Extracts from the Journal of HM Chargé d'Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock

Content

Extracts from the journal of HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia [Iran], Henry Willock, for the period 3-12 July 1826. This document concerns the proceedings of the Persian Government and the mission of the Russian envoy Prince Minchikoff [Prince Aleksandr Sergeevich Menshikov] regarding the ongoing frontier dispute between the two sides in the Caucasus. Willock details his communications with members of the Persian Government at the Shah’s camp at Solţānīyeh, where members of the Persian Government have convened to discuss the dispute, which has the possibility of leading to war between Russia and Persia. These include his communications with the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] and the Prince Royal of Persia, Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, 'Abbās Mīrzā Qājār], and other Persian ministers, including:

• The former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Meerza Abdul Wahab, Moatemed ud Dowleh [ Mīrzā A title of honour originally applied to princes, later to military leaders, and later still to secretaries, chieftains, and other ‘gentlemen’. Abdul Wahāb Nishāt Isfāhānī, Mu'tamid al-Dawlah]
• The Vizier of the Prince Royal, the Kayim Makam [Mirza Abu'l-Qasim Farahani, Qa'im Maqam]
• The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Meerza Abul Hassan Khan [Mirza Abu'l-Hasan Khan Shirazi]

These communications cover subjects including whether Persia should go to war with Russia, the proceedings with Prince Minchikoff at Solţānīyeh, Willock’s views on the situation, and the positions of the Shah and the Prince Royal concerning the crisis.

The document also contains:

• An extract from a letter from the physician of the Prince Royal, Dr John Cormick, reporting the failed negotiations with Prince Minchikoff at Tabreez [Tabriz]
• An extract from the journal of the Surgeon to HM Mission to Persia, Dr John McNeill, detailing his discussions with Prince Minchikoff and Ambourger, the Russian Consul General at Tabreez. Details of McNeill’s discussion with the Taj ud Dowleh [Tavus Khanum, Taj al-Dawlah], one of the Shah’s wives, are also reported by Willock.

This document was originally enclosed in Willock’s letter to 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. of the East India Company of 23 July 1826 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/99).

Extent and format

1 item (30 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/9/70/101

History of this record

Date(s)

3 Jul 1826-12 Jul 1826 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Russo-Persian War (1826-1828)Border disputesDiplomacy

People & organisations

HM Chargé d'Affaires to PersiaShah of PersiaCrown Prince of PersiaJohn McNeillAleksandr Sergeevich Menshikov

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Cite this record in your research

Extracts from the Journal of HM Chargé d'Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/9/70/101, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100038378586.0x0002f4> [accessed 27 August 2026]

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