'Mr Crow's reply to the strictures on his Conduct sent by Mr Manesty to the Secret Committee in 1796'

Content

This item contains copies of secret and political correspondence from 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. on the subject of Samuel Manesty's criticism of Nathan Crow, consecutive British Residents at Bussora [Basra]. The letters from Bombay express the opinion that Crow's reply to Manesty's accusations clear him of the charges. They enclose a letter from Manesty, dated 22 October 1796, where he sets out his accusations against Crow. These include:

• Crow’s misrepresentation of the state of the Factory An East India Company trading post. when he took over the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India.

• His actions against British interests

• Lies about Manesty’s quarrels with the Ottoman government

• Crow’s reliance on the Jewish population of Basra

• Bribery of the Mutasallim During the eighteenth century this was the third most powerful official in Ottoman Iraq (after the Pasha and the Kiya). The title was given specifically to the Governor of Basra. [the Ottoman Governor of Basra]

• The character of Crow's attendant Mehedy Ali Khaun [ Mīrzā A title of honour originally applied to princes, later to military leaders, and later still to secretaries, chieftains, and other ‘gentlemen’. Mahdī ‘Alī Khān]

• The terms of the reestablishment of the British Factory An East India Company trading post. .

There is also a copy of a letter from Crow replying to these accusations, which includes copies of letters from the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. to the Mutasallim During the eighteenth century this was the third most powerful official in Ottoman Iraq (after the Pasha and the Kiya). The title was given specifically to the Governor of Basra. , from the Kia A deputy or lieutenant of the governor in Ottoman Iraq, with additional responsibilities as a high-ranking provincial judge. [an Ottoman official] to the Mutasallim During the eighteenth century this was the third most powerful official in Ottoman Iraq (after the Pasha and the Kiya). The title was given specifically to the Governor of Basra. , from the Mutasallim During the eighteenth century this was the third most powerful official in Ottoman Iraq (after the Pasha and the Kiya). The title was given specifically to the Governor of Basra. to Crow, and a set of queries and answers from Crow to Augustus Le Messurier, a junior official.

The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 6, Season 1808/1809, Draft 178, Para. 18'; and 'Examiner's Office, July 1808'.

Extent and format

1 item (115 folios)

It is part of

Board's Collections Vol 257

738 images

Ref: IOR/F/4/257

Arrangement

The documents are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front of the item to the rear.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival item

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/F/4/257/5647

History of this record

Date(s)

20 Feb 1796-25 Feb 1807 (CE, Gregorian)

Related material

Related primary sources

Bombay Pol 30 Aug 1809, draft 178/1808-09, IOR/E/4/1024 p 579

Subjects

NegotiationJews

Places

Bussora

People & organisations

Governor of BaghdadResidentMutasallim of Bussora

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'Mr Crow's reply to the strictures on his Conduct sent by Mr Manesty to the Secret Committee in 1796', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/F/4/257/5647, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100116429378.0x000003> [accessed 19 July 2026]

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