i^ 
 
 v> 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 RBirBCTIKft 
 
 RELATIONS WITH (PERSIA. 
 
 Presented to both' Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 
 
 1857. 
 
 LONDON : 
 PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. 
 
f:;—- «•■•■■ 
 
 eftA 
 
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 ^^i 
 
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 ^^1 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS, 
 
 No. 
 1. Lieut. -Colonel Shell 
 
 3. To Lieut.-Colonel Shell 
 
 4. Lieut.-Colonel Shell 
 
 5. 
 6. 
 
 8. 
 9. 
 
 10, 
 11. 
 
 12. 
 
 13. 
 
 14. 
 
 1.5, 
 16. 
 
 17. 
 
 18. To Lieut.-Colonel Shell 
 
 19. 
 
 20. Lieut.-Colonel Shell 
 
 21. 
 
 »» i» 
 
 22. To Sheffee Khan 
 
 23. To Lieut-Colonel Shell 
 
 24. Lieut.-Colonel Sheil 
 
 25. Sheffee Khan 
 
 26. To Sheffee Khan . 
 
 July 22, 1851 
 
 24, 
 
 Sept. 24, 
 Aug. 8, 
 
 Sept. 17, 
 Oct. 1, 
 
 Nov. 9, 
 22, 
 
 Dec. 29, 
 Jan. 20, 1852 
 
 Feb. 14, 
 
 Mar. 
 
 7, 
 
 
 15, 
 
 May 
 
 31. 
 1, 
 
 
 4, 
 
 July 
 
 7, 
 
 Aug. 
 
 27, 
 
 July 
 
 28, 
 
 Aug. 
 
 22, 
 
 Oct. 
 
 27, 
 
 
 27, 
 
 Aug. 31, 
 
 Oct. 29, 
 Nov. 3, 
 
 Subject. Page 
 
 Persian Minister disclaims any intention 
 to occupy Herat .. .. .. .. 1 
 
 Letter to Persian Minister respecting 
 Herat 2 
 
 Approving the foregoing . . . . . . 2 
 
 Answer from Persian Minister, and further 
 letter to him respecting Herat . . . 3 
 
 Affairs of Herat . . . . . . 4 
 
 Proceedings of Persian Government rela- 
 tive to Herat . . . . . . . . 4 
 
 Troops going to Khorassan. Has warned 
 Persian Minister about Herat. His 
 assurances . . . . . . . . 5 
 
 Affairs of Herat . . . . . . . . 6 
 
 Sadr Azim's renewed assurances respect- 
 ing Herat . . . . . . . . . 6 
 
 Russian Minister's language . . . . 6 
 
 Commimications with Sadr Azim respect- 
 ing Herat . . . . . . . . . 7 
 
 1,200 men sent by Persians to Herat. 
 Incloses correspondence with Persian 
 Government ,. .. .. ..10 
 
 Letter from Sadr Azim, and reply, respect- 
 ing affairs of Herat .. ,. .. 15 
 
 Audience of and conversation with tlie 
 Shah. Herat 19 
 
 Further audience of the Shah. Herat . . 20 
 
 Stale of things at Herat. Colonel Sheil 
 will await instructions . , . . . , 20 
 
 Herat. As to necessity of preventing the 
 Persians from permanently occupying 
 Herat .. . . .. .. " .. 21 
 
 Instructions from Lord Malmesburv for his 
 guidance. Displeasure of Her Majestv's 
 Government at occupation of Herat '. . 23 
 
 Herat. Her Majesty's Government justi- 
 fied in calling for explanations as to 
 apparent contradiction between their 
 assurances and tiieir acts, &c. . . .. 24 
 
 News from Herat. Incloses extracts from 
 Tehran Gazettes .. .. ., .. 26 
 
 Sadr Azim's explanations subsrquent to 
 Colonel Shell's receipt of Lord Malmes- 
 bury's des|iatcb of Julv 7 .. .. 27 
 
 Breaking off diplomatic intercourse with 
 him on account of proceedings of Persia 
 in Herat affairs .. .. ,, .,29 
 
 State of the question with Persian Govern- 
 ment relative to Herat. Cannot allow 
 any systematic attempt on the part of 
 Persia to effect a change in the posses- 
 sion of countries lying between Persian 
 frontier and British territories in India . 29 
 
 Leiter from Sadr Azim relative to the 
 eiacnation of Herat. Present state of 
 his discussions with Persian Government. 31 
 
 Assurnces nlative to Heiat Wishes to. 
 give personal explanations . . . . 35 
 
 Can place no reliance on his assurances, 
 and cannot receive him . . . . . . 35 
 
 5250.10 
 
 b 2 
 
IV 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 No. 
 
 27. Lieut.-Colonel Shcil 
 
 , . • .- 
 
 80. „ „ 
 
 31. ,1 „ 
 
 32. 
 83, 
 84. 
 
 '• n 
 
 »» »> 
 
 35. 
 
 36. 
 
 » »» • • 
 
 »l 9* 
 
 37. 
 
 ft » 
 
 89. ,1 )j . , 
 
 40. To Lieut.-Colonel Sheil 
 
 41. Lieut.-Colonel Sheil 
 
 42. To Lieut.-Colonel Shell 
 
 43. To Mr. Thomson 
 
 44. Mr. Thomson 
 
 45. To Mr. Thomson 
 
 46. Mr. Thomson 
 
 47. To Mr. Thomson 
 
 48. Mr. Murray 
 
 49. To Mr. Murray 
 
 50. Mr. Murray 
 51. 
 52. 
 53. 
 
 » » 
 
 i> >» 
 
 >» » 
 
 .■54. To Mr. Murray 
 
 55. Lord Stratford 
 
 56. Mr. Murray 
 
 Sept. 
 
 17, 
 
 1852 
 
 Oct. 
 
 8, 
 
 22, 
 
 31, 
 
 
 Nov. 14, 
 
 21, 
 Dec. 2, 
 Jan. 5, 1853 
 
 7, 
 13. 
 
 
 19, 
 
 
 30, 
 
 Feb. 
 
 4, 
 
 Mar. 
 
 21. 
 
 Feb. 
 
 17. 
 
 April 18, 
 
 May 7, 
 June 15, 1854 
 
 Aug. 7, 
 Sept. 2, 
 
 Nov. 16, 
 
 June 22, 1855 
 
 Aug. 1, 
 Nov. 9, 
 
 17, 
 
 20, 
 
 21, 
 
 Jan. 4, 1856 
 3. 
 
 Nov. 28, 1855 
 
 Subject. 
 
 Page 
 
 Leiter from Sadr Azim respecting Sam 
 Khan having left Herat, and ano.her 
 Agent going iheie without troops .. 36 
 
 Conversation with Sadr Azini on commu- 
 nicjiting to him Lord Malniesbury's 
 despatch of Aiisiust 27 .. .. .36 
 
 Persian Government seem determined to 
 pers-evere in annexing Herat to Persia . 37 
 
 Inclosing translation of firrhaii conferring 
 government of Herat on Syed Mahomed 
 Khan " .. .. 38 
 
 Translation of article from " Teiiran Ga- 
 zette,'' and of firman nominating Abbass 
 Koolee Khan lo permanent residence at 
 Herat 39 
 
 Notes to and from Sadr Azim respecting 
 Sam Khan marching with troops to 
 Herat 40 
 
 Prince Governor of Khorassan reports the 
 recall of Sam Khan from Herat with his 
 troops . . . . . . . . 42 
 
 Ccmmunication which he addressed to 
 Persian Prime Minister respecting Lord 
 Malniesbury's despatch of October 27. 
 Conversation on the occasion. Trans- 
 lation of Engagement of Persian Govern- 
 ment regarding Herat . . . . . . 42 
 
 Letter from Sadr Azim demanding that 
 England should disclaim all right or 
 intention to interfere in affairs of Herat. 
 Has returned it to be corrected . . . 46 
 
 Correspondence relative to refusal of Per- 
 sian Government to adhere to arrange- 
 ment as to Herat . . . . . . . 46 
 
 Incloses a proposed arrangement respecting 
 Herat, which he has rejected . . . . 53 
 
 Further correspondence. Translation of 
 arrangement relative to Herat, sealed by 
 the Sadr Azim. Hopes that it will be 
 approved . . . . . . . . . 56 
 
 Letter to the Ruler of Herat inclosing 
 copy of Persian Agreement . . . . 63 
 
 .Approving arrangement relative to Herat, 
 and his letter to the llnler of Herat . . 64 
 
 Threat of Persian Government not to 
 adhere to Herat Engagement. Menace 
 withdrawn .. .. .. ..64 
 
 Answer to Lieutenant-Colonel Shell's des- 
 patch of February 17. Herat .. .. 68 
 
 Conversati!)n with Sheffee Khan .. .. 68 
 
 Has appointed Meerza Hashem Khan to 
 be First Persian Secretary to the Mis- 
 sion . . . . . . . . . . 68 
 
 Approving Meerza Hashem's appointment. 69 
 
 Persian Government object to Meerza 
 Hashem's appointment . . . . . . 69 
 
 Mav appoint Meerza Fezloollah instead of 
 Meerza Hashem. As to the latter going 
 as Agent to Shiraz . . . . . . 70 
 
 Appointment of .Meerza Hashem Khan as 
 Agent at Shiraz. Calls attention to his 
 case . . . . . . . . . 70 
 
 Approving Meerza Hashem Khan's ap- 
 pointment to be British Agent at Shiraz . 71 
 
 Persian Government refuse to accept 
 Meerza Hashem as Agent at Shiraz .. 71 
 
 Copies and translations of correspondence 
 respecting Meerza Hash m . . . . 72 
 
 Has struck his flag. Explanations as to 
 the cause of his doing so . . . . S3 
 
 Failure of M. Boiirre, the French Minister, 
 to accommodate matters . . . . . . 85 
 
 Approving liis having struck his flag . . 87 
 
 Letter and note addressed to him by the 
 Persian Prime Minister . . . . . . 87 
 
 Correspondence on case of Meerza Hashem, 
 and hauling down British flag. Shah's 
 autographs . . . . . . . . 89 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 No. 
 
 57. 
 
 Mr. Murray 
 
 58. 
 
 »» i> 
 
 59. 
 
 » » 
 
 60. 
 
 »i »> 
 
 61. Lord Stratford 
 
 62. Mr. Murray 
 
 63. „ „ 
 
 64. „ 
 
 65. Consul Stevens 
 
 66. Lord Stratford 
 
 67. Mr. Murray 
 
 68. „ 
 
 69. Consul Stevens 
 
 70. Mr. Murray 
 
 71. „ 
 
 72. „ 
 
 73. 
 
 74. 
 
 76. Lord Stratford 
 
 77. To Lord Stratford 
 78. 
 
 79. To Mr. Murray 
 
 80. To Consul Stevens 
 
 81. Mr. Murray 
 
 82. Consul Stevens 
 8.3. „ „ 
 84. 
 
 86. To Consul Stevens 
 
 87. Lord Stratford 
 
 88. Mr. Murray 
 
 89. „ „ , 
 
 90. „ 
 
 92. Consul Stevens 
 
 93. To Lord S.ratford 
 
 94. Consul Stevens 
 93. Lord Stratford 
 S6. Consul Stevens 
 97. - „ ,, 
 
 Dec. 
 
 1, 
 3, 
 
 4, 
 
 6, 
 
 1855 
 
 Jan. 
 
 12, 
 
 5, 
 
 8, 
 
 8, 
 
 1856 
 
 Dec. 
 
 31, 
 
 1855 
 
 Feb. 
 
 18, 
 
 1856 
 
 .Tan. 18, 
 22, 
 
 8, 
 
 Feb. 15, 
 22, 
 
 Mar. 6, 
 
 7, 
 
 7, 
 
 7, 
 
 April 10, 
 
 May 
 
 15, 
 15, 
 
 
 15, 
 
 
 15, 
 
 Mar. 
 
 22, 
 
 
 20, 
 
 
 21, 
 
 
 31, 
 
 Apr. 
 iMay 
 
 2, 
 16, 
 
 
 12, 
 
 Apr. 
 
 2, 
 
 7, 
 
 7, 
 7, 
 
 9, 
 
 May 24, 
 
 .Apr. 20, 
 
 May 26, 
 
 Apr. 30, 
 
 30, 
 
 Subject. 
 
 Page 
 97 
 
 Expects Persian Government to give way . 
 
 Explanations relative to Meerza Hashemi's 
 
 ca&e 
 " Tehran Gazette " relating to suspension 
 
 of relations 
 The satisfaction which he demanded as the 
 conditions of resuming diplomatic rela- 
 tions 
 
 Instruction of Persian Prime Minister to 
 Persian Charge d' Affaires at Constanti- 
 nople 
 
 Modification of his terms . . 
 
 Active military preparations of Persia, 
 
 Advices from Khorassan. . 
 Copy of despatcli to Consul Stevens 
 
 Copv of despatches he has addressed to 
 Indian Government and Mr. Murray . . 
 
 Translation of a letter from the Chief 
 Priest of Tehran, containing charges 
 against persons attacking Mussulman 
 women 
 
 Letters from Heratee Chiefs 
 
 Paper drawn up by Persian Minist?r for 
 publication in Europe 
 
 Persians are sending proposals to Dost 
 Mahomed Khan . . 
 
 Affairs of Herat .. 
 
 Literal translation in English of the Shah's 
 antograpli letter . . 
 
 Is going to move from Tabreez nearer to 
 Turkish frontier. Communication from 
 the Kaimakam 
 
 Despatch from Consul Stevens, with copy 
 of a letter from Sadr Azim to foreign 
 Missions in Tehran, relative to Herat 
 and Candahar 
 
 Despatch from Consul Stevens, respecting 
 a Persian army being directed against 
 Affghanistau 
 
 Copy of letter pretended to have been 
 written to Ruler of Herat by Mr. Thom- 
 son 
 
 Official comminiication verbally made by 
 the Persian Charge d' Affaires .. 
 
 .As to conditions which Persia must accept. 
 
 .Xmonnt of satisfaction to admit of Mr. 
 Mnriay's return to Tehran 
 
 Mission should proceed to Bagdad. Con- 
 suls to remain at Tabreez and Tehran . . 
 
 To remain at Teliran, but not to communi- 
 cate with Persian Government politically. 
 
 Despatches from Consul Stevens, relative 
 to Herat and Persian movements . . 
 
 Article from " Tehran Gazette," resjiect- 
 ing causes of Mr. Murray's with Irawal. . 
 
 Letter to Minister for Foreign Affairs re- 
 fusing present of sweetmeats 
 
 Substance of news from Meshed . . 
 
 Investment of Herat 
 
 Approving his refusal of Persian sweet- 
 meats on New Year's day 
 
 Translation of letter from the Sadr Azim . 
 
 Communication through the Mehmandar 
 from Sadr Azim. Attempt to induce 
 him not to cross the Persian frontier 
 
 Further statement respecting his differences 
 with Persian Government and withdrawal 
 of the Mission . , . . . . . . 141 
 
 Nei- s from Herat and Aslerabad . . . 142 
 
 Letter to Mr. Stevens from the Minister 
 for Foreign Affairs ,. .. .. 143 
 
 Troops sent to Herat . . . . . . 144 
 
 If Persia occupies Herat, it will be another 
 csuse of quarrel . .. .. .. 144 
 
 Intelligence about Herat and Candsihar . . 144 
 
 Copy of letter to the Sadr Azim . . . . 145 
 
 Reports from Herat . . . . . . 146 
 
 Publication of offensive document. . .. 146 
 
 98 
 98 
 
 99 
 
 100 
 105 
 
 106 
 107 
 
 108 
 
 110 
 
 111 
 
 114 
 
 119 
 120 
 
 120 
 
 121 
 
 122 
 
 124 
 
 124 
 
 126 
 
 126 
 
 127 
 
 128 
 
 128 
 
 130 
 
 137 
 138 
 139 
 
 140 
 
 140 
 
 141 
 
y 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 No. 
 
 98. Consul Stevens 
 
 99. 'J'o Lord Stratford . . 
 
 100. Consul Stcvtns to .Mr.Miirra 
 
 101. Consul S. evens 
 102 
 
 103. „ ., 
 
 104. Lord Stratford 
 
 105. 
 
 106. To Mr. Murray . 
 
 107. To the Sadr Azim . 
 103. To Consul Stevens. 
 10^. To India Board . 
 
 110. Consul Stevens 
 
 111. ., ,. 
 
 112. Mr. Murray 
 
 113. Consul Stevrns 
 
 114. 
 
 ,. 
 
 115. 
 
 •. 
 
 116. 
 
 )» )» 
 
 117. 
 
 Lord Stratford 
 
 118. 
 
 To Consul Stevens 
 
 119. 
 
 Consul Stevens 
 
 120. 
 121. 
 
 »> j» 
 
 122. 
 
 To Consul Stevens 
 
 123. 
 
 Consul Stevens 
 
 124. 
 
 »» »» 
 
 125. 
 
 ». •♦ 
 
 126. 
 
 '1 *» 
 
 127. 
 
 To Consul Stevens 
 
 128. 
 
 » » 
 
 129. 
 
 To India Board 
 
 130. 
 131. 
 132. 
 133. 
 
 Consul Stevens 
 The Sadr Azim 
 Couiul Stevens 
 
 134. To Mr. Murray 
 
 135. India Board 
 
 136. ., 
 
 137. To Mr. Murray 
 
 138. To the Persi.in Minister for 
 
 Foreign A flairs 
 
 139. .Consul Abbott 
 
 f; 
 
 Mflv 
 
 1, 
 
 1856 
 
 .lune 
 
 l.'r. 
 
 
 Feb. 
 
 20, 
 
 
 May 
 
 ID. 
 31, 
 31. 
 
 
 Juno 
 
 23. 
 
 
 Subject. 
 
 Page 
 147 
 
 28, 
 
 July 11. 
 
 11. 
 
 11. 
 
 19, 
 June 4, 
 
 7, 
 
 21, 
 15. 
 
 16, 
 
 20, 
 
 22, 
 
 July 16, 
 
 30, 
 
 10, 
 
 10, 
 22, 
 
 Sept, 16, 
 
 Aug. 12. 
 
 15, 
 
 16, 
 
 17. 
 
 Sept. 22, 
 
 24, 
 
 24, 
 
 Aug. 21, 
 17, 
 23, 
 23, 
 
 Sept. 26, 
 
 Oct. 
 
 8, 
 
 
 8, 
 
 
 10, 
 
 
 10, 
 
 Sept. 
 
 10, 
 
 News in a letter from Meshed 
 
 If Persia evacuates Herat, wu will not 
 insist on Meerza Hashem going to Shiraz 147 
 
 News respecting Herat . . . . . . 147 
 
 Ditto. More troops sent to Khorassaii .. 148 
 
 Intelligence from Herat . . . . . . 149 
 
 Forokli Khan going .Embassador to Paris. . 151 
 
 Communication with the Persian Charge 
 d"Affaires. Is to send him an ultimatum. 151 
 
 Has placed a memorandum of conditions in 
 the hands of the Persian Charge d' Af- 
 faires .. .. ..152 
 
 Copies of letter to Sadr Azim, and of in- 
 structions to Consul Stevens .. .. 152 
 
 Demanding reparation for breach of engage- 
 ment relative to Herat . . . . 158 
 
 To forward above letter to Sadr Azim with 
 an accurate tiaiislation .. .. .. 153 
 
 An expedition to be prepared at Bombay to 
 occupy Karrack and liusliire . . . 154 
 
 Gross outrage on Meerza Mootallib, 
 Pi'rsi;in writer of Her Mnjesty's Con- 
 sulate . . . . , . . . . . 154 
 
 Explosion ft Herat of amnmnition of the 
 Persian army .. .. .. ..158 
 
 Defence of his proceedings .. ..158 
 
 Acknowledging receipt of despatch of 15th 
 of May .. 161 
 
 Respecting the outrage on Meerza Mootal- 
 lib. Correspondence with Sadr Azim . , 162 
 
 Narrative, translated from tlie Persian, of 
 events at Herat .. .. .. ..166 
 
 Aftairs of and at Herat. Departure of 
 Ferokh Khan postponed . . . . . . 168 
 
 Answer from Sadr Azim to his letter to 
 him of May 25 169 
 
 Instructions respecting outrage upon 
 Meerza Mootallib 174 
 
 Intelligence from Herat. Essan Khan's 
 wives and children said to be captured . . 174 
 
 Water cut olT I rom the British Mission 174 
 
 Herat still holds out. No foundation for 
 reported capture of Essan Khan's family. 176 
 
 To remonstrate against the water being cut 
 off from British Mission . . .. . 176 
 
 Delivery of Lord Clarendon's letter to the 
 Sadr Azim . . . . . . . . 176 
 
 Movements of troops after the delivery of 
 Lord Clarendon's letter .. .. .. 177 
 
 Report that speedy surrender of Herat may 
 be expected .. .. .. ..177 
 
 No answer from the Sadr Azim. Sends 
 back the messenger .. . .. 177 
 
 Orders sent to India to dispatch the expe- 
 dition to the Persian Guif .. .. 177 
 
 Aporoves his proceedings. To leave 
 Persia . . . . 178 
 
 The expedition to be dispatched to Persian 
 Gulf 178 
 
 Respecting the Sadr Azim's answer . . 178 
 
 Ansver to Lord Clarendon's letter . . 1 79 
 
 Occupation of Subzar by the Persians . . 181 
 
 Expulsion of Mission Agent from Astera- 
 bad 181 
 
 Transmitting copies of instructions to 
 Consuls at Tehran and Tabreez to with- 
 draw from Persia . . . . . . 182 
 
 Papers relative to Persian proceedings on 
 the frontiers of Kliel at 182 
 
 Commissioner in Scinde suggests that 
 assistance should be given to the Khan of 
 Khelat 186 
 
 Letter to the Sadr Azim to be sent on to 
 Tehran 187 
 
 Reparation which Gieat Britain requires. 
 An expedition to proceed against Persia . 187 
 
 Sadr Azim's unfriendly feelings towards 
 Englishmen ... ,. .. IBS'* 
 
TABLE OP CONTENTS. 
 
 Vll 
 
 No. 
 
 140. Lord Stratford 
 
 141. To Lord Stratford 
 
 144. Mr. Murray 
 
 143. Lord Stratford 
 
 144. To Lord Stratford 
 
 145. Consul Stevens 
 146, 
 
 147 
 
 148. 
 
 14S. Consul Abbott 
 
 150. „ 
 
 151. To Consul Abbott 
 
 152. Lord Stratford 
 
 153. To Lord Stratford 
 
 154. Lord Stratford 
 
 155. „ ,, 
 
 156. Consul Stevens 
 
 157. To Lord Stratford 
 168. Lord Str.itford 
 159. 
 
 160. Sir Justin Sheil 
 
 161. To Lord Stratford 
 
 162. ludia Board 
 
 163. To Lord Stratford 
 
 164. Lord Stratford 
 
 165. To Lord Stratford 
 
 166. Mr. Murray 
 
 167. Consul Stevens 
 
 168. „ ,, 
 
 169. Lord Stratford 
 
 170. 
 171. 
 
