The letter encloses drafts for 17,700 Eyn piastres as part of the remittance for the disimbursement of the Bussora [Basra] residency and discusses possible ways of conveying the remainder of the sum. Also enclosed is a copy of a letter of warning to ships to be on guard against piracy in the Gulf.1 folio
Letter acknowledging receipt his letter dated 30 August 1815 and confirming that the shipment from the
Aurorawas received by that some saddlery was missing.1 folio
Letter apologising for the non-acceptance of a bill of exchange by the government and promising to rectify the situation. The bill of exchange relates to the horses which were transported on the shipwrecked
Ahmed Shah.1 folio
Letter acknowledging receipt of his letter of 31 May and confirming he will send the horses in question to Bengal at the earliest possible opportunity and discussing the arrangements for shipping in some detail.1 folio
The letter confirms a shipment of twelve horses for the 17th regiment which is aboard the
Khosrowieand states that fifty-seven horses are still at Bushire awaiting shipping. The letter also includes a bill of exchange for the freight of the horses to be paid to Catchatoor Johaness.1 folio
The letter confirms a shipment of forty horses for the 17th regiment is on the baghla [buggalow]
Nausarieunder the command of Cojea Matook. The letter also states the baghla will be sailing in the company of the
Fathalvadoodand a batille. Also included is a bill for 4000 rupees dated 27 February 1815.2 folios
Letter enclosing a copy and translation of a firman [decree] from the Prince at Shiraz to William Bruce.The letter also reports the disagreements between the acting governor of Bushire, Shaik Mohammed ben Nasser [Shaikh Muhammad bin Nasir], and Mirza Hassen [Hassan] Khan. Shaik Mohammed thinks that Mirza Hassen Khan is trying to kill him and his tribe and is therefore making preparations for his defence.After a meeting on 28 July 1815 between Mirza Hassen Khan and Shaik Mohammed's cousin Shaik Rehma [Shaikh Rahma bin Jabir], the former returns to Tangastoon [Tangestān] but threatens to take Bushire by force. He returns on 30 July 1815, threatening to cut off Bushire's water supply and storm the town. William Bruce dissuades him and negotiates guarantees for the British Factory.On 3 August 1815 Mirza Hassen Khan's forces hold William Bruce's watermen and deprive Bushire of drinking water, which results in some deaths of thirst. While some merchants negotiate a supply of water to the town, little of it reaches the British Factory and William Bruce reports his distress at the situation. He requests that the Bombay government be prepared to pay for the ship
Fyzelkarimif he needs to use it as accommodation and discusses other plans of rescuing himself, the 300 people under British protection and some property, if necessary.4 folios
