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Vol 116: 'Secret Letter Book Volume 3' [‎49v] (98/284)

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The record is made up of 1 volume (140 folios). It was created in 9 Aug 1839-1 Jun 1840. It was written in English. The original is part of the 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. .

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Content

The volume consists of secret correspondence sent outwards by the British Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Samuel Hennell. These letters are primarily addressed to either the Chief Secretary 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. (either Lestock Robert Reid or John Pollard Willoughby), or the Secret Committee Pre-1784, the Committee responsible for protecting East India Company shipping. Post-1784, its main role was to transmit communications between the Board of Control and the Company's Indian governments on matters requiring secrecy. at India House in London. The remainder are addressed to various officers of either the British Government, or the East India Company.

The subject matter is primarily concerned with the expansion of Egyptian influence towards Bahrein [Bahrain] and Oman through the conquests of the Egyptian commander Khorshid Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. [Khūrshid Pāshā]; the expansion of Egyptian power is viewed as a threat to British interests in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . Much of the volume therefore concerns itself with the efforts of the Resident to unite the Arab tribes of Oman in resistance to the Egyptians. More specific details in relation to this subject are as follows:

To a limited extent the correspondence relays news from Persia, primarily from Shiraz. This relates to disturbances in that town, rumours related to the travel plans of the Persian Shah (Muḥammad ‘Alī Shāh Qājār), Persian warlike preparations, and any potential threat to the British at Karrack. It also contains a few updates on affairs at Bushire.

The British occupation of Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] is therefore also covered within the volume; primarily this concerns measures required to keep the garrison supplied, the health of the troops, and suggestions for the improvement of the island's defences. In addition, the matter of Shaikh Nasir's [Shaykh Nāṣir] expulsion from Karrack, and his later restoration to the Governorship of Bushire is also covered.

Also discussed within the file is the inadequacy of the strength of the naval squadron stationed in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and various methods for addressing this. This is cited in a number of instances as a factor which prevents the orders of Government from being carried out. The volume contains a split index; the first part is located on folio 2, and the second part is on folio 141.

Extent and format
1 volume (140 folios)
Arrangement

The correspondence has been arranged chronologically from 9 August 1839 to 1 June 1840.

Physical characteristics

Condition: The binding of the volume has come apart, and the front and back covers have suffered significant damage. As a result, the remains of the covers have become detached from the volume.

Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top 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 ink.

Written in
English in Latin script
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Vol 116: 'Secret Letter Book Volume 3' [‎49v] (98/284), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/1/84, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023512167.0x000063> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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