 172. To Consul Stevens 
 
 173. To Lord Stratford 
 
 1 74. Sir Justin Sheil 
 
 175. Mr. Murray 
 
 176. „ 
 
 177. To Lord Cowley 
 
 178. Lord Cowley 
 
 179. To Lord Cowley 
 
 180. Lord Cowley 
 
 181. To Lord Cowley 
 
 182. Lord Cowley 
 
 183. To Lord Cowley 
 
 184. Lord Cowley 
 
 Oct. 
 
 Sept. 
 Nov. 
 
 Oct. 
 
 IS, 1856 
 28, 
 
 29. 
 3, 
 
 Subject. 
 
 Pas 
 
 Nov, 
 
 Oct. 
 
 Dec. 
 Nov. 
 Dec. 
 
 Dec. 
 
 14, 
 
 o_ 
 
 2," 
 
 8, 
 18, 
 
 23, 
 23. 
 25, 
 10. 
 
 27. 
 16, 
 
 23, 
 25, 
 
 11, 
 30, 
 12. 
 
 13, 
 
 16, 
 
 17, 
 
 ; 
 
 18, 
 
 7, 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 19, 
 21, 
 
 
 Oct. 
 
 25, 
 
 
 Dec. 
 
 3, 
 
 15, 
 
 19, 
 21, 
 
 
 Jan. 
 
 30, 
 
 7, 
 
 1857 
 
 
 20, 
 
 
 Dec. 
 
 9, 
 
 1856 
 
 Jan. 
 
 22, 
 27, 
 
 28, 
 
 1857 
 
 Feb. 
 
 30, 
 1, 
 
 3, 
 5, 
 
 
 6, 
 
 8, 
 
 Arrival iit Constaiilinoplo of Ferokh Khan, 
 Persian Ambassador 
 
 May receive any counnuuic-ation from Per- 
 sian Ambassadoi' respecting reparation to 
 England . . 
 
 Bcniier Ahbass question settled disadvait- 
 tageously for Iniiunn of Muscat . . 
 
 Has opened communication with the Persian 
 Ambassador 
 
 Approving his proceedings .. .. 
 
 Sanguinary affair at Herat 
 
 Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf brought 
 prisoner to Tehran 
 
 Fnrrah is said to have fallen. Shahzadeh's 
 life spared 
 
 Determination of the Shah to possess him- 
 self of Herat. Preparations against the 
 English . . 
 
 Sieps taken by him on leaving Persia 
 
 Five regiments ordered to Tehran 
 
 Approval of his proceedings 
 
 His communications with Ferokh Khan 
 unsatisfactory 
 
 Approval 
 
 No satisfactory result from his communi- 
 cations witli the Persian Ambassador . . 
 
 Progress of negotiations with Ferokh Khan 
 
 Condition on which Persia will withdraw 
 from Herat 
 
 Approving his proceedings 
 
 Further correspondence with Ferokh Khan 203 
 
 Cannot prevail on Ferokh Khan to redeem 
 his pledges . 
 
 Explanation as to the Agreement of January 
 1853 
 
 Nothing will be added to the present ulti- 
 matum if immediately complied with. 
 Expedition to Persia cannot be delayed . 
 
 Three Proclamations issued by the Gover- 
 nor-General of India 
 
 His proceedings eutiiely approved . 
 
 Further communications with Persian Am- 
 bassador 
 
 Approving his conduct . . . . . . 
 
 Has forwarded letter to the Sadr Azim 
 from Lord Clarendon, through Persian 
 Consul at Bagdad 
 
 Acknowledging receipt of despatch ordering 
 him to leave Persia . . . . 
 
 His aiTival at Trebizond. Account of his 
 departure from Tehran , . 
 
 Additional correspondence with Ferokh 
 Khan 
 
 Close of negotiation with him 
 
 Ferokh Khan declares his engagements null 
 and void, and prepares to leave for Paris , 
 
 Approval . . 
 
 Approving his proceedings on conclusion of 
 negotiation with Ferokh Khan . . 
 
 Respecting the Agreement made by Persian 
 Government relative to Herat . , 
 
 Copy of " Tehran Gazette." Article re- 
 specting Herat , . 
 
 Substance of article from •' Tehran Gazette" 
 
 To transmit to London any written proposals 
 from Ferokh Khan 
 
 Ferokh Khan asks for an interview with 
 Lord Cowley 
 
 Approval of conduct 
 
 Interview and conversation with Ferokh 
 Khan 
 
 Approval. Instructions . . 
 
 Execution of instructions. Ferokh Khan's 
 full-powers 
 
 Approval. Her Majesty's Government hope 
 that an arrangement of differences may be 
 made with Persia , . . 236 
 
 Conversation with Persian Ambassador . . 23S 
 
 189 
 
 189 
 
 190 
 
 190 
 192 
 192 
 
 192 
 
 193 
 
 193 
 194 
 195 
 195 
 
 195 
 197 
 
 197 
 199 
 
 203 
 203 
 
 203 
 
 209 
 
 211 
 
 211 
 
 214 
 
 214 
 217 
 
 218 
 
 218 
 
 219 
 
 220 
 223 
 
 224 
 224 
 
 224 
 
 225 
 
 227 
 229 
 
 231 
 
 231 
 231 
 
 232 
 234 
 
 234 
 
vtii 
 
 TABLB OF CONTBNTS. 
 
 No. 
 
 1 85. To Lord Cowley 
 
 1 86. Lord Cowley 
 ^187. To Lord Cowley 
 "■^188. Lord Cowley 
 
 ~ 189. To Lord Cowley 
 
 Feb. 10, 1857 
 Mar. 4, 
 
 6, 
 
 4, 
 
 14, 
 
 Subject. Page 
 
 Approving his language to the Persian Am- 
 bassador . . . . . . . . 237 
 
 Incloses Treaty of Peace, which he signed 
 on 4th March with Ferokh Khan . . 237 
 
 Entire and cordial approval of his conduct 
 in negotiating Treaty of Peace . . . . 237 
 
 Correspondence with Ferol<h Khan relative 
 to tlie withdrawal of certain conditions 
 originally put forward by Her Majesty's 
 Government . . . . . . 237 
 
 Approving his having committed to writing 
 discussion with Persian Ambassador re- 
 specting abandoned conditions . . . . 239 
 
Correspondence respecting Relations with Persia. 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 Lieutenant- Colon el Sheil to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received September 18.) 
 
 (Extract.) Ispahan, July 22, 1851. 
 
 THE death of Yar Mahomed Khan has heen fully confirmed. 
 
 Last night I called on the Ameer Nizam, and after alluding to the death 
 of Yar Mahomed Klian, and to tlie rumours prevailing of the intention of 
 Sultan Moorad Meerza, the Governor of Khorassan, to move in the direction of 
 Herat, I said that the largeness of the force under the Prince's command 
 rendered it necessary that I should obtain some explanation of the intention of 
 this Government. I also informed him that the views of the British Govern- 
 ment with respect to Herat were unchanged; that it would allow of no inter- 
 ference with that city ; and that any demonstration of Sultan Moorad Meerza 
 in that direction would be follcwed by evil consequences, and that it appeared 
 to me it was for the interest of the Persian Governmerit to give me assurances 
 of the course it intended to adopt, in order that I might communicate these 
 assurances without delay both to Her Majesty's Government and the Govern- 
 ment of India. 
 
 The Persian Minister disclaimed, in distinct terms, any intention on the 
 part of this Government to occupy Horat, or to send troops towards that city, 
 and said that I might give Her Majesty's Government assurances to that effect. 
 The troops collected by Sultan Moorad Meerza he declared to be solely v\ith the 
 • object of coercing the Tejjen Toorkomans, and that the Prince had already 
 marched to that district. 
 
 In answer to an observation of mine, the Ameer said that Prince Sultan 
 Moorad Meerza W'ould not presume to make an unauthorised movement towards 
 Herat, and that, moreover, orders had been sent to the Prince to abstain from 
 any military movement in that direction. To prevent, I said, the possibility of 
 mistake, and the consequent measures which would follow if the Governor of 
 India were thrown into doubt of the intentions of the Persian Government, I 
 recommended tliat these orders should be renewed, and that the Prince should 
 be warned that on no pretence whatever was he to send any troops towards 
 Herat. The Ameer agreed to forward these instructions by a courier who would 
 leave Ispahan in three days. 
 
 I mentioned to the Ameer Nizam that intelligence had reached me of a 
 disposition evinced by the Prince Governor of Khorassan to afford military 
 assistance to a member of the late dynasty in Herat, named Shahzadeh 
 Mahomed Youssuf Meerza, to regain possession of the sovereignty. Such a 
 movement would, I said, be regarded by the British Government as equally 
 objectionable as a movement made from other ostensible motives. The Persian 
 Minister affirmed that this intelligence was totally destitute of foundation. In 
 confirmation of his assertions he declared that Syed Mahomed Khan, the son of 
 Yar Mahomed Khan, had addressed a letter to the Shah soliciting his favour 
 and protection, and that His Majesty had sent him a fii-man in corresponding 
 terms. 
 
 [232] B 
 
I :■■■;. No. 2. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to Viscount Palmerston. — {Received September 18.) 
 
 (E.xtract.) Ispahan, July 24, 1851. 
 
 I THOUGHT it would be advantageous to remind the Persian Minister of 
 his agreement to give positive orders to Sultan Moorad Meerza to abstain from 
 any interference whatever with Herat. I accordingly addressed a letter, of 
 wliich 1 beg leave to inclose a copy, to that effect to the Ameer Nizam, and I 
 took the opportunity of repeating a portion of the observations I had made to 
 his Excellency verbally. 
 
 It is possible that the Persian Government is free from any design adverse 
 to the policy of Her Majesty's Government, and it may prove needless to press 
 this subject on its attention ; nevertheless there is certainly a considerable force 
 at Meshed, which admits of easy and perhaps secret increase from Tehran, and 
 I theretbre feel a conviction that, setting aside all consideration of English 
 interests, I am rendering a service to this Government, liowever distasteful to it, 
 in doing all I can to dissuade the Persian Government fioin rushing into the 
 temptation which offers itself to it at this moment at Herat, or is likely to do so 
 within a short time. 
 
 Inclosure in No 2. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Ameer Nizam. 
 
 July 23, 1851. 
 
 THE subject is of so much importance, I consider it advisable to remind 
 your Excellency of the arrangement you made with me to write to Sultan 
 Moorad Meerza to-morrow. The Prince is young, and has a large body of troops 
 under his command. Any rash act on his part might lead to the most serious 
 consequences. Every movement of his will be transmitted to India through 
 Affghanistan in the most exaggerated form ; and should the Prince unfortunately 
 exhibit any want of circumspection, the consequence would be that measures 
 might be forced on the Governor-General of India which would be otherwise 
 unnecessary. 
 
 I therefore trust that your Excellency, in conformity with your language to 
 me, will issue positive orders to Sultan Moorad Meerza, that under no circum- 
 stances or pretence whatever is he to send troops towards Herat. I again repeat, 
 that any deviation on the part of the Prince from theabovecourse, be the pretext 
 what it may, would have an influence over the relations subsisting between 
 England and Persia. Your Kxcellency will therefore comprehend the cause 
 of my sohcitude for the speedy transmission of these orders, as had been 
 arranged. 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 Viscount Palmerston to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, September 24, 1851. 
 
 I HAVE to acquaint you that I apj)rove of your having, as reported in your 
 despatch of the 24th of July, requested the Ameer Nizam to send positive 
 orders to the Governor of Khorassan not to interfere with Herat. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) PALMERSTON. 
 
No. 4. -,■/',;., . Ji-'.i'' 
 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Slieil to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received October 2.) 
 
 (Extract.) Ispahan, Aiujust 8, 1851. 
 
 WITH reference to my despatch of the 24th of July, inclosing a translation 
 of a letter I had written to the Ameer Nizam, relative to the large force 
 assembled in Khorassan, I have the honour to transmit a translation of the 
 Ameer's reply. 
 
 This communication appearing to me vague and unsatisfactory, I have 
 thought it advisable to declare distinctly to the Persian Minister the sentiments 
 of Her Majesty's Government relative to any attempt by Persia on Herat. I 
 have the honour to inclose for your Lordship's information a copy of a letter I 
 have addressed to that effect to the Ameer Nizam. 
 
 In addition to the above reasons for a clear explanation of the views of Her 
 Majesty's Government, I have further been induced to do so by having learned 
 from two sources of undoubted authority that the Ameer Nizam had niade a 
 declaration that any attempt to subvert the authority of Syed Mahomed Khan 
 would be followed by the immediate advance of Persian troops to his 
 assistance. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 4. 
 The Ameer Nizam to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) July 27, 1851. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter in which you request that 
 injunctions should be given to Sultan Moorad Meerza. I therefore beg to inform 
 you that his Royal Plighness has been dispatched to punish the Toorkomans of 
 Tekkeh, Serekhs, and Tejjen, whose jMCsumption has passed all limit. Beyond 
 this, the ibrce under the Prince has no orders to proceed towards Herat or 
 Atfghanistan. Although your Excellency has stated that the Prince is young, and 
 that the army under his command is large, nevertheless the youth of the Prince 
 and the strength of his army are no proofs that he should be able to proceed on 
 an expedition, contraiy to his orders, witliout the coiimiands of this Government. 
 His orders are what 1 have stated. 
 
 With reference to your statement that there will be great rumours in 
 Ilindoostan ; in the first place, the Prince is now among the Toorkomans, and is 
 remote from all rumours ; secondly, it is very evident that unmeaning reports 
 have up to this time terminated. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 4. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Ameer Nizam. 
 
 August 7, 1851. 
 
 I PIAVE had the honour to receive your Excellency's letter of the 27th 
 July, relative to the movements of the army under the command of Sultan 
 Moorad Meerza. 
 
 That communication is vague and inconclusive, and contains none of the 
 satisfactory assurances demanded by the circumstances. If the Persian Govern- 
 ment had desired to inspire the British Government with confidence as to the 
 object of the large force assembled in Khorassan, it would have seized this 
 occasion to give explicit assurances of the falsehood of the prevailing rumours, 
 and of the absence on the part of this Government of any intention to interfere 
 in any way whatever with Herat. 
 
 This has not been done ; therefore, I have only to repeat to this Govern- 
 ment that evil consequences will arise to the relations between England and 
 Persia should any attempt be made on Herat, either by open force or by manage- 
 ment and negotiation. Any movement of Persian troops to that city, on any 
 
 B 2 
 
pretence. whatever, whether on the pretext of aiding Syed Mahomed Khan or 
 any other, will interrupt the friendly relations now happily subsisting between 
 Groat Britain and Persia. 
 
 No. 5. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to Viscount Palmerston. — {Received October 31.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp, Cauzee, September 17, 1851. 
 
 THE affairs of Herat appear to be involved in ^eater confusion from day 
 to day. Mr. Ronald Thomson has informed me that, a few days ago, a special 
 agent from Syed Mahomed Khan had arrived in the Shah's camp to solicit assist- 
 ance in maintaining his administration, in return for the aid which Yar Mahomed 
 Khan contributed against the Salar. ijTo definitive answer had been given to 
 this appeal, but it was supposed Syed Mahomed Khan's agent would be dismissed 
 with vague, unsatisfactory professions. On the other hand, Mr. Thomson had 
 heard, from a quarter deserving of credit, that there was an intention to invite 
 me to concur in the despatch of a small force to Herat, with an explicit under- 
 standing that it should evacuate that city as soon as the authority of Syed 
 Mahomed Khan should be reinstated. It appears also to be a plan of the 
 Ameer Nizam to cause the coinage of Herat to be issued in the name of the 
 Shah. I am ignorant on what grounds his Excellency attaches importance to 
 this device, imless it be intended as an announcement of Herat being included 
 in the dominions of the Shah. 
 
 No. 6. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received November 26.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, October 1, 1851. 
 
 THE Agent sent by Syed Mahomed Khan, the Rnler of Ilei-at, to ask 
 assistance from the Pei'sian Government, has quitted the Shah's camp without 
 being able to obtain a definite answer relative to the object of his mission. 
 
 I luive the iionour to annex, lor your Lorf'.ship's information, a (juotation 
 from a letter from Mr. Ronald Thomson regarding this Agent. I have no doubt 
 of Mr. Ronald 'J'iiomson's information being obtained from credible sources : — 
 
 " Syed Mahomed Khan's messenger (piitted the camp some days ago, on 
 his return to Herat. A hrman from the Shah, and a letter fro'u the Ameer, 
 have been transmitted through this person in answer to Syed Mahomed Khan's 
 application for assistance to enable him to extricate himself from the danger 
 threatened by the "advance of Kohendil Khan, and by the discord and disputes 
 which had ai'iscn among the people of Herat. The Shah, it appears, in his 
 firman has confined himself to expressions of friendship and goodwill to Syed 
 Mahomed Klian, giving him vague promises of assistance, without specifying in 
 what manner or to v.'hat extent the support of the Persian Government will be 
 aflbrded to him. He calls upon the chief people of Herat to submit to Syed 
 Mahomed Klian's authority, and urges them to support his authority, threatening 
 to punish those who offer him any opposition. The answer which the Ameer 
 has returned to his application for support is said to convey a refusal at present 
 to comply with his request, but at the same time a prospect of receiving at a 
 future time the assistance which he desires, is held out to him. The Ameer lias, 
 I am told, given Syed Mahomed Khan to understand that by issuing coin in the 
 Shah's name, and by preparing a paper to be sealed by the chief people of Herat, 
 declaring themselves subject to Persia, the Persian Ministers may be induced to 
 extend to him the aid which he has solicited. The messenger is also the bearer 
 of a dress of honour, and a sword with jewelled scabbard, which have been 
 conferred on Syed Mahomed Khan by the Shah." 
 
 A special Agent from Herat is on the point of arriving at Tehran. His 
 name is Mcerza Boozoorg, and is the same person who was erroneously supposed 
 to have been killed by Yar Mahomed Khan. 
 
 It appears also that the rumoured death of Kohendil Khan is destitute of 
 foundation. 
 
No. 7. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received December 3.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, October 4, 1851. 
 
 THE " Tehran Gazette," of a recent date, having contained an announce- 
 ment that 2,000 Infantry, and 6,000 Cavalry, were about to march to Khorassan, 
 I called on the Ameer Nizam to repeat to him the warning I had already given 
 that the augmentation of troops in that province without apparent necessity 
 would excite suspicion, and, perhaps, lead to precautionary measures on the 
 part of the Governor-General of India. 
 
 The Ameer Nizam rephed that any fears of the proceedings of the Persian 
 Government with reference to Herat would be purely gratuitous ; for in the 
 first place, the above body of Cavalry had been changed from its original 
 destination, and directed to proceed to Asterabad, where the exigencies of the 
 service were unfortunately very great ; and in the next place, that if two 
 battalions were proceeding to Khorassan, three battalions were now on the route 
 from that province, returning to the capital ; and finally, that the troops in 
 Khorassan would not exceed the ordinary garrison of five battalions and 1,600 
 Cavalry, exclusive of the native provincial force, a number which was absolutely 
 necessary for the maintenance of internal tranquillity and for repelling the 
 increasing aggressions of the Toorkomans. 
 
 I believe these statements to be entitled to credit, because they have been 
 confirmed to me from another quarter. 
 
 The Ameer farther affirmed that the Prince Governor of Khorassan had 
 positive orders not to interfere with Herat under any circumstances, by a 
 military demonstration, without express orders from Tehran. Her Majesty's 
 Government, he said, might entertain a conviction of the Persian Government 
 not having the slightest intention of sending troops to Herat, and that none 
 would be sent. 'Phe only contingency imder which Persia would desire to 
 dispatch a force to tiiat city would be the approach of either Dost Mahomed 
 Khan or Kohendil Khan to subvert the authority of Syed Mahomed Khan, 
 and tliat even in that event troops would not be dispatched without first 
 consulting me. 
 
 I asked the Ameer Nizam if I was at liberty to consider this as an 
 official announcement for the information of Her Majesty's Government. The 
 Persian Minister replied that the well-known timidity of his character alone 
 deterred him from making these declarations officially, but that, nevertheless, 
 your Lordship might be satisfied that this Government would pursue the course 
 he had indicated. 
 
 The Persian Government, he said, had its hands too full in various quarters 
 to allow it to think of embroiling itself with Great Britain, or to render it eager 
 for the acquisition of Herat when it saw with what difficulty the present 
 dominions of the Shah were retained. 
 
 This moderation may be temporary, but I believe it to be sincere at the 
 present moment. 
 
 The Ameer Nizam continuing his observations relative to Herat, said it 
 was his intention to give every support, short of sending troops, to the Govern- 
 ment of Syed Mahomed Khan, by nominating an Agent to his Court, by send- 
 ing dresses of honour and presents, by offering exhortations to the Chiefs and 
 peojile, and sometimes threats, and by preserving an intimate intercourse from 
 Meshed with Herat. The annexation of that province to Candahar or Cabul he 
 considered to be detrimental to the welfare of Persia, by placing a strong instead 
 of a weak Power on the frontier ; and he said he conceived the same argument 
 would be applicable to the British dominions with reference to Cabul or 
 Candahar. 
 
 The Ameer Nizam said that a Kajjar of some rank, named Ibraheem 
 Khan, had been deputed to take a dress of honour to Syed Mahomed Khan. 
 
No. 8. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received January 2, 1852.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, November 9, 1851. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to report to your Lordship that Meerza Boozoorg 
 Khan, the Agent of Syod Mahomed Khan, has returned to Herat accompanied 
 by a Persian Agent of higher rank than usual, who is the bearer of presents 
 of considerable value to Sycd Mahomed Khan. 
 
 It appears he has undertaken to obtain from Syed Mahomed Khan an 
 acknowledgment of the sovereignty of Persia over Herat, by striking coin, and 
 by reading the " khootbeh," or Friday pra\'er, in the Shah's name. 
 
 In the "Tehran Gazette," Syed Mahomed Khan is styled the " Govei-nor 
 of Herat," and his presents to the Shah are termed " ofierings," as if they were 
 the gifts of one of the Shah's own subjects. 
 
 An Agent has also arrived from Candahar. The object of his mission 
 appears to be to obtain the consent of the Persian Government to his under- 
 taking an expedition against Herat. Kohendil Khan has supported his proposal, 
 as I am informed from a credible source, by an insinuation that opposition from 
 the Persian Ministers would compel him to form an intimate connection with 
 the British Government. I have as yet been unable to learn the reply of the 
 Persian Government, but I have no doubt it will be a refusal. 
 
 No. 9. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received January 2, 1852.) 
 
 (Extract.! Tehran, November 22, 1851. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that the Sedr Azim renewed 
 to me yesterday the assurances relative to Herat given by tlie late Prime 
 Minister, as reported in my despatch of the 4th of October. 
 
 It is reported from Meshed that though no tumults had occurred in 
 Herat, that city is in a state of the utmost confusion from the intrigues of the 
 numerous aspirants to authority ; Syed Mahomed Khan's capacity offering no 
 hope of the permanence of his rule. Each Chief acts as if he were independent. 
 
 No. 10. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheilio Viscount Palmerston. — (Received March 7, 1852.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, December 29, 185\. 
 
 THE Russian Minister informed me yesterday that he had taken an oppor- 
 tunity, two days previously, of offering advice to the Persian Ministers not to 
 interfere in the affairs of Herat. He admitted to the Sedr Azim the claim of 
 Yar Mahomed Khan's son to the support of the Persian Government, but 
 observed that feelings of generosity must yield to the more powerful considera- 
 tion of the welfare of this country, whether with reference to its internal or to 
 its foreign relations. Prince Dolgorouki added, that in uttering these opinions 
 he spoke the sentiments of his Government. 
 
