IOR/L/PS/9/70/178

Copy of dispatch No. 31 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, in Tabreez [Tabriz], to the Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government of India, George Swinton, of 16 January 1827. Macdonald Kinneir reports his journey to Tabreez on the Shah of Persia’s bidding following concerns that Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, 'Abbās Mīrzā Qājār] might attempt to hamper peace negotiations between Russia and Persia, and also details the invasion of Carabaugh [Karabakh] by two columns of Russian troops, the largest led by General Madadoff [General Valerian Madatov]. Macdonald Kinneir details the strength and composition of these columns, the defeat of the smaller column, and the unopposed advance of Madadoff’s column, which he believes may threaten Ardebil [Ardabil] or Tabreez. He also reports Abbas Meerza’s efforts to gather his forces to oppose the Russians, and the lack of defensive preparations made by the Persians, but indicates that he does not believe that General Madadoff’s force will meet with success, given its small size and the winter conditions.

This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 17 January 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/175).