Persian Gulf Affairs

Content

This item comprises copies of 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. 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. , Number 110 of 1846, dated 30 September 1846. The enclosures are dated 14 May-29 September 1846.

The principal correspondents are: Major Samuel Hennell, Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; the Secretary to the Government, Bombay; and the Under-Secretary to the Government of India. Also included are minutes of the Governor and President and members in Council, Bombay.

The papers cover and include the following matters:

• Proceedings regarding the settlement of the British Government’s claims, on behalf of British subjects and of Persian subjects, upon the Shaik [Shaikh, also spelled Sheik in this item] of Kenn [Kish, also referred to as Ges in this item], on account of the property ‘plundered’ by inhabitants of the island from the wreck of the HC [Honourable Company’s] schooner Emily in 1845 (a large portion of which is alleged to have come into the possession of the Sheik of Kenn). Included are copies of Hennell’s letter to the Governor of Fars, the statement of Hajee Jacoob [Ḥājjī Ya‘qūb], the Government Pilot sent to investigate the whereabouts of the ‘treasure’, and correspondence between the Sheik of Kenn and Commodore John Croft Hawkins, in relation to the payment, by instalments, of compensation (ff 392-397)
• Copper sheathing recovered by ‘salvors’ [divers] of Debaye [Dubai] from a location where HMS Fox ran aground in January, the Bahrein [Bahrain] Native Agent’s detention of the metal and prevention of its sale in Bahrein, its conveyance to Bushire [Bushehr] for sale by Hennell and division of the profits between the salvors and the British Government
• A copy of Hennell’s report to HM Minister at the Court of Persia [Iran], forwarded for the information of 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 prospective early return to Bushire of Shaik Nasir [Shaikh Nāṣir II Āl Madhkūr] and containing his views on Houssein Khan [Ḥusayn Khān], Ruler of Fars, and the general character of his Government (ff 409-411)
• The placing, by Hennell, of the HC schooner Constance at the disposal of Commodore Hawkins for despatch to the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. of Bombay
• Intelligence reports, sent by Heskeal bin Yusoof [Ḥizqīl bin Yūsuf], Acting Native Agent Non-British agents affiliated with the British Government. at Muscat, to the Persian Secretary to Government (ff 416, 419-420, 425, 428, 430-431, 433-434), covering affairs in Muscat, notably political matters, conflicts between inhabitants and tribes, killings and disturbances. The reports mention the bugla Large trading vessel. [ buggalow Large trading vessel. ] Futhool Moobaruck which left Bombay in May running aground near Jazir, whose crew were allegedly refused assistance by the inhabitants and robbed of their clothes (f 420), and the fate of Thomas Brookman, an English traveller in Oman (f 434).

Extent and format

1 item (55 folios)

It is part of

'ENCLOSURES TO SECRET LETTERS FROM BOMBAY', Vol 83

1062 images

Ref: IOR/L/PS/5/445

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/5/445, ff 382-436

Former external reference(s)

No. 110 of 1846

History of this record

Date(s)

30 Sep 1846 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Property theftTribal relationsCompensationPolitical intelligence

Places

OmanKenn Island

People & organisations

Government of BombayGovernment of IndiaPolitical ResidentPrince-Governor of FārsNative AgentEmily

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Cite this record in your research

Persian Gulf Affairs, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/5/445, ff 382-436, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100154581908.0x000017> [accessed 1 July 2026]

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