Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/15/10

Has received some letters from Bushire sent by a Dutch vessel. It is regrettable that Sir James Outram's departure for Mohummerah has been delayed by the non-arrival of the 2nd Division, this was due to the shortage of steamers at Bombay. The shortage of coal is due to the difficulty of obtaining transport for it. Comments on Outram's request for reinforcements; he needs two regiments of European Infantry, one regiment of European and one regiment of Native Cavalry, two troops of Horse, two companies of European Foot Artillery, two Companies of Native Foot Artillery and one company of Sappers. Elphinstone suggests the addition of an Army Works Corps, ready both to work and fight. In Madras some very useful Battalions of Pioneers were disbanded by Lord William Bentinck, on grounds of economy. The men would have to be raised at least partially in Madras, as the Bombay working classes are too well off to be anxious to volunteer to fight in Persia. The Railways have raised the price of labour all over the country. Sir Robert Hamilton and the Bishop of Madras are both at Bombay. The framework of the hospital sent to Bushire in Nov is not yet erected, as no workmen can be found. If there was an Army Works Corps, the hospital would be up, and the barracks for the Europeans in progress.

Enclosed, 9 papers: 1. Memorandum of the Force in Persia, divided into those to go to Mohummerah, and those to remain at Bushire.

2. Extracts from a letter written by Mr Rogers[?] of the 'Comet' to Captain Jones, Resident at Bushire, 3 Mar, reporting great excitement among the Persians at Mohummerah. Cavalry have been seen, and the horsemen of the tribes have been ordered to be ready, which has made them very dissatisfied. One gun has been sent down the Karoon. There are not less than 1,000 men stationed at different points along the Persian bank of the Euphrates. The defences of Mohummerah are being strengthened hourly, the walls are at least 14 feet thick, and the workmanship creditable for Persians. Sends a sketch of the Persian batteries, the guns are perhaps 12 pounders. The number of men on the island appeared to be 1,500-2,000. Passing the island, the Persians fired upon the 'Comet' with muskets. The Persians are reported to be bringing their guns from Mohummerah to the south side of the Hafar.

3. Sketch plan of the batteries at Mohummerah.

4. Copy of a letter from Captain Jones to Sir James Outram, and copy of Outram's reply. Jones' letter not dated, Outram's reply dated 8 Mar. Jones has been visited by the Nawab Mahomed Ali Khan, a pensioner of Government who was turned out of Shiraz with his family. The Nawab's Agent in Shiraz reports that the Sir Kesheekchee Bashi wished the Nawab to act between Persia and Britain. The Nawab wishes to visit Outram. Outram replies that he would rather not see the Nawab at present, as he does not wish to receive such indirect overtures.

5. Copy of a memorandum regarding late movements of the Persian Army, by Lieutenant Ballard, 10 Mar. After the battle of Khushab the remainder of the Army was moved to Naneezak, a strong defensive position, where it was joined by the Commander of the Guards with reinforcements.

6. Sketch map showing the relative positions of Bushire and Naneezak, with roads.

7. Copy of a letter from Captain Kemball to Outram, Moamir, 9 Mar, reporting that the Persians had opened fire on the 'Comet'. Selby did not return the fire, and Kemball will make the most of this in replying to Persian protests. The Persians seem to think the British will land near the anchorage, and they have stationed many troops near there. There has been an incident involving officers going out on an expedition from a transport, who were fired upon. Kemball leaves for Bussorah immediately, and may be in time to catch Mr Murray before he leaves for Baghdad.

8. Memorandum showing the quantity of coal despatched from Aden for the service of Government to Persian Gulf after the 28th February 1857.

9. Memorandum showing the quantity of coal despatched subsequent to the 1st of January 1857.