IOR/L/PS/5/433, ff 348-432

Enclosure nos. 2-41 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 30 November 1844. The enclosures are dated 27 August-27 November 1844.

The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden and East Africa, including:

• Reports that an army led by the Imam of Sana [Sana’a] is marching in the direction of Aden, with the apparent intention of attacking Lahidge [Lahej], and has reached as far as Ereem [Yarim], but has been halted by news of the usurpation of Sana by the Imam’s uncle
• Reports that the Sultan of Ourlghee [Aulaqi] also intends to attack Lahidge, but requires permission from the Sultan of Fouthelee [Fadhli] to march through his territory
• A request from M Houssain Fudthel [Sultan Muḥsin bin Faḍl al-‘Abdalī], Sultan of Lahedge, for shot and powder to aid in his defence
• The high rate of illness among the troops at Aden, a request for the worst cases to be invalided out, and the need for reinforcements
• Reports of a massacre and mass enslavement committed by the King of Shoa [Shewa]
• Payment of a grant to the Assistant Political Agent, Aden, to cover his expenses from his tour of the coast of East Africa
• The need of extensive repairs to, or replacement of, the building currently housing the Political Agent’s office and the Agency Treasury.

The primary correspondents are: the Political Agent, Aden; Lieutenant-Colonel William Croker, commanding the troops at Aden; the Sultan of Lahedge; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Quartermaster-General, Bombay; and the Government of India.