‘Instructions for the guidance of Mr Manesty’s conduct in the event of hostilities between Great Britain and the Ottoman Porte.’

Content

The item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Governments of Bengal and Bombay.

The primary subjects are:

• The outbreak of war between Britain and the Ottoman Empire, and the implications for Britain’s relations with the Pashalik of Baghdad

• The measures put in place for the protection of British subjects and property in Bussora [Basra] and Baghdad, in particular the stationing of British vessels in the Gulf and on the Bussora River [Shatt al-Arab], including the HMS Fox under the command of Captain Archibald Cochrane

• Manesty’s efforts to find a suitable place for an encampment outside of Bussora, and his meeting with the Chaub Sheik [Sheikh of the Bani Ka’ab]

• Complaints that the Pacha of Baghdad is withholding mail sent from Britain that was to be forwarded to India.

The primary correspondents are: Sir George Hilaro Barlow, the Governor-General of Bengal; Thomas Brown, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bengal From c. 1758-1858, the East India Company's administration in Bengal. From 1773-1833, the most senior of the three subdivisions of India, also known as the Supreme Government of India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. ; Neil Benjamin Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of Bengal From c. 1758-1858, the East India Company's administration in Bengal. From 1773-1833, the most senior of the three subdivisions of India, also known as the Supreme Government of India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. ; Francis Warden, Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. ; Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussora; and John Hine, Acting Resident at Baghdad.

The title page (f 264) of the item contains the following references: ‘Political No. 12, Season 1808/09, Draft 178, Para. 55’; and ‘Examiner’s Office, July & August 1808’.

Extent and format

1 item (38 folios)

Arrangement

There is no chronological order.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 264, and terminates at f 302, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival item

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/F/4/258/5653

History of this record

Date(s)

Mar 1807-Feb 1808 (CE, Gregorian)

Related material

Related primary sources

Bombay Pol 30 Aug 1809, draft 178/1808-09, IOR/E/4/1024 pp 645-46

Subjects

Anglo-Turkish War (1807-1809)

Places

Bussora

People & organisations

Government of BengalGovernment of BombayResident, BussoraResident, BaghdadGovernor of Baghdad

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Cite this record in your research

‘Instructions for the guidance of Mr Manesty’s conduct in the event of hostilities between Great Britain and the Ottoman Porte.’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/F/4/258/5653, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000001688.0x000246> [accessed 28 July 2026]

Link to this record

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