IOR/R/15/1/61

The volume consists of translations and substances of letters (in Arabic and Persian) sent to the British Resident in the Persian Gulf; the volume consists of translations only, so no originals can be found within. This correspondence is primarily from the Resident's native agents stationed throughout the Gulf at Bahrein [Bahrain], Lingah [Bandar-e-Lengeh], Muscat, Shargah [Sharjah], and Shiraz. It also contains translations of correspondence received from various rulers across the region; such as Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur [Sulṭān bin Saqr], Chief of the Joasmees [Āl Qāsimī]; and the Imam of Muscat, Sa‘īd bin Sultān Āl Sa‘īd. Primarily the subject matter consists of updates on recent events in Nejde [Najd], Oman, and Persia.

More specifically for Persia, this includes political disturbances related to the declining authority of Fat′h Ali Shah Qajar, and military preparations at Shiraz for a contest over the succession between Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mirzā (Governor of Fars) and his brother the Prince Royal, Abbas Mirza [‘Abbās Mīrzā]; interrupted by the death of the latter. Reports on the movements of key figures, and outbreaks of disease are also common.

The extension of Wahabee [Wahhabi] power over Oman, and their conflict with Bahrein is also covered. The Wahabee are attempting to reduce the Shaikhs of Bahrein to submission, along with the rest of Oman; other efforts to resist the Wahabees are also mentioned (such as those of the Imam of Muscat), as are repeat outbreaks of war between the Joasmee and Beniyas tribes; on both land and sea. The events surrounding the murder and usurpation of Shaikh Tahnoon [Ṭaḥnūn bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān], Chief of the Beniyas [Bani Yas], by his brothers, Khuleefa bin Shakeboot [Khalīfah bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān] and Sultan bin Shakeboot [Sulṭān bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān], are also covered.

Incidents of piracy and efforts to affect the restitution of plundered property are reported on, as is the conveyance of correspondence, and packets throughout the region.