 I told the Russian Minister that I was certain Her Majesty's Government 
 would fully appreciate such friendly counsel to the Persian Ministers, which was 
 evidently founded on a consideration for the interests of Persia. 
 
 The Prime Minister has confirmed the substance of Prince Dolgorouki's 
 language to me. 
 
 The Persian Government has nevertheless betrayed lately a strong desire to 
 exercise an armed intervention in the affairs of that Principality under the 
 pretence of establishing order. I have had more than one conversation on this 
 subject with the Persian Prime Minister, but the absence of the Court en a 
 hunting excursion having interrupted our communications, I must reserve for 
 another despatch the result of our discussions. 
 
No. 11. 
 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil to Viscount Palmerstcn. — [Received March 7.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, January 20, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to ir.close, for your Lordship's information, a trans- 
 lation of a letter from Meshed, containing furtiier intelligence relative to Herat. 
 Kohendil Khan had dispatched a force from Caiidahar, under the command 
 of one of his nephews, which had already reached Ferrah, about 160 miles 
 from Herat. This information has been confirmed by a messenger to 
 the Persian Ministers direct from the latter city. The Prince Governor of 
 Khorassan had in consequence summoned troops from all parts of the Province 
 under his authority, and had publicly announced his intention of marching to 
 Herat. 
 
 Believing it would make a greater impression to address the Prime Minister 
 in writing, 1 communicated with him in tliat form, and your Lordship will 
 perceive, from the inclosed translation of the correspondence which passed 
 between us, that the Persian Government proposes to send a body of troops to 
 Herat, should the force from Candahar approach that city. 
 
 To-day I had a conversation with the Sedr Azitn on this question. It 
 consisted on my part of a renewal of the admonition that if Persia acted contrary 
 to the views and wishes of Great Britain, Her Majesty's Government would 
 follow out their own policy, whatever it might bo, without regard to Persia. 
 The Sedr Azim repeated his former demand that England should undertake to 
 preserve Herat from the Chiefs of Cabul and Candahar, and that then Persia 
 would not interfere ; otherwise, that Great Britain should agree to the uispatch 
 of a moderate Persian force, with an engagement that it should return in a 
 specific time. I asked him why he did not put the latter proposal in writing to 
 enable the British Government to judge of its worth, for so long as it was only 
 verbal it was of no value. He said he would take inlo consideration the expe- 
 diency of doing so. 
 
 The Sedr Azim stated that, to a certainty, Sultan Moorad IMeerza, the 
 Governor of Khorassan, had not yet marched to Herat or crossed the frontier, 
 nor would he do so without further orders. The Prince's public announcement 
 of his intention to do so was, the Persian Minister said, merely to produce an 
 impression by creating confidence in Herat, and alarm in the Candahar force. 
 I, however, do not place much reliance in the Sedr Azim's declaration. 
 
 It is generally fallacious to attempt to calculate on the conduct of Persians. 
 Still if I were to hazaid a judgment in the present instance, the inference I 
 should arrive at from the language of the Sedr Azim would be, that if the 
 Candahar army does not approach Herat, a movement of a Persian force will 
 not be made to that city. Should the troops from Candahar advance to Herat, 
 it seems highly likely that a Persian force will be sent to oppose them, yet even 
 this does not seem to me perfectly certain. 
 
 The Persian Minister mentioned, in the course of conversation, that Syed 
 Mahomed Khan had made the most earnest application for aid. He declared 
 himself to be the Shah's subject, and he called on him to afford the support he 
 was bound to give to a person who had taken sanctuary with him. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 1 1 . 
 Substance of a Letter from Meshed. 
 
 (Translation.) December 25, 1851. 
 
 A MESSENGER has arrived from the Chief of the Hezarehs (Kerreem dad 
 Khan), announcing that 300 horsemen would be dispatched for the service of 
 the Shah, also that presents were coming from the Hezarehs, Tymoonees, and 
 other tribes. 
 
 Seven hundred families of the Hezarehs are coming to establish themselves 
 in Toorbet Sheikh Jam (in Persia) ; some have already arrived. 
 
 Kerreem dad Khan has sent 100 horse, and 300 foot, of the Hezarehs to 
 the assistance of Syed Mahomed Khan in Herat. 
 
8 
 
 Intelligence has arrived from Ghain that Prince Jellal-ood-deen Meerza 
 has taken possession of Ferrah (160 miles south of Herat). 
 
 Under the prete:ice of hunting, the Prince Governor of Khorassan is Ji;oing 
 with two guns and one regiment, and all the cavaliy, towards Sani (on the frontier 
 of Herat). 
 
 Meerza Ahmed Khan, the Agent from Tehran to Herat, was accompanied 
 by 1,000 horse ; the horse were to remain in Ghorian. 
 
 A Hezareh horseman arrived last night from Herat, with intelligence from 
 Kerreem dad Khan that IMecr Afzal Khan, son of Reheemdil Khan (son of 
 Kohendil Khan and Mihr dil Khan (son of Kohendil Khan) had arrived in 
 Ferrah with a body of troops, and that they intended to march to Herat. Syed 
 Mahomed Khan has summoned Kerreem dad Khan, Hezareh, to his assistance, 
 and the latter had gone within forty- eight miles of Herat, where he probably is 
 at present. 
 
 The same horseman says that Deen Mahomed Khan (brother of Yar 
 Mahomed Khan) and his son Gholauni Khan had taken Ghorian, and that they 
 have got about .500 horse. Fattee Khan, Syed Mahomed Khan's General, came 
 from Herat, and an action was fought between them, after which Fattee 
 Khan returned to Old Gliorian. 
 
 After this intelligence had arrived, tlie Prince Governor of Khorassan 
 announced publicly that he would go to Herat with all his troops and guns, 
 because he had orders from the Persian Ministers to oppose any foreign 
 aggression on Herat. No application from Herat has been made on this score. 
 In short, they (Persian authorities) are engaged in preparations, and troops have 
 been summoned from Nishapoor. 
 
 The Toorkomans of Merve and Serekhs have been plundering in Ghain, 
 and they have carried ofi'the people of two forts. 
 
 December 28, 1851. 
 
 What I stated in my last letter (the above) relative to Herat is correct. 
 The further news I have to announce is this ; The hunting excursion of the 
 Prince seems determined on ; it is to last forty days, and troops have been 
 summoned from every quarter to Khorassan. Every one connected with the 
 Court maintains that the design of the Prince is to march to Herat. It is 
 proposed to move on the 3rd of January. Troops arc coming in every day. 
 
 Meerza Ahmed Khan, the Agent from Tehran to Herat, left this with 
 more than 1,000 horse. But it is said that Syed Mahomed Khan sent a 
 messenger to remonstrate against his being accompanied by so large a force. 
 His troops have been left at Ghorian ; not in Ghorian itself, for Deen Mahomed 
 Khan is there with 600 or 700 men. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 1 1 . 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 January \ \, 1852. 
 
 AUTHENTIC intelligence has reached me from Meshed that the Prince 
 Governor of Khorassan is actively engaged in preparing troops, and has 
 summoned reinforcements from all parts of the province with the open and 
 avowed intention of proceeding to Herat. 
 
 This is a departure from the promise your Excellency made to me a few 
 days ago. 
 
 I therefore have to repeat to your Excellency that a movement on Herat 
 by Persian troops, under any pretence whatever, will not be regarded with 
 indifference by Great Britain ; should a design so contrary to the views of Her 
 Majesty's Government be persisted in, the Persian Government must attribute 
 to itself such consequences as ensue, whatever those consequences may be. 
 
9 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 1 1. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) January 14, 1852. 
 
 WITH reference to your Excellency's letter, in which you mention that 
 authentic intelligence had reached you that the Prince Governor of Khorassan 
 was engaged in assembling troops witli the intention of marching on Herat, 
 I have to state, in the way of friendship, for your information, that although as 
 yet no orders have been issued on this point by His Majesty the Shah to the 
 Prince Governor, and although the Persian Ministers have no knowledge of any 
 kind of the Prince being engaged in preparing troops, or of his intention to 
 proceed to Herat, but believe this rumour to be witliout foundation ; still, in 
 the present confused state of affairs at Herat, the Hezareh, Jemsheedee, and 
 Tymoonee tribes having become rebellious, having attacked and done great 
 mischief to the forts of Khauf, Toorbet-i-Hyderieh and Kenabat-i-Tebbess, and 
 cari'ied off many persons into captivity, and the state of Herat having caused 
 great confusion in the Province of Khorassan, I think it is not at all improbable 
 that the Prince may have moved in that direction to punish these people. 
 
 At an interview with your Excellency on the 10th of this month, I 
 distinctly stated, and I now again repeat it in a friendly way, that, for the sake of 
 preserving order in the Province of Khorassan, should any attempt be made 
 from without (Candahar or Cabul), to reach Herat and take possession of that 
 place, the Persian Ministers will feel themselves compelled, on account of the 
 disturbances which would ensue in Khorassan, to afford the inhabitants of Herat 
 that assistance which they consider themselves entitled to give, unless assurances 
 are given to the Persian Government that no foreign force will interfere with 
 that city. As I have held frequent conversations with your Excellency, should 
 you wish again to see me on this subject, or to ask any friendly questions, I am 
 quite prepared to reply to them. 
 
 Your Excellency no doubt perceives that nothing has been done at variance 
 with the conditions proposed at our conversations, and there will be no attempt 
 to act contrary to these conditions. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 1 1 . 
 Lieutenant' Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 January 16, 18.'i2. 
 
 THE object assigned by your Excellency in your letter of the 14th of 
 January for the assembling of troops on the frontier of Herat, will be dissatis- 
 factory to the British Government. 
 
 Intelligence entitled to credit has reached me that the Hezarehs have sent 
 tribute to the Shah, with 300 of the tribe for His Majesty's service ; also that 
 the Tymoonees and other tribes have submitted and offered tribute ; moreover, 
 that 700 Hezareh families have, at the invitation of the Prince Governor of 
 Khorassan, made arrangements for establishing themselves at Toorbet. The 
 plea urged for the movement of the Prince Governor to the frontier will there- 
 fore be treated by the British Government as a fiction, and be regarded with 
 suspicion and dissatisfaction. 
 
 I have already impressed on the Persian Ministers in how serious a light 
 the approach of Persian tioops to Herat will be viewed by the British Govern- 
 ment, he the pretext what it may. 
 
 The people of Affghanistan may well be left to settle their own disputes, 
 without the interference of Persia. The feaf or danger to this country from the 
 approach of troops to Herat from another quarter, is either imaginary or 
 fictitious ; for what bad consequences to Persia could follow from the contests 
 of two petty Principalities like Herat and Candahar, to which you probably 
 allude ? 
 
 C 
 
10 
 
 Be that as it may, if Persia should adopt a course o])posed to the views and 
 wishes of Great Britain, under the pretence of securing its own interests, the 
 Persian Ministers may rest assured that Her Majesty's Government will follow 
 the same example. Great Britain will then take such steps as may be deemed 
 necessary for the maintenance of English interests, and will carry out her own 
 policy regardless of Persia. The Persian Ministers are the best judges of the 
 expediency of provoking such a result for an imaginary benefit. 
 
 If your Excellency desires to have any conversation on tliis subject, I am 
 ready to receive you. 
 
 No. 12. 
 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Shell to Earl Granville. — {Received A'pril 12.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, Febriumj 14, 18.52. 
 
 IT appears that the Persian Government had, under the pretext of affording 
 an escort to its Agents proceeding to Herat, sent various detachments of troops, 
 amounting altogether to 1,200 men, to that city. Syed Mahomed Khan, besides 
 having succeeded in expelling by force his uncle Deen Mahomed Khan from 
 the fort of Ghorian, has been also enabled to dispatch a body of troops to Ferrah 
 against the Candaliar troops which had obtained possession of that town, though 
 not of the citadel ; and it was believed that this force would, with the aid of 
 the Herat garrison in the citadel,, obtain the evacuation of that place. 
 
 I have the honour to inclose translations of additional correspondence 
 which has taken place between the Persian Government and myself, relative to 
 its midertaking a military expedition to Herat. Although the Prime Minister 
 persists in endeavouring to obtain the approbation of Her INlajesty's Govern- 
 ment to this enterprise, nevertheless, I received a few days ago a message fronx 
 the Shah, through a Pei'sian gentleman, to the effect that His Majesty had no 
 intention whatever of sending an army to Herat, and that his sole object was, 
 by making a great clamour, to excite the fears of the Candahar invading force, 
 and thereby obtain its withdrawal from the Herat territory. The state of my 
 health has prevented my waiting on the Shah to obtain a direct confirmation of 
 this announcement. 
 
 It is somewhat remarkable that the Shah in giving this intimation should 
 have expressed his wishes that his message should not be revealed to the Prime 
 Minister. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 12. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Shell. 
 
 (Translation.) January 22, 1852. 
 
 I DO not know what interpretation your Excellency has given to my 
 letter of the 14th January, that you should write that the assembling of troops 
 on the Herat frontier would excite the dissatisfaction of the British Govern- 
 ment, considering that the Persian Ministers exert themselves strenuously to 
 increase and strengthen daily the ancient relations of friendship with the British 
 Government, not (Heaven forbid it!) that they should consent to anything which 
 ■would be a just cause for even slight dissatisfaction on the part of the British 
 Ministers. 
 
 The inteUigence your Excellency has received of the movement of troops 
 by the Prince Governor of Khorassan, from Meshed, against Herat, is undoubt- 
 edly incorrect and unfounded ; because no order having been issued or permis- 
 sion given by His Majesty to do so, how is it possible that the Prince could of 
 himself move against Herat ? If he has moved out of Meshed, or let it be 
 supposed he should hereafter do so, it will be solely for the purpose of arranging 
 the internal affairs of the country, and not for aggression on the territory of 
 Herat. 
 
 But with regard to the son of Kohendil Khan having moved with a large force 
 
u 
 
 and guns in order to seize Herat, and his being already in possession of the country 
 as far as Ferrah and Sebzar, and Syed Mahomed Khan has undoubtedly not the 
 power to preserve himself, I do not know how we can reconcile the rights 
 acquired by the late Yar Mahomed Khan for the services he rendered to this 
 Government, with a total oblivion by the Persian Ministers of his great services, 
 which are known to all the world, or pay no regard to the fact that all the 
 people of Herat, the Cazee, the Mufti, the Khans, and the chief AfTghans, and 
 Syed Mahomed himself, have placed themselves under the protection of this 
 Government, and announced that they are its servants and subjects, and adopt 
 a practice which is unsuitable to any Government or country, because he himself 
 has distinctly stated, in writing, that he is a subject and servant of Persia, and 
 that he considers himself under its protection, and having attached himself to 
 this Government, he seeks relief from his difficulties from His Majesty the Shah 
 of Persia. Would the British Government, or would it not, in justice consider 
 the Persian Government entitled to keep in view the rights acquired from 
 services by Yar Mahomed Khan and the people of Herat, and to give protection 
 to its servants and those attached to it ? 
 
 Your Excellency has stated that " the people of Affghanistan might well be 
 left to settle their own disputes without the interference of Persia, and that the 
 fear of danger to this country from the approach of troops to Herat from a 
 foreign direction is either imaginary or a pretext ; for what loss could follow to 
 Persia from the contests of two small Principalities like Herat or Candahar, to 
 which your Excellency alludes ?" Yes, your Excellency writes in this manner; 
 but leaving them to settle their own disputes would cause confusion in Khorassan 
 and severe loss to this country in life, territory, and property, and disgrace to 
 its Ministers, and they do not know if they could free themselves from the 
 responsibility of these losses. The Persian Ministers, therefore for the above 
 reasons, and because they see that disturbances would immediately arise in 
 Khorassan from confusion in the affairs of Herat, without any pretext consider 
 it their real duty, with the most friendly feelings towards the British Govern- 
 ment, to state to your Excellency, first, that the Persian Ministers consider 
 Herat, not Affghanistan, to be a portion of the Province of Khorassan, and the 
 protection of Herat and the people of Herat to be their duty. 
 
 Again, solely on account of friendship and the preservation of unanimity 
 and friendly relations with England, and expressly to please and give confidence 
 to the British Ministers, and with the most perfect friendship for the Britisii 
 Government, the Persian troops will, with the knowledge of the British Ministers, 
 proceed to Herat, in order to secure the tranquillity of Khorassan and the 
 Persian frontiers, and to establish regularity in the affairs of Herat, so that it 
 may remain in its former condition, and, having appointed a Governor from 
 among the people of Herat, so that the affairs of that place may be put in order, 
 will then return without delay, and without taking possession of it. 
 
 Secondly, a long time must elapse before the British Minister can be 
 informed of this, and how is this to be reconciled with the present condition of 
 the affairs of Herat, time pressing, and the movement of Kohendil Khan's son, 
 who has certainly reached Ferrah and Sebzar. As by that time the act would 
 be accomplished and irremediable, the Persian troops will proceed exactly as is 
 stated above, in oi'der to regulate the affairs of Herat, and then return this 
 once, and leave Herat in the hands of the people of Herat, without any foreign 
 interference. In short, the Persian Ministers have no other intention than to 
 preserve the rights of Yar Mahomed Khan and the people of Herat, the regu- 
 lation of Khorassan, and taking steps to free themselves from the claims upon 
 them, and what is due to their own greatness, when they, the people of Herat, 
 have proclaimed themselves servants and subjects and sought protection. 
 
 Finally, 1 again write distinctly, the Persian Government asks nothing of 
 the people of Herat but service, obedience, and subjection, and such service and 
 duty as were rendered by Yar Mahomed Khan during his lifetime, which were 
 to such a degree that they could not be exceeded. Afterwards his son and his 
 family, and the people of Herat, have engaged to render the same services, and 
 let not the British Minister suppose that it is a pretext, as the Persian Govern- 
 ment has no other intention than to give assistance to the people of Herat. 
 What necessity is there that it should deprive its own servant of possession, 
 and subject itself thereby to a heavv expenditure of money, and excite the 
 
 C 2 
 
12 
 
 suspicions of such a friend as the British Government is ? A wise man would 
 never act in this manner. 
 
 If your Excellency has any vouclier to produce that Persian troops shall 
 not proceed to Herat, be so good as to produce it ; if not, with the evident 
 confusion in Khorassan, and tiie agitation in Herat, how is it possible that a 
 person can remain quiet, and not give active assistance ? No doubt your Excel- 
 lency will, from your sense of justice, consent to one of the just demands of the 
 Persian Ministers, which has for its sole object to find a remedy for putting 
 down insurrection within its own territory. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 12. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 January 27, 1852. 
 
 WHEN the Persian Ministers urge, as a motive for a military movement 
 to Herat, their fears of the distractions of that city causing disorder in Khoras- 
 san, they should have reserved such reasons for a Minister less acquainted than 
 myself with Persia. During my long residence in this country, I have never 
 known the countries bordering on Khorassan free from .strife and warfare. 
 There has been incessant contention among the Chiefs of Herat, Candahar, 
 Seestan, Beloochistan, Lash, &c., yet no extraordinary damage has been suffered 
 by Khorassan. The British Government will therefore regard this motive as 
 frivolous, or, worse still, as feigned. 
 
 There seems to be slight necessity for allowing feelings of gratitude to over- 
 power the Pei'sian Ministers. The good conferred by Yar Mahomed Khan was 
 at least counterbalanced by the evils he inflicted on Persia. If gratitude has 
 so much influence on their minds, let them remember how much they owe to 
 Great Britain, and what expectations they still have from the friendship of 
 England. 
 
 The choice seems easy to a prudent Government between the well-tried 
 goodwill of England, and the regret which will certainly follow from the disregard 
 of her wishes by a military movement, with the absurd object of restoring the 
 imbecile authority of Syed Mahomed Khan. 
 
 Your Excellency stated in your letter of the 22nd Rebbiul-evvel 
 (January 14), that the Persian troops would not approach Herat unless the force 
 from Candahar advanced from Ferrah to that city. Now, however, you intimate 
 that, irrespective of the movements of the Candahar army, Persian troops will 
 be dispatched to establish order, and to place some Herat Chief in authority. 
 Thus is an engagement kept, and such is the reliance the British Government 
 has to place in the assurances of the Persian Ministers ! At one moment they 
 proclaim gratitude and anxiety to strengthen the position of Syed Mahomed 
 Khan to be their only motive ; at another, they would lead us to believe in their 
 total indifference, and that all they seek is to restore tranquillity under the 
 authority of any Chief whatever. 
 
 All I have to say is, that the Persian Ministers are aware of the displeasure 
 which this proceeding will create in Great Britain, and that all the consequences 
 rest with themselves. It is not the evasive language I have quoted which will 
 conciliate the confidence of the British Ministers. 
 
 And with regard to the proposal of the Persian Ministers to march a force 
 to Herat to oppose the Candahar troops, and then return " this time," I have 
 no authority to accede to any such project. My orders are to warn the Persian 
 Ministers, as I have already said, against proceeding to Herat on any pretence. 
 Your proposal, moreover, to be of any value, should at least have contained a 
 specification of time ; in its present form, it will increase suspicion, and is 
 worthless. 
 
 In short, the Persian Ministers are deluding themselves in pursuit of a 
 phantom ; they are risking, for the merest illusion, the substantial advantages 
 Persia has so often derived, and which she, perhaps, again expects, from the 
 friendship of England. But I rely on the wisdom of His Majesty the Shah 
 placing a check on the unseasonable ambition of his Ministers. 
 
1^ 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 12. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) February 2, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter 
 of the 27th of January, relative to the Herat question, the substance of which 
 I have fully comprehended. 
 
 As my letter of the 22nd of January was founded entirely on truth and 
 candour, and contained neither false excuses nor pretexts, it was therefore 
 requisite, from the just and equitable principles for which your Excellency is 
 distinguished, that you should have examined that communication with an 
 unsuspicious eye, and returned to the Persian Ministers the reply which they 
 expected. I am at a loss to understand how your Excellency, on examining this 
 note, could have allowed any suspicion or doubt to have entered your mind, that 
 you have thus in your reply resisted and opposed our proposals. I therefore 
 repeat, and I call upon your Excellency in sincerity to bear testimony in 
 support of our pretensions and to the truth of our assertions, that the Persian 
 Ministers entertain no other design in making these statements than the preser- 
 vation of relations of perfect friendship and imanimity with the British Govern- 
 ment, and a desire to shun and avoid a step which would, they are certain, 
 entail disorder and produce confusion in the internal affairs of the province of 
 Khorassan, and bring discredit on the Persian Government. The Persian 
 Government expects that the British Ministers will, with that consummate 
 justice and equity for which they are renowned throughout the world, acknow- 
 ledge the fairness of their sentiments and assertions, and by no means receive 
 them with suspicion and doubt. 
 
