IOR/F/4/2709/194497

The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 16 February 1857.

The item contains a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and Company Agent in the dominions of His Highness the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat, to the Government of Bombay, dated 8 November 1856. It relays the news that Syud Sueed [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Imaum of Muscat, died at sea on 19 October 1856 during his return voyage from Muscat to Zanzibar. Hamerton's letter provides details on the Imaum's last few days, his health before his death, and his will. It also includes Hamerton's comments on the Imaum's successor to his African territories [Sultanate of Zanzibar], his son Said Majid bin Sueed [Sayyid Mājid bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], and Hamerton's note that he is forwarding two letters from Said Majid, one addressed to the Governor-General of India and one addressed to the Governor of Bombay.

Realising that Hamerton has accidentally sent them the letter for the Governor-General (copy included in the item), the Government of Bombay forward it to the Government of India, asking to be sent the letter addressed to the Governor of Bombay. They also instruct Hamerton to pass on their condolences but note they will await instructions from the Government of India before replying to Said Majid themselves.

The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department', Draft Number '789 [18]58', 'Collection No. 2', and 'Examiner's Office'. Originally, the Collection number was written as 'Collection No. 1 of No. 12 of 1857.' but the '1' was replaced with '2' and 'of No. 12 of 1857.' has been crossed out.