IOR/F/4/2122/100091

The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes, and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, extracts from Bombay [Mumbai] Political Consultations, 1844-45. The papers contained in this item are partial enclosures to a Political Letter sent from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 14 July 1845. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2122/100076, alongside details of further enclosures.

The item relates to the death of Reuben bin Aslan, Native Agent at Muscat, in May 1844 and the subsequent arrangements made to replace him. The item contains:

• Correspondence on the temporary appointment of Hajee Yacoob [Ḥājjī Ya‘qūb] as Native Agent at Muscat, arranged by Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf
• Hennell’s recommendations for a suitable permanent replacement and the Government of Bombay’s wish that a member of Reuben bin Aslan’s [Rūbin bin Aṣlān] family should be appointed
• A number of applications for the position from various individuals, each outlining their qualifications and experience as well as any previous service to the British undertaken by their family members
• The Government of Bombay’s discussions on the suitability of each applicant
• Correspondence from Reuben bin Aslan’s widow requesting financial aid from the Government of Bombay and claiming that her family is owed three months of her husband’s salary
• Correspondence from Reuben bin Aslan’s daughter, Sarah ibna Aslan [Sārah bint Aṣlān], requesting financial aid and that her husband, Hiskael Yusoof [Ḥizqīl bin Yūsuf], should be appointed as her father’s successor
• Correspondence naming Hiskael Yusoof as the new Acting Native Agent at Muscat on several conditions
• The subsequent arrangements made with regards to: Hiskael Yusoof’s salary; the salary owed to Hajee Yacoob; and the salary of Moollah Houssoin [Mullā Ḥusayn], Native Agent at Shargah [Sharjah].

Principal correspondents include: Hiskael Yusoof; Hennell; and the Government of Bombay.

Multiple spellings appear for the names of multiple people. In particular, ‘Reuben’ is often rendered as ‘Rubil’ and ‘Aslan’ is often rendered as ‘Uslan’.

The vast majority of the material dates from 1844-45. However, one applicant includes a copy excerpt from The Bombay Courier, which dates from 1804, in his application.

The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5061, Draft 29/46, Coll[ection]: 23, Vol: 16’, ‘Collection No. 4 of No. 76’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.