 1 have brought your Excellency's reply to the knowledge of His Majesty 
 the Shah (may God preserve his dominions and lengthen his reign !), who has been 
 pleased to honour me with his auspicious autograph. As, in my opinion, th(; 
 best manner of answering your letter is by forwarding to you this document, the 
 style of which is perfection itself, which reveals the inmost thoughts of His 
 Majesty the Shah-in-Shah, and discloses the sentiments of the Persian Ministers^ 
 I now do myself the honour to inclose it. Your Excellency, by the proofs which 
 this document contains, will be convinced that in this matter the Persian 
 Ministers have no other object in contemplation than to avoid and prevent anv 
 disorder arising in the administration of Khorassan, and to uphold the good 
 name and reputation of this Government among other nations and the AfFghans. 
 I again repeat what I have often stated to you verl)ally, and in writing, that the 
 Persian Ministers have no other design regarding Herat than merely, in conside- 
 ration of what has been above stated, and the misery which the people of Herat 
 are suffering, to regulate the affairs of that city, and on this being effected the 
 troops will be recalled. I state to you distinctly, that notwithstanding the 
 existence of several convincing proofs in support of the right of the Persian 
 Government to the possession of Herat, for the sake of cherishing a friendly 
 alliance with the British Government the troops shall return without taking 
 possession. 
 
 When your Excellency shall have acquired a knowledge of all these parti- 
 culars, and of the above two powei'ful and satisfactory reasons for our conduct, 
 which are so exceedingly obvious as to require no remarks, and the truth of 
 which every person possessed of understanding will, on having the facts placed 
 before his mind, corroborate ; if you will, on taking a fair view of what justice 
 and the friendship between the two Governments require, make some arrange- 
 ment, and point out some expedient by which the Persian Ministers may feel 
 assured on this point, or if you will devise some means of escape from the abova 
 difficulties in which we are involved, I have not another word to say. 
 
 I beg you to be so good as to return me the Shah's autograph. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
14 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 12, 
 
 Autograph Letter from the Shah of Persia to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 IT is no doubt on account of the Minister for Foreign Affairs being sick 
 that he has not yet seen the British Minister, or explained to him the contents 
 of my autograph note to the former ; otherwise the British Minister would not 
 have written his last letter in the style he has. 
 
 After the return of the late Shah from the expedition to Herat, the autho- 
 rities and Affghans of Herat tendered by authentic documents, in the presence of 
 the British Minister, their homage and obedience, and conducted themselves, as 
 in former times, as servants of this Government. The Persian Ministers, too, 
 have acted in the way they ought to have done as protectors of its subjects, 
 and thev have, by openly and repeatedly bestowing upon them dresses of honour, 
 decorations, and titles, and all manner of favours, made them sincerely desirous 
 of fulfilling their duty as servants. Thus, the services rendered by the Zuheer- 
 ood-Dowleh (Yar Mahomed Khan) during the rebelhon of the Salar, had an 
 European reputation ; and now that the Zuheer-ood-Dowleh is dead, Syed 
 Mahomed Khan, his son, and the people of Herat, are under the necessity of 
 requesting assistance from this Government for the regulation of their own 
 affairs. If we should be negligent in granting this aid, not only will it be 
 contrary to proper government, and (the duty) of protecting our servants, but 
 it will also give us a bad reputation among foreign Governments, and diminish 
 the confidence of the people of Persia and Affghanistan in us. Setting aside 
 these considerations, it is not unlikely that one of two things may happen — 
 either Syed Mahomed Khan will acquire by his own means independent power, 
 or one of the Khans of that place will, without being under any obligation to 
 Persia, acquire a preponderance ; and in either of these two events, the Governor 
 of Herat will lose all hopes from Persia, and doubtless with tribes such as these, 
 desirous of exciting disturbance, and those headstrong Affghans, this will give 
 rise to trouble, bad conduct, and lawlessness, and create disorder in the province 
 of Khorassan. 
 
 In short, you must either put the British Minister to the trouble of seeing 
 3'ou at your own house, or send him this autograph, so that he may be acquainted 
 with its contents, and you will say, by the soul of the late Shah, i am heartily 
 desirous that the friendship of the two Governments should daily become more 
 firm. I shall not withhold in anything giving satisfaction to the British Govern- 
 ment, and more especially in any matter having connection, though slight, with 
 the honour and dignity of that Government. But in this matter of Herat I am 
 bewildered. Let him show us what course to pursue so that our reputation 
 may not suffer in this Government and in others, and in a country which hopes 
 to receive favours and aid from us. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No 12. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 (Translation.) February 7, 1852. 
 
 THE only answer I can make to your Excellency's letter of the 1 2th of 
 Rebbee-oos-Sance (February 2), is to repeat and refer to the substance of my 
 former communications. The Persian Ministers are fully apprised of the 
 views, wishes and expectations of Her Majesty's Government. I may remark, 
 however, that Syed Mahomed Khan is by no means in the destitute condition 
 the Persian Ministers wish me to believe. I have certain information of his 
 having expelled Deen Mahomed Khan from Ghorian ; also that the troops from 
 Candahar have captured only the weak town of Ferrah, while the citadel 
 remains in the hands of the Heratees, and that a force has been sent from 
 Herat to expel the Candaharees from the town. 
 
 But I take this opportunity of alluding to the various Persian military 
 
15 
 
 detachments which have already gone to Herat : 500 men accompanied 
 Meerza Ahmed Khan, the Agent from Tehran ; the same number is to attend 
 Sam Khan, and 200 men proceeded there with a dejiendent of the Prince. 
 
 With regard to the Shah's Royal autograph, which you did me the honour 
 to transmit to me, 1 beg to make a few observations. His Majesty declares 
 that it affects his dignity not to listen to the supplications of Svcd Mahomed 
 Khan, and not to send a body of Persian troops to his assistance. This is 
 incomprehensible. Let us examine who Syed Mahomed Khan is, and what claim 
 he has to impose this obligation on the Sovereign of Persia. He is a man of 
 profound incapacity. He is the son of Yar Mahomed Khan, the slave-dealer 
 and man-stealer, the traitor, the usurper, the murderer of his Sovereign. Is such 
 a person, or are his interests, to be placed in competition with the long-tried 
 friendship of Great Britain ? Let him rule if he can, but let not Persia run the 
 risk of coldness with an old ally for so wortliless a person. 
 
 I beg His Majesty to remember the declaration, often repeated, of the late 
 •King of Persia, that he never would have marched against Herat, had he known 
 more distinctly that the expedition was opposed to the views and wishes of the 
 ■British Government. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 No. 13. 
 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Shell to Earl Granville. — {Received May '3.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, March 7, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose a translation of a letter from the Persian 
 Prime Minister, relative to the affairs of Herat, with a copy of my reply. 
 
 The Sedr Azim, after a renewal of tlie professions of this Government of 
 there heing no desire for the permanent occupation of Herat, makes a sort of 
 engagement that the Persian troops would not remain more than six months in 
 that territory ; but the value of these expressions is destroyed by the passage 
 immediately succeeding, to the effect that their stay would be prolonged only 
 " until order is restored." 
 
 My reply is restricted to a renewal of the dissatisfaction which the move- 
 ment of Persian troops, under any pretext, would cause Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment, and to an attempt to prove that the fears of the Persian Government, of 
 the result of the subjugation of Herat by the Chiefs of Candahar, have no 
 foundation. 
 
 The issue of coinage at Herat, in the name of the Shah, and the reading of 
 the " khootbeh," or prayers of Friday, in the name of His Majesty, which forms, 
 in the East, an indisputable recognition of sovereignty, have caused great 
 triumph in the mind of the Shah and his Minister, and increased their avidity 
 for a more formal possession of that city. On the one hand, daily intelligence 
 from Khorassan assures them of the ease with which the occupation can be 
 accomplished, and of the pressing danger of their being forestalled by the force 
 from Candahar ; on the other hand, the fear of incurring the displeasure of 
 Great Britain, with all the perplexity and vague fear of the consequences of that 
 displeasure, holds them back. As yet, I am disposed to believe that no 
 movement has been made beyond the frontier. 
 
 In my judgment the two facts I have mentioned, combined with the nomi- 
 nation of a Persian vezeer to Syed Mahommed Khan, which, however, is denied 
 by the Sedr Azim, but which I learned from a very authentic channel, are addi- 
 tional reasons for opposing the advance of Persian troops to Herat. Assuming 
 even that the Persian Government would faithfully observe its promise, and 
 withdraw its troops within ihe Persian frontier at the time stipulated, what in 
 reality can Herat be considered under such circumstances but a Persian posses- 
 sion. An evil of another character remains to be considered. At the present 
 moment, and so long as Herat remains under Affghan domination. Her Majesty's 
 Government can at its discretion appoint an Agent or Consul to reside in that 
 city. But as soon as it becomes recognized as an integral portion of the Persian 
 dominions, this power ceases, and is transferred to the Russian Government, 
 
16 
 
 •which would then enjoy unfettered liberty for the diffusion of its name and 
 influence throughout Atighanistan, and the other countries adjacent to Herat. 
 
 So great has been the perplexity of the Shah and his Minister what course 
 to pursue, that they have adopted the unusual resource of appealing to two 
 Councils to guide their steps in this emergency. I took the precaution of 
 reminding one or two influential members of the Councils of the precarious state 
 of Persia, of the uncertainty of the relations with Turkey, and of other argu- 
 ments in support of the inexpediency of creating dissatisfaction in the minds of 
 Her Majesty's Government at this moment. The decision of both Councils is 
 said to have been unanimous against intervention by a military movement with 
 the affairs of Herat in opposition to the views of Great Britain, and I cannot 
 doubt that the opinion of the principal persons of his Court must produce a 
 suitable impression over the Shah, in spite of the deep mortification of seeing the 
 prize slip from his grasp, and the imminent risk of its passing into the hands of 
 the Chiefs of Candahar. 
 
 I have reason to think it is in the contemplation of the Persian Ministers 
 to make to me a proposition of some sort, tending to obviate the necessity of 
 dispatching a force to Herat ; but it has not yet assumed a shape sufficiently 
 defined to make it worth while transmitting for your Lordship's consideration. 
 It seems not unlikely that the march of events will put, ere long, an end to 
 speculation and discussion here, either by the capture of Herat by the Candahar 
 force, or by the sudden and perhaps unauthorized march of the Persian troops 
 stationed at the frontier to check the near approach of the above force. 
 
 In addition to the troops reported in ray despatch of the 14th of February, 
 1,000 infantry and 1,000 horse are about to be dispatched to Khorassan. 
 
 P.S. — I have just heard from a very confidential source that the coinage of 
 Herat was effected at night by Syed Mahomed Khan, Meerza Ahmed Khan, the 
 Persian Agent, and a single goldsmith, and was carefully concealed from the 
 Afltghans. I have also been informed that the " khootbeh '' has not been read 
 in the mosques. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 13. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation ) March 3, 1852. 
 
 BY His Majesty's command several letters have already been written to 
 your Excellency on the subject of Herat, and I have stated to your Excellency 
 many proofs, each of which establishes the rights of this Government. His 
 Majesty the Shah made you acquainted some time ago by his Royal autograph, 
 transmitted through me, with his most secret thoughts (on this subject), and in 
 truth desired from the justice of the British Minister such a remedy for this 
 affair as would both prevent this Government from suffering in its reputation, 
 and do away with disorder in Khorassan. 
 
 Doubtless your Excellency is aware that the King and Ministers of Persia, 
 in stating the hopeless condition of Herat, and their difficulty in finding a 
 remedy for it, have really left nothing untried to dispel any doubts and suspicions 
 which may have arisen relative to their intentions, and they expected from the 
 strong friendship entertained by England (for this country), and from your 
 Excellency's sense of justice, that you would have become a kind and fiiendly 
 partner in whatever was for the benefit of this country, and that you would 
 have pointed out a remedy for anything prejudicial to it. Notwithstanding this, 
 and with the expectations which we had a right to entertain by your Excellency's 
 last letter, none of our hopes have been realized. Not only this, you have 
 introduced other matters foreign to the subject under discussion. Sometimes 
 you speak of the weakness of Candahar, and the large force which this Govern- 
 ment has sent and is sending (to Herat). At other times you complain of my 
 letters being written in ambiguous terms, while in fact they are full of truth and 
 straightforwardness. Now you remark that sending troops to Herat has no 
 connection with the establishment of order among the Toorkomans. And 
 again, the subject is the want of disciphne in the Persian army. Each of these 
 remarks which you have brought forward may be justly refuted, but I shall not 
 
17 
 
 trouble you by dwelling upon them. You then advise the Persian Government 
 to regulate the internal affairs of the country, and to liijuidate its debts to a 
 foreign Government. 
 
 In the first place, I am greatly grieved that your Excellency should, as it 
 appears, suspect the honest and friendly statements of the Persian Ministers to 
 be the promptings of interested plans and views of aggression. In the second 
 place, that which you advanced, and the advice you gave at great length, have 
 no connection with the question under discussion, nor do they supply any imme- 
 diate remedy for this affair, or improve the forlorn condition of Khorassan. The 
 ■ Candaharecs not having as yet obtained full authority over Herat, disorder and 
 confusion in the internal affairs of Khorassan are hourly arising, and thereby cause 
 great additional expenditure, and this is to be attributed solely to the disturbed 
 condition of the affairs of Herat. I stated to your Excellency a few days ago the 
 occurrence at Koozkan, and that these horsemen had come by the way of the 
 mountainous district of Herat, and that they had carried oft' a number of 
 captives and pillaged the place. Now, fresh and authentic intelligence lias been 
 received that about 400 horsemen, dependents of Herat, had come to 
 Behmandan and Kaeen, and pillaged and entirely destroyed both these places, 
 carrying off from 300 to 400 captives, male and female, and with such barbarity 
 that children at the breast had been thrown under the hoofs of the horses and 
 left on the roadside. God knows that, from moment to moment, the condition 
 of Khorassan and those parts is becoming more disturbed from the Persian 
 Government not having that degree of preponderance in the districts of Herat 
 which it formerly exercised, and from the consequent increase of boldness and 
 audacity of the evil-disposed brigands and tribes of Herat, (it is unknown) to 
 what pitch it will reach. I ask your Excellency to state, in justice, wliat there 
 is at variance between regularity being established in the affairs of Herat, and 
 the preservation (at the same time) of the most friendly and amicable relations 
 with the British Government. Is it befitting that during a period of the most 
 friendly relations (Heaven forbid it should be so !) we should perceive on the part 
 of your Excellency a disposition to disregard our desire to obtain the rights of 
 this Government, notwithstanding that the Persian Ministers have repeatedly 
 stated in a straightforward manner their real intentions. Again, in order to do 
 away with the expression you have used in your letter (that I had emplo3'cd) 
 " ambiguous expressions," I again distinctly state that the Persian Ministers 
 have no other thought or intention than the establishment of order in Herat ; 
 and that no troops will be placed (permanently) in Herat: they will be sent there 
 to give gratuitous asssistancc, and as soon as order has been established they will 
 return. Not more than 6,000 men will be sent to Herat, unless a fresh neces- 
 sity should arise, and the existence of that necessity receive the attestation of 
 every one ; the troops will not remain more than six months in Herat ; and 
 when order has been established they will return. Nor shall the troops again 
 march there unless some fresh disturbance arise in the place. With regard 
 to your Excellency's statement that the number of troops exceeds what is 
 required for the service, this objection is quite untenable, when it is considered 
 that authentic information has been received from Khorassan that the Canda- 
 harecs, with 3,000 or 4,000 troops, and upwards of seven pieces of artillery, 
 have seized Ferrah, and intend to proceed against Isferaz and Herat. 
 
 In short, Ferookh Khan, who is the bearer of this letter, has received orders 
 to communicate certain other details, which he will explain verbally to your 
 Excellency on the part of the Shah. His Majesty has commanded that I should 
 express my hope that from the great friendship of the Britisli Government, and 
 from this Government having always perceived the desire of the British Govern- 
 ment to preserve the rights of Persia, as well as from your Excellency's sense of 
 justice, you will send by Ferookh Khan, in writing and verbally, such an answer 
 as will give full tranquillization, so that they may be submitted to His Majesty, 
 and thus the affairs of Khorassan suffer no greater degree of confusion. This 
 discussion has been going on with your Excellency since we left Ispahan, nearly 
 six or seven months ago, and it is not yet finished. No doubt it is in your 
 Excellency's recollection that you have daily been given verbal assui-anees (that 
 no disorder would occur), and the fruit of these assurances, as your Excellency 
 doubtless knows, is, that both the people of Herat and of Khorassan are in a 
 hopeless and forelorn condition. I'hey have sent a petition by post, and they 
 consider their case hopeless. The Persian Ministers, too, although they have 
 
 D 
 
18 
 
 no hidden views, solely from the friendship tliey entertain for the British 
 Government, have remained silent and perplexed, and they are at a loss what 
 orders to issue on the subject. His Majesty demands of your Excellency to find 
 a remedy for this state of affairs, which admits of no greater delay. It is clear 
 that the Persian Government has exerted itself to tlie utmost to satisfy the 
 Bi-itish Government, and it is ohliged to preserve its good reputation and to 
 protect its subjects. Every Government desires to do the same. 
 
 The reasons why the Ministers of this Government are anxious speedily to 
 establish order hi the affairs of Herat are these : that nothing may occur 
 detrimental to the reputation of this Government, or cause loss to the people, or 
 disorder in the country. 
 
 Although your Excellency has verbally given us assurances that these will 
 not occur, still you have never stated this officially and in writing. If, in fact, 
 your Excellency is confident on this head, be so good as to state so in writing, 
 that the British Government will be accountable tor the damages sustained by 
 the people and the country of Khorassan, and for the expenses which may arise 
 to Persia from the disorder in Herat, and thus the Persian Ministers will be 
 assured. Notwitlistanding that they have one thousand rights in regard to 
 Herat, and the people of Herat account themselves Persian subjects, they will, 
 solely to satisfy the British Government, and to show the unanimity which 
 exists between the two States, remain silent. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 13. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 March 5, 1852. 
 
 THE orders of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs are so 
 positive and precise, that it is out of my power to give any other answer to your 
 Excellency's communication of the 3rd instant, excepting to repeat what you 
 already know, that a movement of Persian troops to Herat, under any pretence, 
 will be in the utmost degree dissatisfactory to the British Government. 
 
 It is indifferent to Her Majesty's Government what Affghan Chief rules in 
 Herat. But when the Persian Government urges as its motive for sending 
 troops to Herat, the plea of restoring order on the frontiers of Persia, I think 
 it necessary to say that the British Government will not be misled by such a 
 futile argument. It is not by the temporary sustainment of a person so utterly 
 incapable as Syed Mahomed Khan, that order will be permanently established. 
 If the motive alleged by the Persian Ministers were the true and sole one, it is 
 obvious that the possession of Herat by men of, at all events, a higher degree 
 of capacity and enterprise, like Kohendil Khan and his brothers, would offer far 
 greater chances of tranquillity and security on the frontiers, than the vain 
 attempt to preserve in power a person whose character unfits him for authority. 
 Kohendil Khan and his family are under the greatest obligations to this Govern- 
 ment, of which they were at one time the pensioners ; it is therefore evident that 
 it is for their interest to remain on good terms with Persia. 
 
 I use this language without the slightest predilection for Kohendil Khan, 
 and merely to jwove that the ostensible motives assigned by the Persian Govern- 
 ment for a mihtary movement are deficient in foundation, and that prudence and 
 wisdom dictate to the Persian Government the expediency of leaving the 
 Affghan s to settle their own affairs. 
 
 Two paths are open to Persia : one leading to the preservation of the 
 cordiality which now subsists between England and Persia, with all the advan- 
 tages to be derived from the friendship of a Government not the least among 
 nations ; the other will conduct this country into embarrassments, of which the 
 consequences are not difficult to foresee, and which, as a sincere friend and 
 well-wisher of the Persian Government, I earnestly deprecate. 
 
 P.S. I observe that at the close of your letter there is an ambiguous 
 passage, which would seem to imply that I have verbally declared that Great 
 
19 
 
 Britain will be responsible for all losses that Persia might suffer on the frontiers 
 of Herat. I have only to sa}', in return, that I most positively deny having, 
 directly or indirectly, hinted at so extraordinary a proposition. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 No. 14. 
 Lieutenant-Calonel Sheil to Earl Granville. — (Received May 3.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, March 15, 1852. 
 
 YESTERDAY I had an audience of the Shah, by His Majesty's express 
 desire, to discuss the state of affairs in Herat. 
 
 His Majesty expressed in terms of much warmth his earnest wish to 
 cultivate the friendship of Her Majesty's Government ; but the occupation of 
 Herat by the Chiefs of Candahar was, he said, a serious injury to his dominions 
 from the risk to wliich the extensive frontier of Khorassan would be exposed by 
 incursions of Affghan and other Horse, and that, therefore, it was unfriendly and 
 unjust in Great Britain to deter him from preventing that result. 
 
 I answered that it was by no means clear that so small a body as the troops 
 dispatched from Candahar would succeed in gaining possession of Herat ; that 
 the acquisition of this city would not greatly enlarge the power of Kohendil 
 Khan, whose interest therefore would urge him to maintain fiiendly relations 
 with the Shah. 
 
 The Shah said he had four propositions to make : that the Persian troops 
 should be suffered to proceed to Herat to repel the Candahar invaders, on the 
 understanding of evacuation the Herat territory as soon as the Candahar force 
 had withdrawn and order was restored. I replied that the coinage of Herat and 
 the " khootbeh " being in His Majesty's name, the occupation of Herat by Persian 
 troops on any pretext would excite the dissatisfaction of Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 The next proposal of the Shah was, that the English Government should 
 become responsible for all the losses which the Persian Government might suffer 
 in consequence of the annexation of Herat by the Candahar Chiefs, and for the 
 increased military expenditure which would devolve on Persia in consequence of 
 that event. I answered that an engagement of this nature would be equivalent 
 to an agreement on the part of England to send an army to Candahar for its 
 enforcement, a consummation which 1 thought His Majesty would hardly seek. 
 
 The Shah then proposed that the incapacity of Syed Mahomed Khan 
 being notorious, the Persian Government and I should in conjunction send 
 one of the descendants of Kaniran Shall to Herat, and nominate him ruler. As 
 this implied the dispatch of Persian troops for carrying out such an arrangement, 
 the objections to it were of the same nature as those before urged against the 
 first proposal. 
 
 The last proposal was to the effect that I should send an agent to the 
 Candahar General, accompanied by an agent fi'om the Shah, to warn him in the 
 name of both our Governments against meddling with the independence of 
 Herat, and to call on him to retire. In answer to my objections that I had no 
 instructions on the subject, and that I certainly could not in afly case employ 
 threats which might not be fulfdled, the Shah said that in all likelihood exhorta- 
 tion vi'ould accomplish the object in view. I requested His Majesty's permission 
 to pause before giving a definitive answer to this proposition. In continuation I 
 stated that in the event of complying with the Shah's wishes on this point, 1 
 required to know whether His Majesty would renounce in writing all territorial 
 light to Herat, as well as to the coinage and " khootbeh " in his name, as this would 
 tend to regulate my conduct, and also make a serious impression on Her Majesty's 
 Government of the candour and frankness of the Shah's intentions. His Majesty 
 was unprepared for this alternative, and said it would be time enough to think 
 of these questions when the Candahar force was withdrawn. He subsequently 
 mentioned his willingness to give a document of this description, if the British 
 Government would, on its side, enter into an agreement not to allow Herat to be 
 annexed to either Candahar or Cabul. 
 
