Vol 116: 'Secret Letter Book Volume 3' [68v] (136/284)
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:
- The expulsion of Sued bin Moottuk from Oman, and rumours of his possible return at the head of an Egyptian force to subdue the region.
- The efforts of the Resident to secure restitution for the Naeem tribe of Brymee for an attack made upon them by the Beniyas [Bani Yas] tribe of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi].
- Negotiations to arrange for the resettlement of Esa ben Tareef [‘Isá bin Ṭarīf] and the Al Ali tribe from Aboothabee to another part of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and/or affect a reconciliation with Shaikh Abdollah ben Ahmed [‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], Shaikh of Bahrein.
- The Resident's mediation of a reconciliation between Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd, Imam of Muscat, and Sued Humood bin Azen, Chief of Sohar [Ṣuḥār].
- Ideas for enhancing the power of influence of the British in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
- The designs of Khorshid Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. to conquer or subdue Bahrein, and the political position of Shaikh Abdollah ben Ahmed on the island.
- The deputation of Captain Akins Hamerton, 15th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, to Brymee to obtain information on the condition of the town's defences, and his later appointment as Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. to Muscat.
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 View the complete information for this record
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Vol 116: 'Secret Letter Book Volume 3' [68v] (136/284), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/1/84, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023512167.0x000089> [accessed 13 May 2024]
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Copyright: How to use this content
- Reference
- IOR/R/15/1/84
- Title
- Vol 116: 'Secret Letter Book Volume 3'
- Pages
- front, front-i, 2r:141v, back-i, back
- Author
- East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
- Usage terms
- Open Government Licence