‘Relative to the refusal, on the part of Captain Rowband of the Steamer “Hugh Lindsay”, to convey Mr Naylor, the Packet Agent and Her Majesty’s Vice Consul at Mocha, on board that vessel from Suez to Mocha; - to Mr Naylor’s uncivil treatment towards Sheik Tyeb, the late Native Agent; - also to the seizure by him of a bugla belonging to Syed Abdool bin Assum, in consequence of a claim advanced by an individual named Majet Abdool Russool to the said vessel.’

Content

The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political 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] to 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 item relates to activities of Sampson Naylor, Packet Agent (also called Steam Packet Agent) to the Company and HM Vice Consul for Mocha (also written Mocka). In particular, the item makes mention of:

• The refusal of Commander Joseph Henry Rowband, Commanding the Company ship Hugh Lindsay , to provide passage to Naylor from Suez to Mocha due to the latter’s alleged intoxication and ‘delirium’
• Doubt on the part of 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. as to Naylor’s authenticity as they have no official record of his appointments, and their further concerns about the suitability of Naylor for the position of Packet Agent
• Their additional request for clarity on the position of Captain Lyons, Resident and Deputy Agent at Suez
• Correspondence from Colonel Patrick Campbell, HM Consul General at Alexandria, which confirms both Naylor’s and Lyons’s respective appointments
• A report from Commander Nott, Acting Commander of the Company ship Euphrates , regarding the uncivil treatment of Sheik Tyeb [ Mīrzā A title of honour originally applied to princes, later to military leaders, and later still to secretaries, chieftains, and other ‘gentlemen’. Shaikh Tayyib Ibrāhimji, former Native Agent Non-British agents affiliated with the British Government. at Mocha] by Naylor
• Sheik Tyeb’s report that Naylor has employed Ujmee Abdool Russool [‘Abd al-Rasul ‘Ajami], an agent of Ibrahim Pacha [Ibrāhīm Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. ], as an assistant and has permitted him to read copies of all correspondence sent between Sheik Tyeb and 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. during Sheik Tyeb’s employment as Native Agent Non-British agents affiliated with the British Government. at Mocha
• A protest against Naylor by Syed Abdoola bin Assom of Colundy [Sayyid ‘Abdullah bin ‘Assam of Quilandi] following the detention of his ship, Sahala , at Mocha by Naylor, a copy of which can be found at folios 106-107.

Nott’s report also contains an update on the Egyptian forces in Yeomen [Yemen] at Taidjh [Ta’izz, also written Taidgh]. The item’s content dates from 1838, except from a certificate of registration for the ship, Sahala , which is dated 4 January 1830.

As well as the above individuals, correspondents include: Rear Admiral Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy; and Acton S Ayrton, Notary Public at Bombay.

There are multiple spellings given for the names Ujmee Abdool Russool and Syed Abdool bin Assam of Colundy, as well as for the ship, Sahala .

The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 2540, Draft 81, 1840, Collection No. 7’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.

Extent and format

1 item (45 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 71), noting ‘Page’, ‘Date’, ‘From’, ‘To’ and ‘Date of Consultation’.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 70, and terminates at f 114, 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/4/1797/73811

History of this record

Date(s)

4 Jan 1830-19 Dec 1838 (CE, Gregorian)

Related material

Related primary sources

Bom Pol 12 Mar 1840, draft 81/1840, IOR/E/4/1065 p 1261

Subjects

Complaints (administrative procedure)ReportsEmployment

Places

MochaSuez

People & organisations

Government of BombayHM Ambassador to EgyptṬayyib IbrāhīmjīSampson Naylor

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‘Relative to the refusal, on the part of Captain Rowband of the Steamer “Hugh Lindsay”, to convey Mr Naylor, the Packet Agent and Her Majesty’s Vice Consul at Mocha, on board that vessel from Suez to Mocha; - to Mr Naylor’s uncivil treatment towards Sheik Tyeb, the late Native Agent; - also to the seizure by him of a bugla belonging to Syed Abdool bin Assum, in consequence of a claim advanced by an individual named Majet Abdool Russool to the said vessel.’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/F/4/1797/73811, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000001878.0x000286> [accessed 1 July 2026]

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