 D 2 
 
20 
 
 The audience concluded by the Shah insisting I should -wait on him 
 •without delay as soon as my messenger arrived. 
 
 The impression I derived from my audience with the Shah confirmed the 
 opinion I have lately formed, that the nearer approach of the Candahar force to 
 Herat will he the signal for the advance of the Persian troops at Jam. Another 
 audience with the Shah will take place in a few days, and 1 shall profit of that 
 occasion for repeating the expression of the dissatisfaction v.hich interference 
 with Herat will cause Her Majesty's Government, as well as the other arguments 
 which I have so often urged in writing. 
 
 The Sedr Azim informed me of the Shah's intention to send three other 
 battalions of infantry to Khorassan. He declared the object of this increase of 
 the military force in that province to be only defensive, and he complained 
 heavily of the expense to which the Persian Government was placed by the 
 ambition of the Candahar chiefs. Your Lordship will, probably, not be disposed 
 to place any reliance on the sincerity of the Persian Minister. 
 
 No. 15. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to Earl Granville. — {Received June 29.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, March 31, 1852. 
 
 YESTERDAY I had an audience of the Shah, by his own desire, to hear a 
 repetition of his former proposal, that I should send a person to dissuade the 
 Candahar force from approaching Herat. I agreed to do so on condition that 
 His Majesty would sign a document renouncing all rights over Herat, and 
 agreeing to recall his two agents from that city. The Shah said he would assent 
 to this proposition, provided I would sign a paper to the effect that the British 
 Government would engage to prevent Kohendil Khan from occupying any 
 portion of the Herat territory. This being beyond my powers, the discussion had 
 no result. A long conversation on the subject of the forward movement of the 
 Persian force at Jam followed, with which I need not trouble your Lordship. I 
 quitted the Shah, leaving him in great perplexity how he should act. 
 
 A similar conversation followed immediately after with the Persian Prime 
 Minister. 
 
 1 afterwards sent a short memorandum to the Sedr Azim, in which I 
 proposed to use my good offices with Kohendil Khan, or with his son, Afzal 
 Khan, the Commander of the force dispatched from Candahar, on the same 
 conditions that I have mentioned above ; with the addition, that in the meantime 
 I would make a reference to Her Majesty's Government relative to trie guarantee 
 required by Persia against Kohendil Khan, the Shah qualifying his renuncia- 
 tion of all rights over Herat with a reserve that it was to be contingent on the 
 acquiescence of Her Majesty's Government in the guarantee. This proposition 
 evidently did not place the Persian Government in a worse position than at 
 it is at present, while it, at the same time, offered some hope of a definite arrange- 
 ment. It was not, however, acceptable to the Persian Ministers, who seemed 
 resolved to agree to nothing which did not include a sanction to a movement of 
 troops to Herat. 
 
 No. 16. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received June 29.) 
 
 (Extiact.) Tehran, May 1, 1852. 
 
 IT would appear that the defeat of Kohendil Khan was merely a fabrication 
 of the Persian Government. His retreat, from under the walls of Herat, was 
 caused by the near approach of the Persian troops commanded by Abbass Koolee 
 Khan, who had advanced to within twelve miles of Herat, and to the appre- 
 hended junction of 2,000 Hezareh horse with the Herat forces. Kohendil Khan 
 and his army had halted at Ferrah, which is in the Herat territory. 
 
21 
 
 Sam Khan, with the Persians under his command, was completely mastci- 
 of the citadel and city of Herat. Under his authority, a number of the Affdian 
 Khans of Herat had been seized and dispatched into Persia. These were, of 
 course, the chiefs who were opposed to Persian domination, and who were 
 desirous of maintaining the independence of Herat. 
 
 The Persian force commanded by Abbass Koolee Khan is believed to have 
 retired to Ghorian. As Sam Khan was paramount in Herat, this movement 
 does not diminish the supremacy of the Persian Government in that city. The 
 object is, doubtless, to maintain some show of concession to the British Govern- 
 ment. By the Persian Government, and by every one in Tehran, Herat is 
 looked on as a Persian possession, and the management of the Shah and his 
 Minister, which has made them masters of this city, without a contest, and in 
 opposition to the wishes of the British Government, excites great admiration.^ 
 
 As my remonstrances have failed to prevent the advance of the Persian 
 troops close to Herat, or to deter the Persian Government from assumini? the 
 real possession of that city, it seems to me that the most becoming course I can 
 pursue, is to abstain from useless expostulation, until I receive your Lordship's 
 orders. Unless some special reasons, such as the occurrence of new events, 
 should render it expedient to renew my communications with the Persian 
 Ministers on this subject, I propose to follow the above course. 
 
 No. 17. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmeshury. — {Received July 3.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, May 4, 1852. 
 
 NO intelligence has reached me of the advance of the Persian army to 
 expel the Candahar troops from Ferrah and the Herat territory ; nor, on the 
 other hand, of its having withdrawal from Ghorian into the Persian dominions. 
 
 The Sedr Azim told me some time ago that the Persian troops in Herat 
 would not be recalled' so long as the army of Kohendil Khan remained in the 
 territory of Herat, lest he should return and renew his operations against the 
 city. 
 
 As, however, my persuasion is that permanent occupation is contemplated 
 by this Government, and that it is only by the apprehension of the resentment 
 of the British Government, and the conviction that the retention of Herat will 
 be resented by Great Britain, that its complete evacuation can be attained, 
 some reflections have occurred to me on the subject, which it may not be out 
 of place to bring to your Lordship's observation. 
 
 Assuming an anxious desire to exist on the part of Her IMajcsty's Govern- 
 ment for the maintenance of the independence of Herat, or, at least, for its 
 continuance under Afighan rule, I beg leave to offer an opinion, that if I were 
 empowered to announce to the Persian Government that the presence of Her 
 Majesty's Mission in tliis country would be dependent on the conduct of the 
 Persifiu Government with regard to Herat, and that if, within a certain number 
 of days, every Persian soldier in that tow^i were not recalled, the British 
 Mission would withdraw from the Shah's court, and quit Persia, no doubt need 
 exist that the demand of Her Majesty's Government would be*complied with. 
 I need not say that the execution of the threat would be necessary, should it 
 fail to operate in the manner and to the extent anticipated. A very lively 
 desire no doubt animates the Shah and his Ministers for the possession of 
 Herat, and I believe they will readily submit to the expense which its occupa- 
 tion will require. They have at the same time a great dread of a rupture with 
 England, and this feeling alone has deterred them from openly placing a. 
 garrison in Herat during the last ten months. The Persian Government seea 
 plainly that it is the interference of Her Majesty's Government which saves it 
 from an attack from Turkey, and even now it is not free from the apprehension 
 that the course it has pursued with reference to Herat, may not cause Her 
 Majesty's Government to alter the tone and language which have hitherto 
 restrained Turkey from open aggression and defiance of tlie Treaty. 
 
22 
 
 It may be asked why then did not these motives, if they are so powerful, 
 deter Persia from giving offence to Great Britain by the conduct pursued at 
 Herat. The answer is, that Persia trusts largely in the forbearance of Great 
 Britain. 
 
 Above all, I am aware, from excellent authoritj% that these points have 
 been ah-cady calculated by the Persian Ministers. They have proposed to 
 themselves to retain Herat as a permanent annexation to Persia, should the 
 British Government display indifference or supineness on the subject, and to be 
 prepared to abandon that possession should the British Government exhibit an 
 intention of resenting a dehance of its wishes with reference to the maintenance 
 of Herat a? an independent State. 
 
 The change which has taken place in the British dominions in India, 
 and the advance of the frontier, have, it may be averred, diminished or 
 destroyed the importance of Herat, and rendered its possession a question of 
 indifference. It can scarcely admit of doubt that the annexation of the Punjab 
 and ScindC; and the occupation of the line of the Indus, have immensely increased 
 the strength and power of the British Government to repel invasion or 
 aggression. But I think it ought not to be forgotten that the antagonist parties 
 have at the same time approximated, and that the facilities and means of 
 demonstration and aggression have increased. A few years ago England was on 
 the Sutlej and Russia on the Arras, 1 ,400 miles from Herat, with the unfruitful 
 Georgian [Jiovinces and the Caucasus behind her. Now Russia is at Asterabad, 
 with the open sea and the Volga in the rear. 
 
 I have brought to observation in a former despatch that Herat being 
 annexed to Persia, Russia enjoys the right, from which England is excluded, of 
 placing a Consul in that city. 
 
 1 will not fatigue your Lordship with speculations on the feasibility or 
 otherwise of an invasion of India. With the Russians at Astei'abad, and the 
 Caspian and Volga in the rear, it seems almost impossible to credit that any 
 overwhelming obstacle exists against a demonstration by Russia in Affghanistan. 
 
 The Persians are thoroughly accustomed to distant expeditions. Thev 
 march habitually from the frontiers of Turkey to the borders of Affghan- 
 istan. 
 
 I offer these obsei-vations in order to reach the conclusion, that whatever 
 may contribute to obviate or defer the events I have been venturing to predict 
 as far from impossible, is the policy safest and cheapest to pursue, particularly 
 if the sacrifice should be trifling in its extent or consequences. 
 
 The sacrifice I venture to offer to consideration is only to risk a withdrawal 
 of the Mission. 
 
 If danger docs exist to India, whether in a smaller or gi-eater degree, it 
 appears to be nearly certain that that danger is increased by the appropriation 
 of Herat by Persia. A great prestige is attached to its possession ; magazines 
 of food can be eeisily established in security ; it becomes a base for military 
 operations ; and it can be easily converted into a most secure place of refuge for 
 a retreating army. 
 
 Should these observations and opinions have any value in j"our Lordship's 
 eyes, and should the suggestion here made be adopted, I conceive that, in making 
 an announcement to the Persian Government of the terms on which an English 
 Mission would be maintained in Tehran, it would be advisable to insist on the 
 withdrawal of the Persian force from its menacing attitude on the frontier of 
 Herat, and that 4t would be requisite to send an Attache of this Mission to 
 Herat to superintend the withdrawal of every Persian soldier, and to ascertain 
 that all the Affghan Chiefs who have been removed to Meshed are restored to 
 their own country. 
 
 If I have troubled your Lordship at much length, it is because I have an 
 earnest opinion of the importance of preventing Persia from maintaining herself 
 in the permanent occupation of Herat, and of the comparative facility with 
 which she could be induced to relinquish an acquisition which has fallen into 
 her hands only in consequence of the imbecility of the Ruler of that country. 
 
23 
 
 No. 18. 
 The Earl of Malmesbury to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 Sff. Foreign Office, July 7, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt, on the 3rd instant, of your able 
 and interesting desjmtch of the 4th of May, setting forth the inconveniences 
 which may result from allowing Persia to obtain possession of Herat, and the 
 means by which the Persian Government might be induced to withdraw its 
 forces from the Aftghan territory. 
 
 Your despatch of the 1st of May, from which it appeared that the 
 Persians had firmly established themselves in Herat, reached me on the 29th of 
 last month ; and you will see by the inclosed copy of a letter from the President 
 of the Board of Control, that if the question of Herat was limited merely to 
 Persian supremacy in that town, the British Government would not apprehend 
 from such a state of things any possible danger to British interests in India, 
 sufficient to induce them to depart from the courfe which they have lately 
 observed in their communications with the Persian Government on this 
 matter. 
 
 But the considerations which you have so forcibly pressed on Her Majesty's 
 Government in your despatch of the 4th of May, point to difficulties and dangers 
 of a far more serious character than might be apprehended from the mere occupa- 
 tion of Herat by Persia. Her Majesty's Government, indeed, during the life-time 
 of the present Emperor of Russia, have no apprehension of any hostile move- 
 ments on the part of Russia calculated to disturb the tranquillity of British 
 India ; and since the news of the occupation of Herat by the Persians has 
 reached this country. Baron de Brunnow has expressed to me his great regret 
 at that occurrence. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government must, however, look forward to the future ; and 
 although they entertain no suspicion of Russia at the present moment, they 
 have thought it rigbt to test the sincei'ity of the professions which they have 
 repeatedly received from the Russian Government. I have accordingly 
 instructed Her Majesty's Minister at St. Petersburgh, as you will see by the 
 inclosed copy of a despatch which I have addressed to him, to invite the Russian 
 Government to cooperate with that of Her Majesty, with the view of inducing 
 the Shah to withdraw the Persian forces from the AfFghan territory. 
 
 Until Her Majesty's Government can more clearly ascertain what is the 
 result of this overture, no definite instructions can be sent to you ; and still less 
 can you be authorised to threaten to withdraw Her Majesty's Mission from 
 Tehran, in case the Shah does not renounce his schemes of aggrandisement in 
 AflTghanistan. But the language which you will hold in the meanwhile should 
 make it clear to the Persian Government that the occupation of Herat by the 
 Persian troops is extremely displeasing to England ; that Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment are watching with close attention the course pursued by Persia, with the 
 view of judging how far the professions made by that Power, previously to the 
 entrance of its forces into Affghanistan, were sincere ; that there was then no 
 question of permanent occupation or of conquest, no assumption of sovereignty 
 over any part of Affghanistan ; and that now that the object for which the 
 expedition was avowedly undertaken has been accomplished, by the retreat of the 
 Affghan troops which threatened to attack Herat from the south, and to 
 dispossess the ruler of that place of the acquisition which he had derived from 
 his father, Her Majesty's Government are entitled to expect that the Persian 
 troops will immediately evacuate Herat, and be withdrawn within the Persian 
 frontier. 
 
 You will state to the Persian Government that wthin these few days the 
 Persian Charge d'Affaires at this Court has officially declared to me that a 
 Persian ganison is not to be left in Herat. You will take it for granted that 
 this pledge is to be redeemed ; and you will press the Persian Government at 
 once to name a period within which Herat and its territory shall be wholly 
 evacuated by the Persian troops, and those troops shall have re-entered the 
 Persian territory. 
 
 1 will not fail to inform you, without delay, of the result of the step to be 
 taken by Sir Hamilton Seymour ; but you will understand from what I have 
 
24 
 
 said, that if, before you hear of that result from me, the Russian Minister at 
 Tehran should announce to you that he has received instructions to aet in 
 concert with you for the evacuation of Herat, you will be at liberty to accept 
 liis offer, and join in his representations to the Persian Government. 
 
 1 am, &'c. 
 (Signed) MALMESBURY. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 18. 
 Mr. Herries to the Earl of Malmesbury. 
 
 My Lord, India Board, July 3, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th 
 ultimo, inclosing a despatch from Her Majesty's Minister at Tehran, of the 
 1st of May, which reports that the Persian forces are masters of the citadel and 
 city of Herat, and requesting to be informed whether, under these circumstances, 
 I think it right that Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil should insist on the evacuation of 
 Herat by the troops of the Shah. 
 
 It would undoubtedly be more satisfactory to us if Herat could be main- 
 tained in an independent state. But, under present circumstances, it would 
 appear that the Persians are received there as protectors rather than invaders. 
 The Ruler of Herat accepts them as the least of two evils, of which the presence 
 of the Affghans would be the greater. Unless, therefore, we could ensure the 
 real independence of Herat, I apprehend that no good would be accomplished 
 by inducing the Persians (supposing Colonel Sheil to have the power of doing 
 so) to retire from that place. 
 
 It is satisfactory to observe that your Lordship feels warranted in placing 
 reliance upon the good intentions professed by Russia with respect to Persia and 
 Herat. If that Court be really well disposed to act coidialiy with us in the use 
 of its influence on Persia, we may view with less regret the existing state of 
 things at Herat. 
 
 I have in former communications adverted to the actual condition of our 
 Indian frontier on the western side, which renders the movements of the 
 Persians and Affghans, in disputing the possession of Herat, of comparatively 
 minor importance to the interests of British India. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Sisned) H. HERRIES. 
 
 No. 19. 
 
 The Earl of Malmesbury to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, August 27, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government have received 
 intelligence that the Government of His Majesty the Shah have published a 
 notification in the Persian official *•' Gazette " announcing the annexation of the 
 Heratian territory to the territories of Persia. 
 
 The assurances which you have frequently received both from the mouth of 
 the Shah himself, and from that of his Ministers, that the occupation of Hei-at 
 by the troops of the Shah was one of a temporary character, would of themselves 
 have caused Her Majesty's Government to receive this intelligence with surprise 
 and regret, even had not those assurances been fully corroborated by verbal and 
 written communications which they have received from the Persian Chargd 
 d'Aff'aires in this country. 
 
 It is to be admitted that the explanations which you have from time to 
 time received from the Persian Government since the death of Yar Mahomed 
 Khan, as to the intentions of that Government towards Herat, if not contra- 
 dictory in themselves, at all events show that the Persian Government has been 
 gradually developing new schemes, and extending its plans of operation in that 
 quarter. 
 
 In the month of July 1851, it appears from your despatch dated the 22nd, 
 
25 
 
 that the Ameer Nizam disclaimed, in distinct terms, any intention on the part of 
 Persia to occupy Herat, and authorized you to convey to Her Majesty's 
 Government an assurance to that effect ; and it appears from your despatch 
 of the 4th of October, that he subsequently confirmed those assurances, and 
 from your despatch of the 22nd of November that they were renewed to you by 
 his successor. 
 
 Since the commencement of the present year, however, the Persian Govern- 
 ment have taken up new grounds. And it appears from your despatches 
 dated January 20 and February 1 4 of the present year, that the Persian Govern- 
 ment had announced to you that should any attempt be made against Herat 
 either from Cabul or from Candahar, Persia would be compelled to assist Herat. 
 You were at the same time informed that the Persian Government considered 
 Herat to be a portion of the Province of Khorassan, and that the protection 
 of Herat was, therefore, the duty of the Persian Government. 
 
 But while this view of the case was communicated to you, you were 
 assured that any Persian troops which might proceed to Herat for that object 
 would return without delay, and without taking possession of it, and, to quote 
 the words of the Sedr Azim, " would leave Herat in the hands of the people of 
 Herat without any foreign interference." 
 
 Subseciuentiy, on the 3rd of March of this year, the Sedr Azim informed 
 you tliat the Persian Government had no other thoughts or intention than the 
 establishment of order in Herat, and that no Persian troops would be perma- 
 nently placed in Herat. You were assured that those troops would be 
 sent there to give gratuitous assistance, and that as soon as order had been 
 re-estabUshed they would return to Persia, and that their stay in Herat would 
 be limited to a period of six months. 
 
 In the meanwhile it appears from your despatches that the Persian troops 
 gradually advanced towards the frontier, passed into the territory of Herat, and 
 that eventually a portion of them occupied Herat itself. 
 
 The answer to your representations on the subject which you now received 
 from the Persian Government was, that the Persian troops would not be recalled 
 so long as Kohendil Khan occupied a portion of the territory of Herat. 
 
 What the present position of Kohendil Khan may be, is at this moment 
 unknown to Her Majesty's Government, but as far as they are informed that 
 Chief had announced lais intention to remove from that territory. 
 
 Such are some of the assurances which Her Majesty's Government have 
 received through you from the Persian Government, and which certainly 
 afforded no grounds for the supposition that the Government of Persia had in 
 view a permanent occupation of Herat. 
 
 But in addition to this, in an interview which I had this year with the Persian 
 Charge d'Alfaires, ShefFee Khan stated to me that it was the intention of his 
 Government to withdraw its troops entirely from Herat so soon as it should 
 have succeeded in tranquillizing that province ; and this assurance was several 
 times repeated, and again renewed to me in writing by ShefFee Khan on the 
 12th ultimo. 
 
 If, however, the intelligence which has now reached Her Majesty's 
 Government, and which is entirely in contradiction with all these assurances, 
 should unfortunately prove to be true. Her Majesty's Government consider that 
 they are fully justified in calling upon the Government of Persia to explain the 
 contradiction which thvxs exists between the explanations they have given to the 
 Government of this country, and their acts in occupying Herat. 
 
 The language which you have already been instructed to hold to the 
 Persian Government will have made it clear to them that the occupation of 
 Herat by the Persian troops has been extremely displeasing to England ; and 
 they will scarcely have converted that occupation into an annexation without 
 being prepared to give a satisfactory explanation to Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 If the Persian Government should be unable to afl^ord such an explanation, 
 Her Majesty's Government would greatly regret to see that the influence of 
 Her Majesty's Mission at Tehran has thus been inoperative in dissuading the 
 Government of the Shah from proceedings to which that Government was 
 aware that the Government of this country felt serious objections ; and, on the 
 other hand, it could scarcely be possible for Her Majesty's Government 
 hereafter to give to the communications of ShefFee Khan, thus disavowed by 
 
 E 
 
26 
 
 his Government, that weight and attention which they would desire to attach to 
 the representations of the Agent of a foreign Government. 
 
 You will cause a translation of this despatch to be prepared, and you will 
 communicate it to the Persian Government. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) MALMESBURY. 
 
 No. 20. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received September 18.) 
 
 (Extract.) Sheerkesh, July 28, ]852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to report to your Lordship that, a few days ago, the 
 Mufti of Herat arrived here on a mission from Syed Mahomed Khan. 
 
 The danger of invasion by Kohendil Khan having passed away, the AfFghan 
 population of Herat now shows symptoms of its desire to be relieved from the 
 presence of the agents and troops of the Persian Government. The Mufti, it is 
 said, is instructed by the Chief of Herat, after expressing his devotion to the 
 Shah, and his readiness both to issue a coinage, and to recite the " khootbeh" (or 
 prayer for His Majesty the Shah) in his name, in the first place to endeavour to 
 obtain from the Persian Government its consent that Herat shall remain as it 
 did when ruled by Yar Mahomed Khan, giving aid to Persia, when required, on 
 the one side, and receiving it, when required, on the other. But failing in this, 
 he was then to exert himself in procuring the immediate recall of Meerza 
 Ahmed Khan, one of the Persian Agents, if they would not, at the same time, 
 remove Sam Khan, the other Agent, also. The former is the son of the late Vizier 
 of the Province of Azerbijan, active, and full of intrigue, but entirely Persian, 
 and anxious to reduce, as far as possible, Aflf'ghan and Soonnee preponderance in 
 Herat. The latter, being Chief of a powerful family in Khorassan, is believed 
 to be, in heart, desirous that Herat should remain in a neutral condition, in 
 order that he might find an asylum there for the evil day to which Persians in 
 his position always look forward. 
 
 In a recent number of the "Tehran Gazette," the Persian Government 
 boasted of the successes it had achieved, by force of arms, in reducing Herat to 
 subjection, and in converting the people of that Principality into rypts, or 
 subjects, of the Shah. In a subsequent number, this vaunting has been some- 
 what modified, and an announcement has been inserted, that the boast of 
 military successes was an error, but that Herat had become an integral part of 
 the Persian Empire, and that this triumph had been effected by the abilities and 
 management of the Persian Ministers. 
 
 As this slight incident may, perhaps, be of some interest to your Lordship, 
 I beg leave to inclose a translation of the two paragraphs. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 20. 
 Extract from the " Tehran Gazette" of July 1, 1852. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 AT this time, the good fortune of His Majesty the Shah has prevailed, and, 
 thanks to the exertions of the Persian Ministers, order has been established in the 
 affairs of the Herat territory, by having lighted the flame of war and slaughter 
 and engaged in battle, and by having advanced troops to the spot. Moreover all 
 the people of Herat have, of their own free will and accord, declared themselves 
 loyal subjects of Persia, in consequence of the care and attention shown to their 
 interests by the Persian Ministers. It is seldom witnessed that a province which 
 for years has disowned the authority of its Government, is with such ease 
 restored to submission and obedience of its own accord and with one consent. 
 
