for obtaining protection from prosecution.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.
The letter is conveying the Resident's gratitude for a packet Jaffer Ali Khan [Ja‘afar ‘Alī Khān] has sent him and commends him on his conduct. It also authorises him to reward the source of the acquisition and discusses the jealousy the recipient is experiencing from his fellow citizens. Furthermore, the Resident advises that intercepting French communications to Europe from Persia is probably less risky and more useful than the reverse. Recent gifts to Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mirzā, the Prince at Shiraz are also discussed.It includes a couple of Arabic words within the body of the English text.2 folios
Letter in Arabic, with English translation, sent 28 Ramadan 1281 (25 February 1865) and received at the Bushire Residency 20 Mar 1865.Letter reporting that the Chief of Jaalan [Ja'alan] had paid a visit to Ameer Fysul [Amir Faisal bin Turki al Saud] and that he had returned accompanied by a Wahabee [Wahhabi] Moollah [Mullah]. The letter also informs Pelly that Ameer Fysul had instructed his deputy at Brynee [al-Buraimi] to send his brother Abdul-Aziz al Saud to Jaalan as Amir and that they were now awaiting the arrival of a third brother, Majid from Lahsah [Al-Hasa] before departing.The letter also reports on the general opinion along the Oman coast that recent disturbances have been owing to the extending Wahabee influence and that although the English destruction of Rasal Khyma [Ra's al Khaimah] in 1820 had kept affairs quiet for a time in recent years the Wahabees had been increasing their influence unchecked.2 foliosThe Arabic letter has been written on the verso of folio 7 and the recto of folio 8, with the english translation appearing on the verso of folio 8.Seal: The ink seal of Haji Yaq'ub (native agent at Sharjah) has been stamped onto the recto of folio 7.
Letter, in Arabic and English, informing Pelly that the bearer of the letter, Abdool Assis Ben Assass [Abdul Aziz bin Aziz], will be his guide into the interior of Nejd if Pelly is still willing to employ him.1 folio
This file contains correspondence to/from three British Residents at Bushire, Captain James Felix Jones, Captain Herbert Frederick Disbrowe and Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Pelly.A number of topics are discussed in the file, most prominent among them are the following:Relations between Britain and Bahrain;A blockade of Kutiffe (Al-Qatif);Military action taken by Bahrain against the Chief of Wukra;The mis-treatment of Indian British subjects in Bahrain.On folios 2-6, the file contains copies in English and Arabic of the Perpetual Truce of Peace and Friendship (1861) signed by Sheikh Mahomed ben Khalifeh [Shaikh Muḥammed bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah] on behalf of himself and his successors and Captain James Felix Jones on behalf of the British Government.On folios 136-140, the file contains a translation of an agreement proposed by Houssein Ali Mirza, the Prince Regent of Fars in 1822, that Lieutenant William Bruce is said to have agreed to without permission of the British Government.1 volume (183 folios)Foliation: The file's foliation sequence is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the title page, on number 1, and ends on the last folio before the back cover, on number 183. Foliation errors: f 101 is followed by f 101A; f 107 is followed by f 107A; f 111 is followed by f 111A; f 115 is followed by f 115A.
The volume contains a collection of biographies of 'noteworthy persons' within the political jurisdiction of the Residency in the Persian Gulf. There is some limited correspondence related to the collection of this information, which includes applications made by Edward Charles Ross, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the following:Samuel Barrett Miles, Political Agent and Consul at Muscat.L Gabler, Deputy Director of the Persian Gulf Telegraphs/in Political Charge of the Gwadur [Gwādar] Agency.The Residency Agent, Bahrain.The majority of the biographies have been submitted via standardised forms with entries for the following; name, father, wife, tribe, residence, and children. Each entry has a biographical history for each subject, while some have both an entry in Arabic, and an entry in English (i.e. a translation). At the back of the volume is a single entry in Persian. The returns for Oman — supplied by the Political Agent and Consul at Muscat — do not follow this format, and are instead supplied as manuscript biographical histories.The entries are arranged into sections. The first section is not labelled, but may represent the returns from Gwadur. The remaining biographies fall under the following sections:Unlabelled section.Office Copies - Busrah [Basra].Office Copies - Bahrein [Bahrain].Office Copies - Coast of Fars.Office Copies sent to the Foreign Office.For Office Record.It is noted that the biographical information from the Deputy Director of Persian Gulf Telegraphs (i.e. Gwadur) was compiled by Mr McDonall.1 volume (430 folios)The biographies are arranged by the region they were returned from, while other copies are arranged by their intended destination/use. These sections are ordered as follows:Unlabelled section.Office Copies - Busrah [Basra].Office Copies - Bahrein [Bahrain].Office Copies - Coast of Fars.Office Copies sent to the Foreign Office.For Office Record.The very first section is not labelled, but possibly represents the returns from Gwadur [Gwādar].Correspondence related to the collection of this information is interspersed throughout the file, though it is primarily located at the front and back of the volume.Condition: A large number of folios have suffered from minor pest and water damage. As a result, some of the folios are very fragile, and some of the text has also been obscured, which can result in difficulties interpreting affected text.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The volume contains the following foliation corrections; f 69, and f 69A; f 71, and f 71A.
The volume contains correspondence relating to the perceived threat of attack on Oman by Ibn Rashid [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullah Āl Rashīd]. The principal correspondents are: Edward Charles Ross, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, at Bushire; Abul Kasim [Ḥajj Abu'l-Qāsim], Residency Agent at Sharjah; Aḥmad bin ‘Abd al-Rasūl, Residency Agent at Bahrain; various officials at the India Office, Foreign Office, and the Government of India; Henry Drummond Wolff, British Minister at Tehran; officials at the Political Agency in Muscat; Faysal bin Toorki [Fayṣal bin Turkī, al-Sayyid], Sultan of Muscat; William Tweedie, the Political Agent for Turkish Arabia, at Baghdad; and William White, British Ambassador at Constantinople.The volume largely consists of intelligence reports (both the originals in Arabic and the English translations) sent by the Residency Agents at Bahrain and Sharjah to Edward Ross at Bushire, which were subsequently shared and discussed with other departments. The volume is divided into four sections under a subject heading, as follows:'Reports of Turkish Naval Reinforcement, etc. in connection with the threatened invasion of Oman by Ibn Rashid, June 1888';'Threatened invasion of Oman by Ibn Rashid - Proceedings of Shaikh Jasim';'Turkish Relations with Shammar Arabs of Mesopotamia';'Genealogy of Mohammed ibn Rashid'.Topics covered by the volume include:The build-up of Turkish military presence in the Gulf;The rivalry between Shaikh Saeed bin Khaleefah [Zāyid bin Khalīfa Āl Nahyān], ruler of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi], and Jasim bin Mahomed Thani [Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thāni], ruler of El Bidaa (modern Doha);Jasim's attempts to gather support amongst the Arab tribes of the Trucial Coast for Ibn Rashid's planned attack against Oman;Biographical information on Ibn Rashid and his family, as well as assessments of the support he enjoys in the region;British concern over the matter, and warnings given by them to the Turkish authorities of the consequences should the attack against Oman be made;A Turkish military expedition against sections of the Shammar (tribe) residing in Mesopotamia.1 volume (244 folios)The volume is divided into four sections, each covering a different subject. Within these sections the correspondence is arranged chronologically.Foliation: the sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the final folio; these numbers are written in pencil and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Foliation errors: 1, 1A and 1B; 122 and 122A; 165 and 165A; 170, 170A and 170B; 214 and 214A.