IOR/L/PS/5/385, ff 1022-1092

This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 55 of 1840, dated 19 August 1840. The enclosures are numbered 3-24 and are dated 6 July to 15 August 1840.

The enclosures mostly consist of correspondence and minutes of the Government of Bombay, relating to affairs at Aden and Lahej (also spelled Lahedge in this item). The enclosures concern matters including:

• The Government of India conveying the authority of the Governor-General of India in Council for the Government of Bombay to consider the expediency and practicability of sending an expedition to Aden for the purpose of attacking Lahej, the capital of the Abdallee [‘Abdalī Sultanate]
• The Government of Bombay requesting information from: the Political Agent at Aden, Captain Stafford Bettesworth Haines; the Adjutant General of the Army; and the Superintendent of the Indian Navy, Robert Oliver; regarding the military resources required and available for the proposed attack on Lahedge
• Works for strengthening the defences of Aden
• A return (statistical table) of the troops at Aden from the Deputy Quarter Master General of the Army.

The main correspondent is the Government of Bombay. Other correspondents include: the Secretary to the Government of India, Henry Torrens; Oliver; the Acting Deputy Adjutant General of HM Forces, Bombay; and other military officials.