 It is solely owing to the happy destiny of His Majesty the Shah, and the 
 high abilities of his Ministers, that this has been effected with such ease. 
 
27 
 
 Extract from the " Tehran Gazette " of July 8, 1852. 
 
 In the last number of this paper, the person who wrote the first page, being 
 a new hand, by the omission of one word, and by neglecting to place a point 
 below one of the letters of a word, gave a totally different sense to the paragraph 
 than that intended. Instead of stating with regard to Herat, that by the good 
 fortune of His Majesty the Shah and the exertions of his Ministers, order had 
 been established in Herat, without having lighted the flame of war and slaughter, 
 or having engaged in battle, and by having advanced troops to the spot, the 
 writer stated that this had been effected by having lighted the flame of war and 
 slaughter, and by having engaged in battle, and by having advanced troops to 
 the spot. It is now, therefore, announced that the above province, which had 
 for years freed itself from the authority of the Kings of Persia, and notwith- 
 standing troops having been sent, and war being declared, and the place being 
 besieged, they had failed in obtaining a victory ; at the present time, by the happy 
 destiny of His Majesty the Shah, the whole of the people, both high and low, of 
 Herat and of those parts, seeing the safety and tranquiUity enjoyed by this ever- 
 enduring counti-y, the order which prevails, and the manner in which its powerful 
 Sovereign cherishes his subjects, and beheving that obedience and submission 
 would be to their honour and obtain for them also peace and tranquiUity, of their 
 own inclination and freewill, they prayed to be servants and subjects. It is a 
 source of thanksgiving and gratitude for the subjects of this Government that so 
 extensive a country should, with so much ease, at this time again form an 
 integral portion of this exalted Government. It is to be hoped that henceforth 
 the people of that country will also enjoy peace under the protection and favour 
 of this Government. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 No. 21. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received October 4.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, August 22, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE had two interviews with the Persian Prime Minister relating to 
 the evacuation of Herat according to the views of Her Majesty's Government, 
 as notified in your Lordship's despatch of the 7th of July. 
 
 The Russian Minister has not made any overture to me on this question, 
 nor do I believe he has made any communication to the Persian Ministers in 
 connection with the retirement from Herat of the Persian forces. 
 
 The Sedr Azim disavowed, altogether, the language of the Persian Cliarge 
 d' Affaires in London, in stating to your Lordship that a Persian garrison would 
 not be left in that city. Sheffee Khan, he said, had no instructions authorizing such 
 an announcement ; and his Excellency added, that the Persian Charge d' Affaires 
 had neglected in his reports to state that such language had been held by him. 
 
 In these interviews, the Sedr affected great frankness with reference to the 
 policy of Persia towards Herat. He said that he had really and truly given 
 directions for the evacuation of the Herat temtoiy three months ago ; but that 
 the order had been coupled with a discretion to the Prince Governor of Khorassan 
 to delay its execution if expedient ; hence it happened, that the Pei'sian force 
 was still in the Herat territory, within eight miles of Ghorian, which is forty 
 miles distant from Herat, and is the first Herat town towards the Persian 
 frontier. 
 
 The Sedr Azim further said, that Kohendil Khan (Chief of Candahar) had 
 sent his brother-in-law to Kerman, with a letter to the Shah, praying that Ferrah 
 and Sebzar might be left in his hands. The answer was, an intimation to 
 evacuate those places, and that then the Shah would judge whether they should 
 be retained by Herat or Candahar. 
 
 An Agent, named 3Ieer Hyder Khan, had been dispatched from Tehran to 
 Candahar with two firmans addressed to Kohendil Khan : one signifying the 
 Shah's pleasure that he should hold Ferrah and Sebzar ; the other peremptorily- 
 ordering him to evacuate those places on pain of a Persian army being sent to 
 expel his troops. A discretion was conferred on the Prince Governor of 
 
 E 2 
 
id 
 
 Khorassan in selecting either of these firmans for transmission to Kohendil Khan. 
 Tlie Prince decided ou demanding tlie summary evacuation of these towns. No 
 answer has yet been received to this communication, but it cannot be long 
 delayed. 
 
 Your Lordship will perceive that the influence of Persia has extended 
 beyond Herat. 
 
 With regard to the evacuation of Herat, the Sedr Azim said that the 
 Persian Government would adhere to the declarations it had made previously to 
 the occupation of the Herat territory by Persian troops. Peremptory orders, 
 without reserve or discretion, had been sent to the Persian Commander, Abbass 
 Koolee Khan, to retire with his force to the district of Toorbet Hydereeah. 
 This place is 1 50 miles distant from Ghorian. 
 
 Orders would be sent immediately, his Excellency said, to Sam Khan to 
 reduce his escort to 100 men, and to send the remainder to Persia. His personal 
 attendants would amount to nearly the same number. 
 
 If Ferrah and Sebzar were evacuated by the Candahar troops, or whenever 
 that object were attained, Sam Khan with the whole of his escort would be 
 inunediately recalled to Persia, and another Agent sent to Herat unattended by 
 armed followers. 
 
 The Persian Minister said that should the Candahar troops not be with- 
 drawn from those two towns, it was the intention of the Persian Government, 
 acting on the same principle which had dictated the dispatch of troops to the 
 aid of Herat, to send a Ibrce to Ferrah and Sebzar, to be withdrawn after the 
 expulsion of the Candahar troops. The Persian force would not proceed to the 
 above places by way of Herat ; they would march by a difterent route. 
 
 I'he Persian Minister, in the course of conversation, having said that in the 
 event of a renewal of an attack by Kohendil Khan on Herat, or by Dost 
 Mahomed Khan, or any of his family, it was the determination of this Govern- 
 ment to act in the same manner as on the present occasion, I decUned to enter 
 into the discussion of a prospective and uncertain event. 
 
 1 need scarcely remind your Lordship of the insincerity which characterizes 
 the Sedr Azim in common with the generality of his countrymen, and that his 
 promises relative to the retirement of the Persian force, the present diminution 
 and final withdrawal of the military escort, are to be looked upon as mere profes- 
 sions until actually earned into execution. My efforts will, of course, be directed 
 in furtherance of this object. 
 
 During my interview to-day, the Sedr Azim said that the object with which 
 the Herat Agent had come to this Court was, to demand pecuniary aid and the 
 issue of a firman promising that Herat should be retained by Syed Mahomed and 
 his descendants for ever. It was intended, he said, to bestow on this chief 
 10,000 tomans, which the Agent had promised should be melted and recoined in 
 the Shah's name. 
 
 To prevent any misunderstanding as to the nature of the conversation which 
 I had held with the Sedr Azim to-day, I addressed to his Excellency a letter, 
 of which I have the honour to inclose a translation, recapitulating the chief 
 points of discussion. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 21. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 (Translation.) August 22, 18.')2. 
 
 TO prevent any mistake in my report to my own Government, I think it 
 advisable to recapitulate the conversation I held with your Excellency to-day, 
 relative to the affairs of Herat, and the evacuation of that territory. 
 
 I understood your Excellency to say that although orders had been formerly 
 sent to Abbass Koolee Khan, Meer Penjeh (General), to withdrawn the Persian 
 force under his orders within the Persian territory, these orders, from certain 
 circumstances, had not been executed, but that yesterday the most positive orders 
 had been issued, without any reserve, to that Commander to retire imme- 
 diately with his troops from the vicinity of Ghorian to the district of Toorbet 
 Hydereeah. 
 
 With regard to the complete evacuation of Herat by Persian troops, your 
 
^9 
 
 Excellency declared that orders had been sent to Sam Khan to reduce without 
 delay his military escort to 100 men, exclusive of his personal attendants, and 
 dispatch the remainder of his horsemen to Persia. 
 
 Further, that ii: two or three montlis, more or less, or as soon as Ferrah 
 and Sebzar (or Sebzewar) were evacuated by the troops of Caadahar, the entire 
 of the military escort attached to Sam Khan should be withdrawn, and the 
 Herat territory be completely evacuated by Persian troops. You also said that 
 another agent would be sent with fifteen or twenty attendants, and without any 
 militaiy escort, to reside at Herat on the part of tiiis Government. 
 
 No. 22. 
 The Earl of Mabneabury to Sheffee Khan. 
 
 Foreign Office, October 27, 18.52. 
 
 THE communications respecting the proceedings of the Persian Govern- 
 ment in regard to Herat which tlie Undersigned, ,&c., has, at ditferent times, had 
 with Sheffee Klian, &c., will have satisfied Sheffee Khan that Her Majesty's 
 Government has view^ed with great disapprobation the operations undertaken by 
 the Persian Government against that State, and they only rei'rained from marking 
 their disapprobation by any overt act in reliance on the assurances repeatedly 
 and solemnly given by tlie Persian Government, both to Her Majesty's Minister 
 at Tehran, and through its own Charge d'Ali'aires in London, that no permanent 
 change in tiie state of possession in Herat was contemplated by it as the result of 
 its armed interference in that State. 
 
 More lately, when Herat had been actuidly occupied by the Persian army, 
 Sheffee Khan, of his own accord, called on the Undersigned at the Foreign 
 Office, for the purpose of assuring him that its occupation was only a temporary 
 act, and that the city of Herat would soon be evacuated. 
 
 The intelligence which Her Majesty's Government have now received from 
 Persia, proves that, in the face of these solemn assurances, the Persian Govern- 
 ment has formally announced the annexation of Herat to Persia as an integral 
 portion of the Persian dominions. 
 
 Her Majesty's Minister at the Court of Persia will be instructed to make 
 known to the Persian Government the feelings of deep displeasure with which 
 Her Majesty's Government have received the intelligence of this proceeding on 
 the part of the Persian Government. But it is the duty of the Undersigned to 
 lose no time in acquainting Sheffee Khan that, in consequence of what has 
 occun'cd, Her Majesty's Government feel that they can no longer place faith in 
 any assurances which may be given to them, cither directly by the Persian 
 Government through Her Majesty's Minister at Tehran, or by Sheffee Khan, on 
 the part of his Government ; and the Undersigned is, therefore, compelled to 
 announce to Shed'ee Khan, that he can no longer hold political intercourse either 
 with Sheffee Khan, or with any other Representative of the Persian Government 
 in London. 
 
 The Undersigned regrets to be under the necessity of making this commu- 
 nication to Sheffee Khan ; and he trusts that the Persian Government, by 
 retracing its steps, and by henceforward adopting a more straightforward 
 course, and one more in conformity with what it owes to Her Majesty's 
 Government, will enable him hereafter to resume his political relations with a 
 Representative of the Shah of Persia. 
 
 The Undersigned, &c. (Signed) MALMESBURY. 
 
 No. 23. 
 
 The Earl of Malmesbury to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, October 27, 1852. 
 
 THE course which has been pursued by the Persian Government in regard 
 to the affairs of Herat is such as to inspire Her Majesty's Govermnent with 
 well-grounded distrust in any professions which the Shah "or his Ministers have 
 
30 
 
 made, or may hereafter make, in regard to that province. The promises and 
 assm-ances hitherto given hy that Government in reference to the disinterested- 
 ness of the measures taken by Persia have ended in a formal and official declara- 
 tion that Herat is henceforward to be an appendage to the Persian monarchy, 
 and that the forces of Persia will l)e directed against any Affghan Power which 
 may seek to interfere with her newly-acquired possession. 
 
 Practically, therefore, it matters not whether a Persian garrison be retained 
 or not in the fortress or city of Herat : the whole province is claimed as a 
 Persian possession ; and it now remains for the British Government to decide 
 whether they will allow this flagrant disregard of assurances so repeatedly given 
 to them by Persia to pass unnoticed, or whether they will openly evince their 
 deep displeasure, and take measures to resist any further encroachments of 
 Persia on other independent States of AfFghanistan. 
 
 I have already, in my despatch of the 27th of August, recapitulated 
 the various assurances made by the Persian Government, either directly to your- 
 self, or through the Persian Charg6 d' Affaires in London, to Her Majesty's 
 Government, in regard to the late operations in the territory of Herat ; and it is 
 impossible for Her Majesty's Government, in the face of such strong declara- 
 tions so deliberately falsified, to give credit to the fresh promises, reported in 
 your despatch of the 22nd of August, of the speedy withdrawal of the Persian 
 troops from the territory of Herat. 
 
 The withdrawal of those troops might certaiidy be a merely literal fulfilment 
 of a portion of the engagements entered into by the Persian Government, but it 
 would fall veiy far short of a fulfilment of the spirit in which those engagements 
 were understood to have been made, and a trust in which induced Her Majesty's 
 Government to assume a passive attitude while the Persian operations were in 
 progress. So long as the avowed object of those operations was the mere 
 quietuig of the intestine troubles by which a neighbouring State was agitated, 
 Her Majesty's Government, although far from admitting the propriety of the 
 measures by which that end was proposed to be accomplished, were content to 
 acquiesce in the course contemplated by the Shah, and, relying on the often- 
 repeated assertions of the Shah's Government that the extension of Persian territory 
 was not contemplated. Her Majesty's Government merely intimated that the 
 Shah was entering upon a course of action of which they could not approve. 
 
 The result has proved that the assurances so frequently given by the Persian 
 Government have been utterly disregarded, and that the territory of Herat, upon 
 the maintenance of which in a state of independence Her Majesty's Government 
 have strongly insisted, is henceforth to be considered an integral portion of the 
 Persian monarchy, and possibly to form an advanced post for further encroach- 
 ment on Affghanistan. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government cannot submit in silence to such acts on the 
 part of the Government of Persia ; and although they will not, without a 
 further attempt to bring the Persian Government to a just view of its duties and 
 engagements, adopt the extreme measure of breaking off all diplomatic inter- 
 course with that Government, and of withdrawing Her Majesty's Mission from 
 Tehran, they nevertheless feel it incumbent upon them to evince their displeasure 
 in a manner not to be mistaken. 
 
 With this view, I have acquainted Sheff'ee Khan that Her Majesty's 
 Government can hold no further intercourse with him as the Representative and 
 instrument of a Government which, by its double-dealing, has afforded them 
 such just cause of displeasure ; and you will state to the Persian Government in 
 distinct terms, that unless the Persian troops are wholly withdrawn from the 
 territory of Herat, and unless the government of that country is placed in 
 Affghan hands, and relieved from interi'erencc on the part of Persia in its internal 
 concerns, no Representative of the Persian Government, whether it be ShefTee 
 Khan or any other person, will be admitted to hold political intercourse with 
 Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 Furthermore, it is the desire of Her Majesty's Government that, in your 
 own intercourse with the Persian Government, you should evince the utmost 
 coldness and reserve. You will continue to assert, in their full extent, the 
 rights and privileges secured to British subjects by Treaty ; but you will not, 
 by the offer of your advice or by the exertion of your good offices, assist the 
 Persian Government in any difficulties in which it may become involved. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government will not, in the first instance, withdraw from all 
 
31 
 
 further interference in the question of boundaries, which has been so long under 
 discussion between Persia and Turkey, because they are unwilling to expose 
 Persia to the disastrous consequences which might result from their doing so. 
 But the Persian Government will do well, after this formal warning, no longer 
 to rely on the assistance of Her Majesty's Government to extricate it from any 
 dangers and embarrassments such as those in which it is so constantly entangled ; 
 for until it shall have set itself right in regard to its recent conduct, it will appeal 
 in vain to the former friendship of Great Britain for succour in its hour 
 of need. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government trust that the evidence which the Persian 
 Government will receive, from this communication, of the serious light in wliich 
 its late proceedings are viewed, will cause it immediately to renounce any 
 projects which it may have entertained of further encroachments on the AfFghan 
 ten'itory. The Persian Government must be aware, from what took place some 
 years back, that the British Government can easily cause its displeasure to be 
 felt by Persia in a manner which may sensibly affect the material interests of 
 that country. It is far from the wish of Her Majesty's Government to enter 
 upon a course which would be as painful to their own feelings as it would be 
 prejudicial to Persia. But Her Majesty's Government must distinctly declare 
 that they will not allow any systematic attempt on the part of Persia to effect 
 a change in the state of possession in the countries lying between the Persian 
 frontier and the British territories in India. 
 
 You will cause an accurate translation to be made of this instruction, and 
 forward it to the Persian Minister, together with a copy of it in the original 
 language. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) MALMESBURY. 
 
 No. 24. 
 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received October 28.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, August 31, 1852. 
 
 WITH reference to my despatch of the 22nd of August, I have the 
 honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, a translation of a letter 
 from the Sedr Azim, relative to the evacuation of Herat, in answer to my note 
 of which a copy was inclosed in the above despatch, and a translation of further 
 correspondence which has passed between that Minister and me on the same 
 subject. 
 
 The following is the present state of my discussions with the Persian 
 Ministers regarding these affairs. The force under Abbass Koolee Khan is to 
 be withdrawn to a distance of about 40 fursukhs, or 160 miles, from the city of 
 Herat ; this distance, if the agreement be really executed, appears to me sufficient. 
 
 The escort of Sam Khan, the Persian Agent in Herat, is not to exceed 
 100 men, and his personal attendants, who, in reality, are equally fighting men, 
 are to be reduced to 30 or 40 persons, the whole of whom are to be withdrawn 
 as soon as Ferrah and Sebzar are evacuated by the Candahar troops. 
 
 Though the Persian Government perseveres in its intention to cause a force 
 to enter the territory of Herat to effect the expulsion of the Candahar troops, 
 should Kohendil Khan reject the invitation for its evacuation made to him, it 
 has agreed that its troops shall not approach nearer the city of Herat than 
 twelve or sixteen miles. 
 
 The Persian Government, too, persists in its intention to accept the offer 
 of the coinage of Herat. 
 
 With regard to the Herat Khans in confinement at Meshed, the Persian 
 Government would enter into no an'angement for their liberation. The Sedr 
 Azim proposed to set them free if I would guarantee that they should not enter 
 any part of the Affghan dominions. This of course was out of my power, and 
 the project contained, moreover, an admission of the principle which to me 
 seems objectionable, that is, the right of Persia to exercise an act of sovereignty 
 of this nature. 
 
 From the Inclosure No. 1 , your Lordship will perceive that this Government 
 reserves to itself a right to send troops to Herat in the event of external aggres- 
 
32 
 
 sion or internal disordci'. My proposal for the renunciation of the latter 
 pretension was disregarded ; so that should contention arise among- the AflPghans 
 of Herat, Persia assumes a right to interfere, and thereby always maintain a 
 supremacy in that city. 
 
 The resolution of this Government to exercise as effectual a control over 
 the affairs of Herat as if it held that city in its occupation, is, to my judgment, 
 evident. Intervention in the internal affairs of that Princij)ality will enable it to 
 execute its purpose, and the turbulent character of the Affghans is likely to 
 afford abundant opportunity for interference. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government ought, in my opinion, I venture to observe, to 
 count on the likelihood of constant and most vexatious embarrassment in 
 reference to Herat, unless it adopts the resolution of notifying to this Govern- 
 ment that any military movement into the territories of that Principality will be 
 viewed as an aggressive act towards England, and treated accordingly. An 
 announcement of this nature would, 1 take the liberty of remarking, be particu- 
 larly applicable to interference with internal commotion, or attempts to change 
 the individuals presiding over the Government. 
 
 1 shall continue my efforts to deter the Persian Ministers from reoccupying 
 the Herat territory under the plea of ensuring the evacuation of Ferrah ; but 
 until I receive your Lordship's instructions, my language shall be that of advice 
 and dissuasion, not menace. 
 
 P.S. — ^Thc Sedr Azim has sent me a letter, stating that he had directed the 
 Prince Governor of Khorassan to adopt one of three courses with reference to 
 the Herat Khans, the nature of which would be detailed to me by Meerza 
 Hoossein Koolce, the Persian Secretary of this Legation. The Prince had a 
 discretion to allow these Chiefs to depart from Me^^hcd without any conditions ; 
 or to set them tree, taking from them a solemn promise not to return to Herat ; 
 or to release them on the same conditions, their families to be left as hostages 
 at Herat. As the Persian M nister declined to record these arrangements in 
 writing, 1 consider his declaration to be of no value. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 24. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) August 23, 1852. 
 
 YOUR Excellency's letter, dated the 22nd of August, has reached me, 
 regarding the affairs of Herat, and the conversation which passed between you 
 and me, with a recapitulation of what passed in order that there might be no 
 misunderstanding. 
 
 With relation to Abbass Koolee Khan, Meer Penjeli (Brigadier), and the 
 troops under his command, and their recall, the arrangement is the same as that 
 which your Excellency heard from me. Positive orders have been issued to him 
 by the Persian Ministers to march with his force from the place where he is 
 encamped to Heft Chemen, in Toorbet Hydereeah. 
 
 Your Excellency's statement relative to the issue of positive orders to Sam 
 Khan (Persian Agent in Herat) to dismiss 100 of his horsemen, and to remain 
 there himself with the remaining 1 00 horse of his escort, besides his personal 
 attendants, is correct. We shall act exactly in that manner. His attendants, 
 however, are about 100 persons. 
 
 Your statement that aftei' the evacuation of Ferrah by the Candahar troopss 
 the above remaining horsemen and attendants [the word eni})loyed signitie, 
 " collection of people "j will wholly evacuate Herat, is correct. But you appear 
 to have forgotten one point among my remarks, that is, that if the Candahar 
 troops should evacuate Ferrah, an Agent would then be dispatched to Herat, 
 such as Meerza Ahmed Khan (one of the recent Agents) with twenty or thirty 
 attendants. Sam Khan would then return with his people and attendants, 
 otherwise (that is, if Ferrah were not evacuated) troops will be dispatched by 
 the Government,* whom Sam Khan will join, and expel the Candaharees from 
 
 * Tlie expression " Persian " Govcinintnt or "ihis" Govercnient is designedly avoided, lest it 
 should imply that Herat was diffwent or separate from Persi-n. 
 
33 
 
 Ferrah. Tliese troops will proceed outside the city of Herat. After the capture 
 of Ferrah, and the return (of the troops) from thence, an Agent of the above 
 quality will be sent to Herat, and Sam Khan will return. The troops of the 
 Government (Persian Government) will not return to Herat, unless an enemy 
 should attack Herat, or if great disorder should take place in the affairs (that is, 
 internal affairs) of Herat. 
 
 Another point not alluded to by your Excellency, is the coinage of Herat in 
 the name of His Majesty, which the Heratees themselves are desirous of, and 
 which His Majesty will consent to. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 24. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 August 23, 1852. 
 
 AS the detention of the Affghan Khans in confinement at Meshed is 
 certainly contrary to the spirit of the declarations of the Persian Government 
 when the Persian troops entered the Herat territory, I trust your Excellency will' 
 make an arrangement lor their liberation, so as to convince the English Govern- 
 ment of the sincerity of the professions of the Court of Persia in its disclaimer of 
 an assumption of sovereignty over Hei-at. It would, in my judgment, be to the 
 advantage of both Governments to terminate as speedily as possible all subjects 
 of discussion connected with that Principality. So long as these Chiefs are 
 detained in custody in Persia, the British Government will not have it in its 
 power to consider that this Government has fulfilled its agreement. Their 
 liberation can be effected in a manner from which no one can suffer unjustly. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 24. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 August 24, 1852. 
 
