Abstract of a Dispatch from Sir Harford Jones, Envoy to Persia, to Lord Minto, Governor-General of Bengal

Content

An abstract of correspondence dated November-December 1808 relating to the mission of Sir Harford Jones, British Envoy Extraordinary to Persia [Iran], and the contemporary diplomatic situation in Persia in the context of the Russo-Persian War (1804-13) and Napoleonic Wars. Topics covered in the correspondence include:

• Arrangements for Jones's onward travel from Bushire [Būshehr] to Shirauz [Shirāz]
• Jones's request to Captain Charles Pasley for information regarding any undertakings made by Pasley or Brigadier-General Malcolm, who are also in Persia representing the Governor-General, to Persian ministers
• A purchase of arms and artillery by the King [Shah] of Persia which is awaiting delivery
• French influence in the country, including intelligence from the Persian Court regarding the fall from favour of the French mission and the movements of the French towards the Caspian, believed to be part of a military survey
• Developments in the Russo-Persian War in the Caucasus
• The inclination of the Prince of Shirauz [ Prince-Governor A Prince of the Royal line who also acted as Governor of a large Iranian province during the Qājār period (1794-1925). of Fārs] towards an alliance with Britain.

The correspondents are:

• Lord Minto, Governor-General of Bengal
• Jaaffer Aly Khan [Ja’far ‘Ali Khān], Agent in Shirauz
• Mahomed Nubee Khan [Mohammed Nabī Khān Shirāzī]
• Nasr Ollah Khan [Nasr Allah Khān Qaraguzlu], Vizier of the Prince of Shirauz.

Extent and format

1 item (12 folios)

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Letter

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/L/PS/9/67/58

History of this record

Date(s)

Nov 1808-Dec 1808 (CE, Gregorian)

People & organisations

HM Ambassador to IranGovernment of PersiaPrince-Governor of Fārs

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Abstract of a Dispatch from Sir Harford Jones, Envoy to Persia, to Lord Minto, Governor-General of Bengal, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/9/67/58, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100038378586.0x00003e> [accessed 12 July 2026]

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