The Anglo-Persian War

Content

This item comprises enclosures to a despatch 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. [Mumbai] Secret Department 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. [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 13 dated 16 January 1857. The enclosures are dated 23 December 1856-14 January 1857.

The enclosures primarily are, or convey, the despatches of Major-General Foster Stalker, Commanding the Persian Expeditionary Force (with their relevant enclosures), to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, relating to the movements of the Persian Expeditionary Force since the commencement of operations up to the British capture and occupation of Bushire [Bushehr]. They are supplemented by copies of the political diary of Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. with the Forces and Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. (also later Civil Commissioner in Bushire), from 29 November to 22 December inclusive.

The papers notably cover and include:

• Details of the British: capture of Karrack [Kharg Island, also known as Khark]; landing at Halileh Bay [also spelled Hallila in this item]; defeat of the forces of Baukir Khan, Chief of the Tangistoon tribe [Bāqir Khān (Tangistānī), Governor of Tangistān, also spelled Tungistoon and Tungestoon in this item]; advance on the town of Bushire [Bushehr]; and receipt of the surrender of the Governor of Bushire and the remaining Persian [Iranian] garrison. Also included are two sketches depicting the attack on Rushire (Reishahr, five miles from Bushire) and the advance on Bushire (IOR/L/PS/5/490, f 170 and f 171)
• The stationing of a permanent British camp outside the walls of Bushire, including details of the health and condition of the troops, the construction of camp defences, and Stalker’s request for a small reinforcement of his troops as soon as possible in case of a dramatic change of weather or large scale illness
• Reconnaissance organised from Bushire, notably along the road to Feroozabad [Firuzabad], and to investigate the surrounding terrain and assess the attitude of local villagers towards the British
• Stalker’s assessment of possible future military movements and the need for major reinforcements in order to effect a significant advance either to Mohumra [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah], up the Karoon [Karun] River to Shooster [Shushtar], or to Shiraz [also spelled Sheeraz in this item]
• Measures undertaken to deal with the shortage of forage (grass and hay) for the cavalry and artillery horses at Bushire and the expected reinforcements from Bombay
• Intelligence regarding Persian military manoeuvres in the interior of Persia [Iran], including reports of troops amassing at Feroozabad and Shiraz and rumours of their movements towards Bushire
• Communications between Felix Jones and Baukir Khan, Chief of Tungistoon, (subsequent to the recent defeat of his tribe, the deaths of immediate family members and loss of his property), relating to arrangements for his future secret co-operation with the British and the provision of intelligence of Persian military plans and operations, particularly regarding Shiraz and Borazjoon [Borazjan]
• Intelligence received by the British Agent at Shiraz, now at Bushire, regarding Persian troop movements from Tehran and Shiraz especially since the British capture of Bushire
• The despatch of a small naval force under Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , conveying Lieutenant Herbert Disbrowe, Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , to the coastal villages north of Bushire up to Bunder Deylum [Bandar Deylam], in order to communicate and come to an ‘understanding’ with the ‘chiefs of the Persian ports’ that would secure supply lines, open their ports for free trade and expedite procurement of forage for the army (horses and cattle) at Bushire. Includes a translation of Felix Jones’s template letter of acceptance of terms to be signed by each ‘chief’ (ff 211-213).

Extent and format

1 item (58 folios)

It is part of

'ENCLOSURES TO SECRET LETTERS FROM BOMBAY', Vol 128

958 images

Ref: IOR/L/PS/5/490

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/L/PS/5/490, ff 166-224

History of this record

Date(s)

16 Jan 1857 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Bilateral agreementsMilitary basesMilitary reinforcementsMilitary occupationMilitary intelligenceAnglo-Persian War (1856-1857)Military strategyMilitary operationsMilitary supply

Places

ShirazPersian GulfKarrack (island)BushirePersia

People & organisations

Chief of TangestānCommander of the Persian Expeditionary ForcePersian Expeditionary ForceGovernment of Bombay, Chief SecretaryPolitical Resident

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The Anglo-Persian War, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/5/490, ff 166-224, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100133904634.0x00000f> [accessed 21 July 2026]

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