 I FIND, on inquiry, that there is no such place as Hefl Chemen in Toorbet 
 Hydereeah, and that name, moi'eover, is applied, not to one place, but to a 
 considerable extent of country. The tract known by that name, consisting of 
 seven large grazing-plains, is far distant from Toorbet. Part of it, moreover, 
 adjoins the Herat territory, and is only twelve miles from Ghorian. 
 
 It is contrary to the spirit of the former declarations and agreement of the 
 Persian Government, as well as of the demand of the British Cabinet, that this 
 Government should constantly hold a force in the vicinity of and threatening 
 Herat. 
 
 If the Persian Government is sincere in its professions, and devoid of 
 ulterior designs, instead of these vague and uncertain terms it will not hesitate 
 to name a specific distance from the frontier of Herat to which the force under 
 Abbass Koolee Khan shall be recalled — say 150 miles. 
 
 Your Excellency's allusion to the coinage of Herat scarcely corresponds 
 with your expressions. What you really said was, that it was the intention of 
 the Persian Government to dcHver to Seyd Mahomed Khan's agent, now in 
 Tehran, 10,000 tomans for conveyance to Herat, which the agent promised 
 should be melted, and coined in the Shah's name. 
 
 The question of coinage, and the announcement thereon contained in your 
 letter, deserve the reflection of the Persian Ministers. The assumption of the 
 coinage is a recognised and public mode of assumption of sovereignty. U your 
 Excellency will take the trouble of referring to your letters to me dated the 
 22nd of Januar}% the 2nd and 16th of February, the 3rd of March, and the 
 14th of April, you will find the absolute denial of any such pretensions, and you 
 are aware that the English Ministers have not lost sight of your written promises, 
 and are awaiting their fulfilment. 
 
 Your Excellency cannot have forgotten the expressions of the Earl of 
 Malmesbury, that Her Majesty's Government is watching with close attention 
 
 I* 
 
34 
 
 the course pursued by this Government, with the object of judging how far its 
 professions are sincere. 
 
 I therefore strongly advise the Persian Ministers to recall their intention, in 
 order to prevent the possibility of a belief on tlie part of the British Government 
 that the professions of the Persian Government are totally at variance with their 
 actions. A frank and candid line of action by the Persian Government is the 
 most certain mode of terminating this affair amicably. 
 
 I consider the design of sending troops against Ferrah as most injudicious. 
 It is introducing fresh complications into an affair already sufficiently embarrassed. 
 The Persian Government may be assured that it is the interest of all parties to 
 terminate this transaction, and all discussion regarding it, as speedily as possible. 
 A movement towards Herat, and the entrance of Persian troops again into the 
 Herat territory, is entirely to be deprecated. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 24. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 August 24, 1852. 
 
 YOUR Excellency must be sensible that 100 personal attendants to a man 
 like Sam Khan are a preposterous number. You yourself have not so numerous 
 a suite. 
 
 With candour and sincerity wc shall do a good deal, and I therefore beg 
 your Excellency to estimate these attendants at their true number, which, at the 
 utmost, is 20 or 30. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 24. 
 
 * 
 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) August 28, 1852. 
 
 YOUR Excellency's letter dated the 24th August has reached me. You 
 have stated that after inquiry you have ascertained that Heft Chemen has no 
 existence in Toorbet Hydereeab, and that this pasture-ground adjoins the Herat 
 territory, and is twelve miles from Ghorian. I have made the necessary 
 inquiries again frcm a person who has perfect knowledge of that country, and 
 according to his statement it has been proved that Heft Chemen appertains to 
 the country of Bakherz, in the centre of Mahmoodabad, and in the centre* of 
 Toorbet Isaw Khan, and is 40 fursukhs (160 miles) from Herat (the city). 
 Under the above circumstances, the statement of its bordering on the Herat 
 territorj', and its being three fursukhs distant from Ghorian, is a declaration 
 which the utterer made to your Excellency contrary to fact, or from want of 
 knowledge and from ignorance. In this case, that is, the case that the halting- 
 ground of the force under Abbas Koolee Khan, the General, should be 40 
 fursukhs distant from Herat, your Excellency will comprehend that the Persian 
 Government is sincere in its professions and is free from other views. 
 
 With regard to the coinage of Herat, you appear to think that you have 
 stated exactly what I mentioned verbally. The real drift of my language bore 
 reference to the desire of the people of Herat to strike coin in the name of Shah, 
 and the acceptance of their request by His Majesty. But with regard to the 
 quantity of coin to be struck, it ought to be in your Excellency's recollection 
 that there was no specific declaration. The conversation may have related to 
 10,000 tomans, or less than 10,000, or very likely it may have related to various 
 sums. In short, the conversation was concerning the wish of the Heratees and 
 the concurrence of His Majesty. Please God, the Persian Ministers will not 
 deviate from their past and future words, promises, and actions in this matter. 
 
 With regard to the dispatch of troops to Ferrah, too, should the necessity 
 arise, the agreement is that they should march by another road, which is three 
 or four fursukhs (twelve or sixteen miles) from the city, and having put the 
 affairs of that place in order, should return. In this there will be no subterfuge 
 or failure, 
 
 »a[. * This means between those places. 
 
35 
 
 With regard to the Khans of Herat (in confinement at Meshed), although 
 I have addressed an answer to your Excellency, I again write to you that I will 
 make a verbal arrangement, such as shall be expedient, in an interview with you. 
 
 With regard to the attendants of Sam Khan, which you say are estimated 
 too numerously at a hundred people, merely to gratify you, I shall make a 
 representation to His Majesty and arrange that he shall not retain more than 
 thirty or forty attendants. He is to satisfy himself with this number of atten- 
 dants, besides the hundred horse (agreed upon). 
 
 No. 25. 
 
 Sheffee Khan to the Earl of Malmesbury . — {Received October 30.) 
 
 (Translation.) October 29, 1852. 
 
 His Excellency, the noble in origin, our benevolent friend, the high in station, &c. 
 
 I HAVE received the letter your Excellency did me the honour to address 
 me under date of the 27th October, regarding the affair of Herat, and have been 
 much grieved and astonished, because my Government in their last despatches 
 approved precisely of what I have already had the honour to explain to your 
 Excellency, personally and in writing : there has occurred no change whatever; 
 they have maintained the same perfect understanding and desire to cultivate the 
 " unity of the two nations," and especially the goodwill of the English 
 Government. 
 
 I now hasten to assure your Excellency, on the part of my Government, 
 that as soon as tranquillity has been established at Herat, and iti the boundary 
 of Khorassan, the army will not remain in Herat, nor will any change be made 
 in the former state of Herat. 
 
 My Government have no other intention than to see the people of Herat 
 submissive, and that quiet and peace luay reign in the frontiers of Khorassan. 
 Although soldiers may be there, it is only to establish a tranquil state of things 
 in the place. 
 
 This is what is necessary to bring under your Excellency's notice ; and if 
 you should wish it, I will be happy, on your making an appointment, to attend 
 on your Excellency to explain personally the facts of the case again. 
 
 Awaiting your Excellency's replv, I have, &c. 
 
 (Signed) SHEFFEE KHAN. 
 
 No. 26. 
 The Earl of Malmesbury to Sheffee Khan. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, November 3, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th 
 ultimo, and I regret to have to state to you in reply that' I can hold no commu- 
 nication with you on political matters, or place any reliance on your assurances in 
 regard to the course which the Persian Government may intend to pursue, until, 
 by the entire withdrawal of the Persian troops from the territory of Herat, and by 
 the restoration to that State of entire freedom for the management of its internal 
 concerns without interference on the part of Persia, the Government of the Shah 
 shall fulfil the assurances which it has itself n)ade, and shall confirm those which 
 you have yourself heretofore made, and which you repeat in your present 
 communication. 
 
 I have to add that under existing circumstances I must decline the honour 
 of your proposed visit. 
 
 I have &c. 
 (Signed) ' MALMESBURY. 
 
 F 2 
 
36 
 
 No. 27. 
 
 Lieut en ant- Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received November 6.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, September 17, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, a trans- 
 lation of a letter fi-om the Sedr Azim with reference to Herat, in which he 
 announces that Sam Khan, the Persian Agent lately in Herat, accompanied by 
 several Afl'ghan nobles and tribute, had left that city for Tehran with all his 
 troops, and that an ofticer would be dispatched from this, unaccompanied by 
 any military escort, to reside permanently in Herat. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 27. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) September 16, 1852. 
 
 THE Persian Ministers have been informed, by letter, that Sam Khan 
 (Persian Agent in Herat), with his troops and companions, had, according to 
 orders given to him, left Herat with several of the AfFghan nobles, who are the 
 bearers of tribute, and are now on their way to this Court. In his (Sam Khan's) 
 place, one of His Majesty's courtiers will proceed to Herat and reside there 
 permanently, but without troops. No other Persian troops will return to Herat, 
 unless in the event of the people of Candahar not evacuating Ferrah, or any 
 great disturbance occurring in the affairs of Herat, in which case, as has been 
 repeatedly written to your Excellency, troops will be dispatched, and, when the 
 duty assigned to them has been concluded, they will return. 
 
 As it was necessary, I have given your Excellency this friendly announce- 
 ment. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 No. 28. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Earl of Malmesbury. — (Received December 11.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, October 8, 1852. 
 
 ACCORDING to your orders, I delivered to the Sedr Azim a translation 
 of your Lordship's despatch of the 27th of August. 
 
 The Sedr Azim commenced the conversation by saying, that in his estima- 
 tion the Persian Government had fulfilled all the promises it had given relative 
 to Herat. The force under Abbass Koolee Khan had been withdrawn a consi- 
 derable distance from the frontier ; Sam Khan, the Persian Agent, with the 
 entu-e of his escort, had been recalled to Persia ; and Syed Mahomed Khan had 
 been left to the unfettered government of his territory, on his own resources ; 
 moreover, the Persian Cabinet, in maintenance of its engagements to Her 
 Majesty's Government, would not again send troops to Herat, unless in the 
 event of external aggression, or unless Kohcndil Khan should not evacuate 
 Ferrah. 
 
 I answered the Persian Minister, that, however plausible this language 
 sounded, it was not the less true that the relation of Persia to Herat, in defiance 
 of repeated assurances and promises, was as nearly as possible that of Sovereign 
 and subject. " This," I said, " was testified by the assumption or the accept- 
 ance of the coinage in the name of the Shah ; by the deputation to Tehran of 
 Syed Mahomed Khan's brother, as a tort of hostage, with a number of the 
 Khans of that Principafity ; by the incarceration at Meshed of several Chiefs of 
 Herat, over whom the Shah had no sort of jurisdiction." 
 
 The Sedr Azim said that all this was done by the desire of Syed Mahomed 
 Khan himself, and without the exercise of compulsion on the part of the Persian 
 authorities. 
 
37 
 
 I said that this, admitting the truth of the assertion, did not render the 
 fact of subjugation less transparent ; moreover, it was absurd to talk of the 
 Heratees having any will, when nearly all the principal Chiefs had been trans- 
 ported to Persia; and that all these acts were a breach of the spirit of the 
 promises given by this Government to Great Britain. 
 
 I called the attention of the Persian Minister to the specific complaint of 
 Her Majesty's Goveiuiment, that the Persian Cabinet had, in farther breach of 
 its promises, announced in the Persian Official Gazette, the annexation of 
 Herat to the dominions of the Shah. His Excellency replied that the allega- 
 tions of a newspaper were not deserving of notice, and that every journal 
 contained assertions not founded on reality. 
 
 I reminded him that this argument could hold good only when the journal 
 was private property ; but that, in the present instance, the " Gazette " was the 
 property of the Government, every article of which underwent the revision of 
 the Shall and himself. 
 
 I proposed to the Sedr Azim to make reparation, and show in some degree 
 the sincerity of the promises given to Great Britain, by inserting a counter- 
 state;iient to that which had excited the displeasure of Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment. This suggestion was rejected absolutely by the Persian Minister. 
 
 If I may be permitted to offer an opinion, it must, I think, be evident to 
 your Lordship that no reliance can be placed in the sincerity of the language of 
 this Government. So long as the Shah believes himself secure from any act of 
 coercion on the part of Her Majesty's Government, he will not renounce, 
 however plausible may be the language employed, the substantial power he has 
 acquired over Herat. It is tolerably clear that he does not propose to confine the 
 extension of his influence to Herat, but that he is seeking for opportunities to 
 diffuse his ascendancy over the other Affghan Principalities. These attempts 
 would, perhaps, be very immaterial, so long as Persia alone occupied the atten- 
 tion of the Affghans, but, according to my view of the question, there is no 
 security for the permanence of her isolated interference with the affairs of 
 AfFghanistan. 
 
 The Herat Agent (the Mufti) is to leave Tehran in a few days, with 
 10,000 comauns, to be coined in the name of the Shah. He is profuse in his 
 promises of returning here with a formal document, signed by Syed Mahomed 
 Khan and the principal inhabitants of Herat, acknowledging the sovereignty of 
 the Shah and the subjection of Herat to Persia. 
 
 No. 29. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received December 11.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, October 22, 1852. 
 
 SO determined is the Persian Government to persevere in the annexation 
 of Herat to Persia, and to give publicity to that resolution, a firman has been 
 issued conferring the "government" of that Principality on Syod Mahomed 
 Khan, and constituting him and his descendants Governors for ever. It is also 
 intended to bestow on him the title of Zuheer-ood-Dowleh, which his father 
 possessed. The hereditary government of a large district is not an uncommon 
 tenure in Persia. 
 
 Letters from Meshed mention orders having been issued by Syed Mahomed 
 Khan, the Ruler of Herat, that, henceforward, money is to be coined in that 
 Principality in the name of the Shah ; the imprisonment, fining, torture, and 
 execution, by the same person, of various A%han Chiefs, believed to be opposed 
 to the estabUshment of Persian supremacy ; the demand for Persian troops to act 
 in conjunction with those of Herat against Ferrah ; the influence acquired by Sam 
 Khan, late Persian Political Agent in Herat, among the Affghan tribes close "to the 
 Candahar frontier ; the open assumption of actual sovereignty by Persia, in the 
 dispatch of agents by the Prince Governor of Khorassan, to bring to Meshed, 
 Alighan Chiefs imprisoned in Herat by Syed Mahomed Khan; and the complete 
 subjection displayed by the latter person to the will of the Persian Government. 
 
38 
 
 No. 30. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received December 19.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, October 3\, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for youi- Lordship's information, a transla- 
 tion of the firman alluded to in my despatch of the 22nd instant, conferring the 
 "government" of Herat on Sycd Mahomed Khan. Tlie language and style of 
 this document are the same as those employed in appointing a Governor to any 
 of the provinces of Persia. 
 
 A person, named Abbass Koolee Khan, has been nominated Resident Agent 
 at Herat. In the firman conferring this appointment, he is directed to assist 
 Syed Mahomed Khan in the government and management of Herat. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 30. 
 
 Mrnian of the Shah appointing Syed Mahomed Khan Governor of Herat 
 
 and its Dependencies, 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 AS it has been decreed by the Lord of Heaven and Earth, the bestower of 
 crowns and Royal signets, whose commands must be obeyed, that rank is to be 
 given to every person of superior attainments, and that it is incumbent on just 
 Monarchs and wise Sovereigns (who are the keepers of the flock of mankind and 
 the instructors of the human race, his prophet having declared, " You arc all 
 keepers of flocks, and accountable for your conduct,") to honour and adorn with 
 the official garment of high rank and dignity every person possessed of justice 
 and moderation, and free from tyranny and oppression, particularly if it has been 
 ascertained that that person has high qualifications as a military and civil ruler, 
 and more especially when, in addition to those qualifications, he is of ancient 
 family and of a distinguished tribe, so that both from his innate qualities, and 
 from the favour conferred on him (by the Shah), he may be an instrument for 
 rendering more populous the cities, and increasing the popularity of the Sove- 
 reign among his subjects. 
 
 Therefore We, the Sovereign of Islam, deeming it our duty to confer a 
 special mark of our favour on Seyd Mahomed Khan, who is one of our servants, 
 and whose father also was one of our servants, and who, by good services, 
 demonstrated his good qualities, have in the present year of the " mouse " 
 honoured him with an increase of rank, and constituted him Governor, Ruler, 
 and Keeper of the Marches,* with full control over Herat, with its dependencies, 
 so that he may exert himself fully, and use eveiy effort in reconciling the people 
 to one another, in winning over to us the hearts of the people, in giving solidity 
 to affairs, in increasing agriculture and population, in rendering the roads safe, 
 in increasing trade, and in improving the condition of the people on the 
 marches. Let him always represent to us his devotion, tlie good services he 
 rendei-s, his knowledge of affairs, his good conduct towards and care of the 
 peasantry ; and be it known to him, that he will receive marks of our favour for 
 whatever services he may render. 
 
 We (also) ordain that the chief servants, the great officers of the troops, 
 the nobles, the principal people, and all the inhabitants of that place (Herat), 
 and its dependencies, shall know him as absolute Governor, and that they shall 
 not oppose or behave insolently to him. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 • These are the usual terms employed in firmans appointing a subject of the Shah to the 
 government of anv of the provinces of Persia Proper. 
 
39 
 
 No. 31. 
 
 Lieutenant'Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmeshury. — (Received January 5, 1853.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, November 14, 1852. 
 
 IN my despatch of the 28th of July, I transmitted to your Lordship 
 translations of articles which had appeared in the " Tehran Gazette/' boasting 
 of the annexation of Herat to the dominions of the Shah. The Persian Minis- 
 ters became early sensible of tlie mistake they had committed by these official 
 announcements, and they have sought to counteract this imprudence. 
 
 I have the honour to inclose a translation of a recent notification in the 
 same journal, declaring that the articles or announcements which appear in it 
 are not to be considered official or veracious, and that the Persian Government by 
 no means undertakes the responsibility of their authenticity. I know, from 
 undoubted authority, that the Scdr Azini has declared his object in making this 
 intimation, was to depi'ive the British Government of any vahd motiv^e for cavil- 
 ling at the expressions of triumph in the previous gazettes alluded to. T shall 
 remark to his Excellency, that this announcement can have no retrospective 
 eflfect, and that to counteract the former article a specific declaration is required. 
 
 I also beg leave to inclose a translation of the firman nominating Abbass 
 Koolce Khan, referred to in my despatch of the 31st of October, to a perma- 
 nent residence in Herat. Your Lordship will remark that no designation 
 is given to his appointment, but that the functions he is destined to fill are those 
 of Vizier, or Political Secretary, and not by any means those of a Diplomatic 
 Agent. 
 
 This person and the Agent from Herat have commenced their journey to 
 that city. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) JUSTIN SHEIL. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No 31. 
 Extract from the " Tehran Gazette" of November 11, 1852. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 THE newspapers, written by the newspaper writers, and published in every 
 country on the face of the earth, are solely to give information and intelligence, 
 and universally are supposed to contain both truth and falsehood. Not one of 
 the articles they contain have ever been or are considered as certain or official. 
 The newspapers, too, printed in the capital, Tehran, are in the same category, 
 and from first to last are announcements and advertisements. Not one of the 
 articles they contain have been given as certain or official, nor will they be so. 
 They cannot be taken as vouchers, and the Ministers of the Persian Government 
 are in no manner responsible for the truth or falsehood contained in these 
 gazettes. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Tavlour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 31. 
 
 Firman issued to Abbass Koolee Khan, appointing him Vizier to Syed Mahomed 
 
 Khan in Herat. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 ABBASS KOOLEE KHAN, &c., special Peesh Khidmet to our Royal 
 person, being honoured by our Royal favour, let him know that as from the 
 day he entered in youth and received an appointment in the service of this 
 Government, he has always shown himself peculiarly adapted for employment, 
 has always executed what was entrusted to him with fidelity, has demonstrated 
 his capacity in conducting to a conclusion the affiiirs entrusted to him in such a 
 
manner as to excite the admiration of the wisest of our servants, and whenever 
 any difficult afthirs have been confided to his guidance by the Ministers of our 
 Government, has even more fully displayed to us his good conduct, has never 
 shown any remissness in his duties, and having executed them in the most 
 complete manner, has acquired an increase of rank, and gained by his great 
 fidelity the esteem of the King of Kings ; in truth, being considered by us one of 
 our wise and devoted servants, and having complete confidence in his good 
 conduct ; 
 
 Therefore, having this confidence in him, we have at the present time 
 dismissed him from our presence, and appointed him to proceed to Hei'at, there 
 to supervise the affairs of Syed Mahomed Khan, Zuheev-ood-Dowleh, the 
 Comptroller of Herat, and to give him every aid and assistance, so that the latter 
 may have the most absolute authority in the government of that place ; and if 
 any defect in his affairs should arise, he shall act in conformity with what the 
 former considers advisable, and thus the affairs of the ryots, the servants of 
 Government, the troops, the various districts, and the tribes, be put in order. 
 No one is to act contrary to his commands, and the aflJairs of Herat are to be 
 put in a better state than they were under tlse late Zuheer-ood-Dowleh (Yar 
 Mahomed Khan). 
 
 He (Abbass Koolee Khan) must not for a moment lose sight of the affairs 
 of Syed Mahomed Khan, and he must arrange tiiem, and according to what has 
 been written in full to the Ministers of our Government by Syed Mahomed 
 Khan, that person will not overstep whatever Abbass Koolee Khan considers 
 expedient. 
 
 By this firman Abbass Koolee Khan is appointed to reside in the city of 
 Herat, and to exert himself to the utmost in giving solidity to the affairs of Syed 
 Mahomed Khan, Zuheer-ood-DowIeh. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylouu Thomson. 
 
 No. 32. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {BeteivedJanuary 5, 1853.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, November 21, 1852. 
 
 HAVING heard from a quarter on which I could rely, that Sam Khan, the 
 late Persian Agent in Herat, had marched to that city with a body of troops, I 
 addressed a note to the Sedr Azim, asking for an explanation of this movement. 
 In his reply, his Excellency says that the above officer had acted not only without 
 orders from the Persian Ministers, but entirely in opposition to their wishes, 
 and that an express messenger had been dispatched to recall Sara Khan without 
 delay. 
 
 The Sedr stated verbally, that the force accompanying Sam Khan consisted 
 only of his own tribe, amounting to about 800 or 1,000 horse. His Excellency 
 added, that this occurrence could only be attributed to the intrigues of the 
 Prince Governor of Khorassan, who, apprehending his recall from that Province, 
 had designedly prepared this new difficulty in order to make himself necessary to 
 the Persian Minister, and prolong the duration of his Government. 
 
 If the affirmation of the Sedr Azim were deserving of the shghtest credit, 
 there would appear to be some truth in his declaration, that Sam Klian had 
 made this movement without orders from Tehran. The Shah publicly proclaimed 
 his indignation at his conduct, bestowing at the same time unqualified censure 
 on his uncle, the Prince Governor of Khorassan, for having thus led the Persian 
 Government into a fresh dilemma. 
 
 I have the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, a translation 
 of the notes which have passed between the Sedr Azim and me on this 
 occasion. 
 
41 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 32 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 November 19, 1852. 
 
