![Letter No.1579 of 1869 from Colonel Robert Phayre, C.B., Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, Jacobabad to Sir William Lockyer Merewether, the Commissioner in Sind, Kurrachee [Karachi] [‎1r] (1/5)](https://iiif.qdl.qa/iiif/images/81055/vdc_100000001524.0x0003a1/Mss Eur F126_22_0001.jp2/full/!1200,1200/0/default.jpg "Letter No.1579 of 1869 from Colonel Robert Phayre, C.B., Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, Jacobabad to Sir William Lockyer Merewether, the Commissioner in Sind, Kurrachee [Karachi] [‎1r] (1/5)")
Letter No.1579 of 1869 from Colonel Robert Phayre, C.B., Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, Jacobabad to Sir William Lockyer Merewether, the Commissioner in Sind, Kurrachee [Karachi] [1r] (1/5)
The record is made up of 3 folios. It was created in 8 Nov 1869. 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. .
Transcription
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T ^(oi
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No. 1579 of 1809.
Po LTTICAL D e PART-MEXr.
Trom,
COLONEL 11. PHAYRE, C. B.
Political Superintendent
on the Frontier of Upper Sind.
To,
THE COMMISSIONER IN SIND,
KU REACHE E.
Jacobahad, Sth November 18G9.
Sir,
Tlie time having nearly arrived for carrying ont the orders of His Excel
lency the Viceroy in Council, as directed in the Government of India letter
No. 879, dated 25th June last, I have the honor to submit for consideration
the following views as to the aim and scope of the proposed alterations in our
arrangements on this part of the Prontier, in connection with the objects
detailed in the 8th para, of Mr. Seton Karr's letter.
2. The accompanying sketch map shews the tract of country under refer-
„ , rp. yv i i , . ence : viz. the hilly area included between Deyra
Note—The Kandahar tern- ' J > ^
tm-y of Seebee and Kujjuck is Gazee Khan and Dadur, (at the foot of the Bolan
of loiu . sl excepted. Pass) by route of Barkhan and Mundahee on the
north. The Sind Frontier Districts on the south, Cutchee on the west, and
Deyra Gazee Khan districts on the east.
3. I would submit that the geographical position of this tract with
reference to our border interests, as well as our communication with the Affghan
highlands, either by the Bolan, or direct from Deyra Gazee Khan, establishes
its political and strategical importance ; more particularly the northern and
western portions of it, inhabited by the Mundahee Murrees.
4. In time of war it might be necessary to use the direct route from
Deyra Gazee Khan to Dadur through Barkhan, Tull, Chotealee, &c. ; at all
events it is highly desirable that we should know more of that tract than we
do ; and as the Mundahee Murrees are by far the most troublesome section ot
that tribe, any Political and Military arrangements that failed to provide for
civilizing, and if necessary, coercing them, would, I submit be faulty and liable
to break down.
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Letter submitting Phayre's views on the aim and scope of proposed alterations in arrangements for the Upper Sind part of the frontier.
The letter refers to a sketch map (which is no longer enclosed) that detailed the area of the frontier in question and showed the boundaries of the various tribes there; and highlighting its political and strategic importance, particularly in times of war.
The letter also discusses those tribes outside of British control, including the Murrees and Boogtees who have expressed a wish to benefit from British influence in order to end tribal feuds and better opportunities for cultivating their own lands.
The letter also outlines Phayre's objections to proposals to withdraw some of the frontier outposts, and suggesting that some could instead be converted to supports for other outposts which could be done without endangering the peace and good order of the whole border area.
The letter goes on to cite actions which have been taken against the Murrees in the past, and demonstrating how the effects of these actions have not lasted and why more permanent reminders, including the stationing of troops, is required in order for anything to have a long term effect. Phayre also outlines his proposals for military positions that would be required to undertake such actions.
The letter concludes with Phayre informing Merewether that he is ready to march once his work at Jacobabad is complete and that he would prefer to depart earlier for the march as he may be required to attend the High Court in Bombay in connection with the trial of John Barron, a public servant in Upper Sind accused of a criminal breach of trust.
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Letter No.1579 of 1869 from Colonel Robert Phayre, C.B., Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, Jacobabad to Sir William Lockyer Merewether, the Commissioner in Sind, Kurrachee [Karachi] [1r] (1/5), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, Mss Eur F126/22, ff 1-3, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/universal-viewer/81055/vdc_100024195159.0x000002> [accessed 15 July 2026]
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- Reference
- Mss Eur F126/22, ff 1-3
- Title
- Letter No.1579 of 1869 from Colonel Robert Phayre, C.B., Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, Jacobabad to Sir William Lockyer Merewether, the Commissioner in Sind, Kurrachee [Karachi]
- Pages
- 1r:3r
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- East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
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- Open Government Licence