‘Wybard Lieutenant Travels in Nedjd in Arabia’

Content

The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from 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. [Mumbai].

The item contains copies of research papers compiled by Lieutenant William Henry Wybard (also written 'J. W.' and 'Wyburd') during his exploration of the Province of Nedjd [Najd] between 1831 and 1833, the purpose of which was to find out more about the Wahabees [Wahabi] and their country. The research papers include:

• 'Journal' (ff 61-69) which documents Wybard's journey from Bushire [Būshehr], via Bahrein [Bahrain] and Katiff [Al-Qatif], into Nedjd where he visited Ajeer [Al ‘Uqayr?] and the town of Elreasa (also written 'Elriasa' and ‘Elhasa’) [Al Hufūf]
• 'Elreasa' (ff 70-71) which includes a description of the town, its defences and buildings
• 'The Island of Bahrein' (ff 71-72) which contains a description of the island's: size; geography; city of Manama; town of Moharraq [Al Muharraq]; and the relationship between the Bahrein Sheikhs [Shaikhs] and the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat.

After being pressed for more information which he had originally promised, Wybard provides copies of his researches on the history and current status of:

• 'Kaab commonly called Chaub' (ff 78-86), the Chaub [Banū Ka‘ab] tribes
• 'Bussora' (ff 86-88), the city of Bussora [Basra]
• 'Bedowins of the Benee Laum' (ff 88-90), the 'Benee Laum or Lakhem' [Banu Lakhm] tribe
• 'Bedouins of the Montifick' (ff 90-91), the Montifick [Muntafiq] tribe
• 'Bedouins of the Shumer' (ff 91-92), the Shumer [Shammar] tribe.

The item also mentions the advances provided for Wybard by 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. and the discontinuation of his research due to ill health.

The correspondents of the item are: Wybard; 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. ; David Anderson Blane, Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; J Crawford, Officiating Superintendent of the Indian Navy; and R Cogan, Assistant Superintendent of the Indian Navy. The item includes an extract from an unsigned letter at folio 59, which is most likely from the East India Company Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. .

The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Collection N. 1’, ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 1592, Draft 644, 1835' and 'Rec[eived] Duncan Gibb 15th Aug[ust] 1834’.

Extent and format

1 item (39 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the item. The item also contains a table of contents (f 55), noting ‘Page’, ‘Date of Document’, ‘From’, ‘To’ and ‘Date of Consultation’.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 54 and terminates at f 92, 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 item 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/4/1516/59849

History of this record

Date(s)

[Sep 1832]-10 Dec 1834 (CE, Gregorian)

Related material

Related primary sources

Bombay Pol 18 Nov 1835, draft 644/1835, IOR/E/4/1059 p 590. See also IOR/F/4/1408/55599

Subjects

Voyages and travels

Places

BussoraArabian PeninsulaElreasaNedjdBahrein

People & organisations

Government of BombayWilliam Henry WybardWahabi (Tribe)

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‘Wybard Lieutenant Travels in Nedjd in Arabia’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/F/4/1516/59849, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000001840.0x00027b> [accessed 1 July 2026]

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