Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/34

Dated 9 Sep 1856, altered to Oct in pencil. Reports the return of the 'Feroze' from Bushire, and sends Captain Jones' replies to Canning's questions [not enclosed]. Regrets that Jones has sent the Commissariat and Quarter Master General's Officers who were sent in the 'Feroze' back to Bassidore; apparently almost as soon as the officers arrived at Bushire there was a rumour of an intended expedition, and some excitement. Instead of taking some of the officers into the Residency, and sending the others to Bussorah and Muscat. Jones sent them in a body to Bassadore, where their time will be wasted. Elphinstone thinks Jones has completely lost his head; it has a most unfortunate appearance, and no doubt the Persians will think the officers were frightened away by the war like aspect of the Persian garrison. The Expedition will now have to land in comparative ignorance of the resources of the country. Perhaps some inquiries might still be made, though hardly at Bushire. Stevens does not think the Sedr Azim's reply to Clarendon's letter will be considered satisfactory. Jones is unable to explain the non-receipt of Canning's letters; even if they had been sent to Baghdad, he should have received them.

Encloses: Copy of an official letter from Commander Jones, Indian Navy, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to Mr Anderson, Secretary to Government of Bombay, in the Secret Department, Bushire, 29 Sep, reporting on the arrival of the steam frigate 'Feroze', which, carrying native letters and reports of every character from the Presidency, threw the merchants of Bushire into a panic and set the civil and military authorities in action over the whole country. The landing of the staff officers with their baggage and retinue confirmed the worst native fears. Troops are being collected from all sources. Fearing for the safety of the newcomers and of British subjects everywhere in Persia, Jones urged the immediate return of the officers to the 'Feroze'. Only duty, and lack of transport, prevent Jones himself from withdrawing. Asks for the means of moving before it is too late.

2. Copy of an official letter from Captain Rigby, on special duty, to Lieutenant Colonel Melville, Secretary to Government of Bombay, on board the 'Feroze', Bushire Roads, 30 Sep, reporting his arrival at Bushire on 27 Sep. As the Resident and his Assistant were absent, he did not land until 28 Sep, when he received an urgent message from the Resident requesting him and the other officers to return immediately to the 'Feroze', as their lives were in danger. The officers withdrew. Rigby regrets that the officers were not able to carry out their task, and sends a copy of a Confidential Circular from Commander Jones to the Staff Officers on board the 'Feroze', 28 Sep. As the presence of the officers has already created alarm in Bushire, Jones requests the officers to proceed to the Naval Station at Bassadore, and remain there until further instructions arrive. The Treasury of the Residency has been removed to the 'Falkland' and the Commodore will be requested to furnish funds for the contingent expenses of the Commissariat Department. Begs the officers to be most circumspect in their efforts to obtain information, otherwise they will danger their own lives, and perhaps those of all British subjects in Persia.