![Letter No.785 of 1869 from Colonel Sir William Lockyer Merewether, K.C.S.I. & C.B., Commissioner in Sind, Commissioner's Office, Camp Mora to Colonel Robert Phayre, Political Superintendent, Upper Sind Frontier [‎7r] (8/8)](https://iiif.qdl.qa/iiif/images/81055/vdc_100000001524.0x0003a1/Mss Eur F126_22_0013.jp2/full/!1200,1200/0/default.jpg "Letter No.785 of 1869 from Colonel Sir William Lockyer Merewether, K.C.S.I. & C.B., Commissioner in Sind, Commissioner's Office, Camp Mora to Colonel Robert Phayre, Political Superintendent, Upper Sind Frontier [‎7r] (8/8)")
Letter No.785 of 1869 from Colonel Sir William Lockyer Merewether, K.C.S.I. & C.B., Commissioner in Sind, Commissioner's Office, Camp Mora to Colonel Robert Phayre, Political Superintendent, Upper Sind Frontier [7r] (8/8)
The record is made up of 5 folios. It was created in 25 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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( 13 )
tlirough no difficult Pass. Advancing so far, would take in no new tribe or
involve the 1'uujaub troops in any way with the Hill people. It would "ive
additional power of interception of any bodies breaking the peace, and so
reduce the temptation to ■them to do so. It would be in fact mere'lv estab
lishing on the Punjaub side a similar post to the Sind one at Sooee. It could
■•ilso be placed there without it being necessary to bave posts from Sind at
Deyra and Suug'seela.
1 fi. The occupation of Barkhan (Lugbaree) is a question which I do not
fee competent to discuss, having only a very general knowledge of that part
oi the country. Captain Sandemanurges it, because it will enable thcauthori-
res at Deyra Ghazee Khan to include a minor branch of the Lugharee tribe,
" 1 1S nOW outside 0U1, boundary and which occasionally gives trouble from
icing lev ond direct control. Captain Sandeman is the best judge of the neces
sity ol this part of the plan, as also of how far it will involve us with
other tnbes. The country is beyond the limits of Khelat territory, and
this point may be left to his greater experience of those parts for elaboration,
while his opinion will deservedly have greatest weight.
17, In conclusion, I have only to add that, while clearly of opinion that
the occupation of the advanced line from Sind would be a grave mistake, I am
strongly in favor of the trip through the hills being carried out, as desired bv
the Supreme Government. By means of it, the Officers of both lines of Frontier
will he brought together and become personally acquainted, to the advantage of
uture cordial cooperation, and they will gain useful knowledge of the country
and Its inhabitants; at the same time the latter will see that we can move about
among their lulls, and they will learn a useful lesson in watching the move-
mcnts ol disciplined troops, and the power that accompanies orderly procedure.
18. With reference to the last para, of your letter, I regret that I am
unable to sanction the expenditure of the sum you apply for, as I have no
funds left at my disposal. This however is not of so much consequence, as
taking into consideration the circumstances under which you are going, and
your having last January on your first introduction to the Murree and Boogfeo
Chiefs, liberally treated them with presents, it will be unnecessary to do so
again, and as any Chiefs who accompany you will be moving through their
own country, there will be no necessity for your causing them and their
followers to be fed,
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant.
w. L. MEREWETIIER, Colonel,
Commissioner in Sind.
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Letter in response to Colonel Phayre's letter No. 1579 of 1869 drawing attention to certain points made in Phayre's observations.
The points made by Merewether relate to the practicalities or otherwise of militaty positions proposed by Phayre; the limitations of some of Phayre's proposals such as its ability to enable the Boogtees and Murrees to develop and cultivate their land; requesting more detailed information on some of the proposed outposts and how they would in practice afford protection to travellers and merchants; and asking how the Khan of Kelat [Kalāt] might react to such military extensions into his territory. Each point raised by Merewether is outlined in further detail throughout the letter.
Merewether also outlines his opinion that further military advances in this area would be less beneficial to the Government of India than if a small amount of expenditure and expertise was used to improve the position of the Khan of Kelat and to enable him to establish outposts on the route from Quettah [Quetta] to Sind in order to protect merchants.
Merewether also suggests that work could be undertaken to improve irrigation to the plain between the Sind Frontier, the Murree Hills and Cutchee [Cuchi] which would provide opportunities for all the hill tribes to earn a livelihood through cultivation.
Merewether concludes by discussing how his remarks would affect the neighbouring frontier of the Punjaub [Punjab], including proposing that all dealings with the Murrees and Boogtees should be handled by one political superintendent only and suggesting that Phayre settle who this should be with Captain Robert Sandeman, the politicial superintendent for the Punjaub frontier. Merewether also outlines Sandeman's other proposals including establishing a post in the Shum plain, which he concurs with; and occupying Barkhan (Lugharee) which he cites Captain Sandeman's reasons for proposing as he is not sufficiently familiar with the area himself.
The letter concludes by stating that although he is opposed to further occupation he does feel that a trip through the hills, carried out by officers of both frontier lines, would be beneficial in enabling them to become acquainted with the hill tribes and to gain useful knowledge of the country and its inhabitants. He also hopes that such a trip would have the benefit of enabling the hill tribes to see how disciplined troops operate.
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Letter No.785 of 1869 from Colonel Sir William Lockyer Merewether, K.C.S.I. & C.B., Commissioner in Sind, Commissioner's Office, Camp Mora to Colonel Robert Phayre, Political Superintendent, Upper Sind Frontier [7r] (8/8), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, Mss Eur F126/22, ff 3v-7, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100024195159.0x00000e> [accessed 13 July 2026]
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- Mss Eur F126/22, ff 3v-7
- Title
- Letter No.785 of 1869 from Colonel Sir William Lockyer Merewether, K.C.S.I. & C.B., Commissioner in Sind, Commissioner's Office, Camp Mora to Colonel Robert Phayre, Political Superintendent, Upper Sind Frontier
- Pages
- 3v:7r
- Author
- East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
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