 I HAVE heard from a credible source that Sam Khan has marched to Herat 
 with a body ot" troops. As this movement is at variance with the former and 
 recent declarations of the Persian Government, 1 request your Excellency will 
 afford me an explanation of this expedition, for the information of Her Majesty's 
 Government. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 32. 
 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) iVom?i6er 20, 1852. 
 
 I II AV 1<^ had the honour to receive the letter which your Excellency addressed 
 to me on the 19th instant, regarding the movement of Sam Khan, Elkhanee, to 
 Herat. 
 
 The fact is, that the Persian Ministers also look upon such a proceeding, 
 should it be true, as very strange and extraordinary, and they are at a loss to 
 conceive how such a step could have been taken without their permission, and 
 in opposition to their instructions. His Majesty the Shah feels highly displeased 
 at it too, and has, therefore, solely to prove his friendship for the British 
 Government and to gi'atify it, dispatched Meer Abu Fatteh Khan, one of his 
 Tofengdars (special body-guard), with all haste to Meshed. He beai's most 
 peremptory orders to the Prince Governor to send Sam Khan to the capital, 
 without a moment's delay ; and, moreover, he is instructed, in case of the Herat 
 Khans not having been released before his arrival in Meshed, to set them at 
 liberty at once, and let them be sent to Tehran. It is quite clear that the 
 Ministers of this Government will never depart from any engagement they may 
 have entered into. 
 
 From reports which have reached the Persian Ministers, it appears that 
 Kohendil Khan (the Ruler of Candahar) and Dost Mahomed Khan (of Cabul) 
 having become reconciled to each other, have marched against Ferrah and 
 Sebzar, and are again throwing the affairs of Herat, Khorassan, and the frontiers, 
 into confusion. Your Excellency has repeatedly been informed, before now, 
 that in the event of the Candaharees not evacuating Ferrah and Sebzar, or of 
 fresh disorders arising in the affairs of Herat, troops would be dispatched by 
 this Government to these places, but without going to Herat, to compel the 
 Candaharees to retire, and to adjust matters in that quarter ; and having done 
 so, they would be withdrawn. If, therefore, Kohendil Khan has again com- 
 menced to throw the affairs of Herat into confusion, thus rendering disturbed 
 and disordered the affairs of Khorassan, and will not desist from doing so, the 
 Persian Ministers are under the necessity of acting in the way they mentioned, 
 for the pui'pose of quelling such disturbance, and to drive away the Candaharees 
 from Ferrah and Sebzar. When they have succeeded in doing this, without 
 going to Herat, they will withdraw their troops. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 32. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 November 2\, 1852. 
 YOUR Excellency's letter of the 20th November has reached me. I shall 
 report to my Government the statement of the Persian Cabinet relative to the 
 movement of Sam Khan to Herat without the orders of the Persian Ministers, 
 and the dispatch of Meer Abu Fatteh Khan to recall that officer. 
 
 
 
With regard to the Herat Khans in Meshed, your Excellency's declaration 
 that they are directed to be set at liberty is at variance with your statement 
 that they are to be brought to Tehran. If they are at freedom, why ai"e they 
 to be conveyed here ? and if they are to be brought to Tehran, how can they 
 be said to be i'ree ? 
 
 No. 33. 
 
 Lievtenant-Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmeshury . — {ReceivedJanuary 3\ , 1853.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, December 2, 1852. 
 
 YESTERDAY the Sedr Azim read to me a letter from the Prince Governor 
 oi' Khorassan, reporting that according to his Excellency's instructions he had 
 recalled Sam Khan with the troops accompanying him, amounting apparently to 
 about 1,200 men, from Herat, and that the above Chief had arrived within a 
 short distance of Meshed. 
 
 No. 34. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmeshury. — (Received March 2.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, January 5, 1853. 
 
 IN delivering to the Persian Prime Minister a copy and translation of your 
 Lordship's despatch of the 27th of October, I addressed to him, at the same 
 time, a letter, of which I have the honour to inclose a copy ; also a copy of a 
 letter I subsequently wrote to his I'^xcdleucy. 
 
 I have had several interviews recently with the Sedr Azim in connection with 
 the despatch above referred to. In words his Excellency was sufficiently yielding. 
 Far from its being the desire of the Persian Government, he said, to enter into 
 collision with Great Britain, the idea of even coldness between the two Cabinets 
 was highly afflicting to the Shah, who was sensible that his weakness would not 
 allow him to dispense with the friendship of the Sovereign of England. 
 
 In discussing the mode in which the confidence of Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment was to be regained after so many breaches of faith, I suggested that Persia 
 should agi-ee not to send troops to Herat, excepting with the concurrence of Her 
 Majesty's Government. This the Sedr Azim declined absolutely, saying it was 
 the firm intention of Persia to oppose any aggression on that State, iVom 
 Candahar or Cabul, or any other foreign Power, meaning Great Britain. Finding 
 him urgent on this point, I suggested that he should conform to the above 
 an-angement, reserving the right of Persia to lend assistance in the event of the 
 occurrence of either of the contingencies alluded to ; in which case the Persian 
 troops were not to enter the city, and were to retire to Persia the moment the 
 enemy should withdraw, and that the Persian camp should be accompanied by a 
 member of this Misson to maintain the observance of the engagements of the 
 Persian Government. The latter clause he rejected altogether. His Excellency 
 pretended to fear the presence of an English officer, lest the Persian army should 
 be led into embarrassment or danger through means of his secret communica- 
 tions and intrigues with the Chiefs of Candahar and Cabul. 
 
 This transparent fiction revealed, it seemed to me, the insincerity of any 
 assurances the Persian Government might offer at the present juncture. 
 
 Pursuing his usual habits of duplicity, the Sedr Azim proposed that I should 
 undertake the delivery of a letter from the Shah to Syed Mahomed Khan, by 
 dispatching it to Herat under the chai-ge of a courier of this Mission. He, however, 
 afterwards revoked his own proposal, denying he had ever made it, and would not 
 assent to this, the only secure way of the genuine letter reaching its destination. 
 
 In the various instances of a disregard of engagements of which the Persian 
 Ministers have been convicted in connection wath Herat, the Prince Governor of 
 Khorassan has been made to bear the chief burden, by im-putations of disobedience 
 of ordei-s. Thus, the non-liberation of the Herat Khans, the recent march of 
 Sam Khan towards Herat, and even the entrance of the Persian troops within 
 
43 
 
 the Herat territory, were attributed to the reckless wilfulness of the Prince. I 
 naturally proposed that the recurrence of similar conduct should be threatened 
 with punishment, but this was declined. 
 
 The Persian Minister has agreed to insert in the " Tehran Gazette," a 
 recantation of the announcement formerly madejin that journal, of the annexation 
 of Herat to Persia. I oftered to forego this humihating publication on certain 
 conditions. These he declined, and his Excellency afterwards affirmed that he 
 had never assented to the proposal. Thinking it likely that your Lordship's 
 views are directed to practical advantages rather than to the humihation of this 
 Government, well as its faithlessness may deserve retaliation, I have not pressed 
 this matter. 
 
 I have troubled your Lordship with these details to enable you to form an 
 opinion of the temper of the Persian Government, and of the likelihood of its 
 adhering to the engagements it may hereafter contract. 
 
 After a great deal of discussion, an arrangement was entered into by the 
 Prime Minister, by which he was to address me a letter containing certain 
 conditions, and the draft of a letter to be addressed by tlie Shah to Syed Mahomed 
 Khan. I have the honour to inclose translations of both these documents. With 
 the exception of some points not defined with sufficient clearness, the engage- 
 nients therein of the Persian Government, so far as they go, appear to me 
 satisfactory, if they were really carried into execution, and up to yesterday, the 
 understanding between the Sedr Azim and me was that this aiTangement 
 should have effect. But yesterday he sent me a message that, unless I signed a 
 document of a similar nature, engaging that Great Britain should in the same 
 manner abstain from all interference in Herat, and indeed in Affghanistan in general, 
 he would revoke the agreement he had contracted, and enter into no engagement. 
 
 At an interview I had to-day with his Excellency, he repeated the same 
 language. Sam Khan, the former Persian Agent in Herat, hasamvedin Tehran, 
 and in order to exaggerate his own services, he seems to have aflirined that the 
 English Government had been busy in fomenting intrigues in that city. Amongst 
 other statements, he averred that Fattee Mahomed Khan had offered 1 00,000 
 tomans if Syed Mahomed Khan would accept of English protection, and issue the 
 coinage in the name of Her Majesty. 
 
 I told the Sedr Azim that these fabrications, and this deliberate breach of a 
 formal agreement, would confirm the conviction of Her Majesty's Goveriuuent 
 of the profound insincerity of the Persian Cabinet ; that the English Govern- 
 ment had no intention whatever of disturbing the internal government of Herat ; 
 that this was proved by its abstaining, until the last moment, from making its 
 last announcement to the Persian Government, instead of doing so at an earlier 
 stage ; but that it was preposterous and out of the question to claim from it an 
 engagement of the kind the Persian Government pretended to require. For in 
 the first place, no act had proceeded from Great Britain which should render 
 such an engagement more necessary now than at any time during the last ten 
 years ; and next, that it was the repealed acts of duplicity on the part of the 
 Persian Government which rendered some guarantee, av, at all events, some 
 formal assurances, necessary, with reference to its future proceedings ; and 
 finally, it was for the Persian Government to judge whether it would adhere to 
 its recent agreement, and replace its relations with England on their former 
 footing, or whether it would take the risk of encountering the effects of the 
 displeasure alluded to in your Lordship's despatch of the 27th of October. 
 
 I did not neglect to remind the Persian Minister, that the abandonment of 
 Affgjianistan at the moment of victory, and the entire cessation of relations 
 with that country, were a clear evidence of the absence of all ulterior views on 
 the part of Great Britain. 
 
 My observations were useless. The Sedr Azim adhered to his determina- 
 tion, and the discussion was closed by my intimating that I would report to your 
 Lordship the resolution of the Persian Government. 
 
 So formal an announcement on the part of the Persian Minister appears 
 to me to oblige me to remain quiescent, for the present at least, but I shall not 
 fail to take steps for operating indirectly on the fears of the Persian Govei-n- 
 ment, by making very public the state of the relations between the two Govern- 
 ments, and by other means. 
 
 Although it may be desirable to make another experiment of the sincerity 
 of the Shah's Government in professing to relinquish the virtual possession of 
 
 G 2 
 
44 
 
 Herat, still I think that no reliance is to he placed in its assurances, and that its 
 ohject is merely to tcnipori/.e in order to escape from a present evil. 
 
 The weakness of Syed Mahomed Khan, not only with reference to his 
 external relations, hut also with regard to his internal goveinment, will always 
 urge him to invite the closest connection with Persia, and the forhearance of 
 Persia under such temptations seems mojc than it would be judicious to 
 calculate on. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 34. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 December 17, 1852. 
 
 IN transmitting to the Persian Ministers, by orders of Her Majesty's 
 Government, the accompanying copy and translation of a despatch from the Earl 
 of Malmesbury, relative to the proceedings of the Persian Cabinet in connection 
 with Herat, 1 take the opportunity of offering some remarks for your Excellency's 
 consideration. 
 
 The Government which betrays its faith, whether in the letter or the spirit, 
 forfeits all claim to confidence, and can only retrieve its reputation by its acts, 
 not by its words or its assurances. This is the position in which the Persian 
 Government has placed itself with regard to Great Britain. If it desires to 
 extricate itself from that position, and to shun the embarrassments which will 
 inevitably follow, and of which I long since forewarned the Persian Ministers, 
 they Avill at once adopt the path indicated as well by their own promises as by Her 
 Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The communication of his 
 Lordship desen^es the solemn reflection and grave dehbcration of the Persian 
 Ministers. Let them meditate on the feelings testified in that document. 
 
 The attention of the Persian Cabinet will, no doubt, be arrested by the 
 announcement of the Secretary of State, that unless Persia withdraws from 
 interference in the internal affairs of Herat, no Persian Representative will be 
 admitted to political intercourse with Her Majesty's Ministers, and by the warning 
 which the same communication conveys of other consequences impending from a 
 persistence in a breach of the spirit of their engagements. The Persian Cabinet 
 may rely on the determination of Great l^ritain not to allow the Persian Govern- 
 ment to exercise any control, whether by force, by negotiation, or by manage- 
 ment, over any portion of Affghanistan. 
 
 Again I repeat to them my advice to seize the present moment for recover- 
 ing their foi'feited reputation, and for restoring their altered relations with Great 
 Britain to their former state. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 34. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 Decembers!, 1852. 
 
 THERE are some points connected with the discussions I have held with 
 your Excellency, and with the interview Mr. Thomson had with you yesterday, 
 which require to be brought to your attention, for which purpose Meerza 
 Hoossein Koolee, the Persian Secretary of this Mission, will wait on you. 
 
 The present contingency is one which calls for the mature reflection of the 
 Persian Government on the expediency of an unreserved adoption of the views 
 of the British Government. Your Excellency would perhaps derive advantage 
 from a fresh perusal of the Earl of Malmesbuiy's despatch ; and I renew my 
 earnest recommendation to note the consequences which are there indicated by 
 pursuing a course opposed to those views, particularly with reference to the 
 interference of this Government in the internal affairs of Herat, on which 
 question the British Cabinet has intimated its intentions with cxplicitness. 
 
45 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 34. 
 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 THE Persian Government engages not to send troops to the Herat terri- 
 tory without the knowledge and concurrence of the British Government, unless 
 when Herat has heen attacked by an army from abroad — that is, from Cabul, 
 or Candahar, or other foreign Government. In the event of dispatching troops 
 under such circumstances the Persian Government engages that the said troops 
 shall not enter the city of Herat, and that as soon as the invading troops return 
 towards their own country, the Persian army shall immediately return to the 
 Persian soil. 
 
 The Persian Government also settles that it will not, by any means what- 
 soever, interfere in the internal affairs of Herat, and in like manner as regards 
 taking possession, annexing, or governing ; except that the same amount of 
 interference which existed between the two parties in the time of the late 
 Zuheer-ood-dowleh, Yar Mahomed Khan, shall henceforward, as formerly, he in 
 force. The Persian Government agrees to write a letter in the above sense to 
 Syed Mahomed Khan, and that it shall be presented to that person jointly (or 
 in concert) with a person belonging to the British Mission, who may be in 
 Meshed. 
 
 The Persian Government also settles to renounce (or abandon) the preten- 
 sion and demand to the coinage and " khootbeh" (prayer for tlie Shah) or any 
 other mark whatever of the people of Herat being (Persian) subjects, or under 
 the government of Pei'sia, and to announce this agreement immediately to Syed 
 Mahomed Khan. 
 
 It also agrees to recall Abbas Koolee Khan, of Pissiara (the Persian Vizier 
 in Herat), when four months have expired from the date of his arrival there. 
 He is not to be permanently resident. There is not to be a permanent Persian 
 Agent in Herat. There is to be intercourse (going and coming) as in the time 
 of the late Yar Mahomed Khan. There is also to be no permanent Agent from 
 Herat in Persia. There is to be the same intercourse and enjoyment of privi- 
 leges which mutually existed in the time of Kamran and Yar Mahomed Khan. 
 
 The Persian Government also agrees to liberate and leave unfettered, 
 without reserve or condition, the whole of the Herat Khans who are in Meshed, 
 or Tehran, or elsewhere, and henceforward not to receive, on any account, from 
 Syed Mahomed, any criminals or prisoners, or persons accused of crimes — with 
 the exception of such persons as Syed Mahomed Khan shall himself expel from 
 Herat. If those persons should, of their own accord, come to Persia and wish 
 to remain there, or enter its service, as in former times, they will be treated with 
 favour and kindness. 
 
 Immediate and distinct orders will be issued to the Prince Governor of 
 Khorassan to carry these engagements into effect. 
 
 Tnclosure 4 in No. 34. 
 The Shah to Syed Mahomed Khan. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 AS the Persian Government never had any object with regard to Herat 
 except to extend aid to it, as a recompense for the services rendered by the 
 late Zuheer-ood-dowleh, Yar Mahomed Khan, therefore it is necessary that I 
 should make you acquainted with my Royal sentiments. 
 
 These are, that the Ministers of the Persian Government at no time have 
 had, or will have, any idea of taking possession of, or annexing, or governing, 
 Herat, or of claiming the subjection of the people of Herat. Neither will tliey 
 in any manner interfere in the internal affairs of Herat, in-order that you may 
 
46 
 
 be independent in your own country and affairs, without the interference of any 
 one, whether of this Government or of any other. 
 
 On no account will we consent that the " khootbeh" should be i"ead in our 
 Royal name ; likewise, with regard to the coinage, which is for the currency or 
 for the traffic of Herat, we never will consent to its being struck in the name 
 of His Majesty ; but if, as in the time of the late Shah Kamran or the late 
 Yar Mahomed Khan, it should be desired to send an offering in money, and 
 that money should be coined in the Royal name, we have no objection, and it 
 will be accepted. 
 
 In fact, that which is incumbent on His Majesty the Shah, in recompense 
 of the services of the late Zuheer-ood-dowleh, is this, that if an army from 
 abroad should attack Herat, the Persian Government will appoint an army to 
 aid the Herat forces, which, having joined the Herat army outside of the city 
 of Herat, and having expelled the foreign army from the Herat territory, will 
 immediately i-eturn to the Persian territory. 
 
 No doubt, on being acquainted with these the real sentiments of His 
 Majesty the Shah, you will act in conformity with what he has determined. 
 
 No. 35. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received March 2.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, January 7, 1 853. 
 
 LATE last night I received a letter from the Sedr Azim demanding 
 officially that Great Britain should disclaim formally all right or intention to 
 interfere in the affairs of Herat, and stating that when this promise had been 
 given, Persia would be willing to enter into engagements to tlie same effect. 
 
 The same letter expressed the expectation of the Persian Cabinet of an 
 apology from Her Majesty's Government for the treatment of Sheffee Khan in 
 suspending relations Avith him. 
 
 The immediate departure of the Turkish Ambassador's messenger prevents 
 me from transmitting a translation of this paper on the present occasion. 
 
 Besides which, your Lordship having been named in two places without 
 the terms of courtesy and respect invariably employed in official papers, an 
 unsuitable appellation being substituted, I have been obliged to return the 
 etter to the Sedr Azim for correction. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) JUSTIN SHEIL. 
 
 No. 36. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmesbury. — (^Received March II.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, January 13, 1853. 
 
 WITH reference to my despatch of the 7th of January, in which I 
 reported that the Persian Government had made a demand in writing, that 
 Great Britain should abstain from interfering in the affairs of Herat, I have the 
 honour to inclose a translation of the above letter from the Sedr Azim, and a 
 translation of subsequent correspondence which passed between his Excellency 
 and me. 
 
 Your Lordship will observe the determination expressed by the Persian 
 Government not to adhere to the arrangement the Sedr Azim concluded with 
 me, and to require from Her Majesty's Government a corresponding engagement, 
 not simply to abstain from interference with the internal government of Herat, 
 but to refrain from entertaining any relations with that Principality. This 
 proposal can only be regarded as an evasion to escape from an arrangement 
 which was made under the first impulse produced by your Lordship's despatch 
 of the 27th October; but with the usual levity of Persians, as the consequences 
 
47 
 
 of which a warning is therein conveyed are not immediate, it is hoped some 
 accident may effect a change in tlie sentiments of Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 However right it may be to make a fresh essay of the sincerity of the 
 professions of the Persian Government, I take the Mberty of observing that, 
 in one sense, it is not to be regretted that it should have recoiled from 
 concluding the arrangement referred to. To my mind, it is certain that the 
 Persian Government has no real intention of withdrawing its control over 
 Herat ; the utmost it meditates is a temporary expedient to rid itself of the 
 evil of to-day, to lull the British Government, and renew the course it has run 
 during the last year and a-half. 
 
 If the Persian Government had adhered to the arrangement it contracted, 
 in my estimation Her Majesty's Government would not have extricated itself 
 from embarrassment. The faculty of sending troops under pretence of support- 
 ing the Government of Syed Mahomed Khan against external aggression, opens 
 the door to unceasing altercation. There would be a perpetual necessity for 
 remonstrance to force this Government to adhere to its engagements. Irritation 
 and contention would never cease, and Great Britain would lose all influence at 
 this Court, or, to use language more correct, would never regain the influence or 
 weight of which these discussions have deprived her. 
 
 I hope it may not be out of place to offer an opinion and a suggestion, which 
 perhaps my long experience may justify. If Her Majesty's Government desires 
 to preserve the integrity of Herat, this end is to be accomplished only by 
 excluding Persia altogether from Aff'ghanistan ; by resisting the dispatch of 
 troops to Herat on any pretext whatever, and by forcing Persia to renounce all 
 political relations with that State, so far as the maintenance or reception of 
 Agents is concerned. During the rule of Shah Kamran and Yar Mahomed Khan, 
 the predecessors of Syed Mahomed Khan, no Persian Agent resided at that Court. 
 From time to time, temporary Agents were reciprocally sent to offer compliments 
 and presents, but even this occasional intercourse would, I consider, lead to 
 embarrassment. Persia maintains no Agent at Merve or Bokhara, or Meimena 
 or Balkh, or among the independent tribes on her eastern or north-easteru 
 frontier. 
 
 As to the mode by which Persia could be urged to the acceptance of such 
 conditions, if the removal of the Mission were inadequate for its attainment, . 
 the occupation of the Island of Kharg, or Kanack, would, I conceive, accora- 
 phsh the object in view. 
 
 This small island is near the head of the Persian Gulf, about thirty miles 
 from Bushire. In the unhealthy climate of that sea, it is the most salubrious 
 spot. It has a good harbour and contains excellent water, from which Bushire 
 is chiefly supplied. From its position, it commands the mouths of the Shat-ool- 
 Arab, or joint stream of the Euphrates and Tigris, and in Enghsh hands is fitted 
 to exei'cise control over the coast on both sides of the Gulf. I make no comment 
 on the advantages which commerce would hereafter derive from such a position. 
 
 I do not mean to convey the opinion that Karrack is an equivalent for the 
 transfer of Herat to Persia. That island is certainly, however, not without 
 value. 
 
 Should the Persian Cabinet again come forward with an offer to adhere to 
 the arrangement adverted to so often, I would agree to it. This I should 
 do with more confidence from my conviction that your Lordship could reject 
 the entire arrangement peremptorily, without any change being caused to my 
 own position personally, or to that of whoever may be at the head of this 
 Mission. 
 
 To avoid misconstruction, and in justitication of myself, lest I should be 
 supposed to sanction, under any circumstances, a movement of Persian troops to 
 Herat, I think it right to mention that, with reference to the first point in the 
 arrangement with the Sedr Azim, I reminded the Persian Ministers that the 
 advance of Persian troops to Herat, under ;iny pretext, was repugnant to Her 
 Majesty's Government, as they would perceive was recorded in your Lordship's 
 despatch of which a copy was in their possession. 
 
48 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 36. 
 The Scdr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Shell. 
 
 (Translation.) Jumutnj G, 18.53. 
 
 I HAVE received along witli your Exxellency's letter, the letter of his 
 Excellency, &c.. Lord Malrnesbiiry, British Minister for Foreign Aflairs, in its 
 original form, accompanied by a translation, and 1 have thoroughly understood their 
 contents. It is with the deepest astonishment 1 regret to learn tluit as yet the 
 real conduct of the Persian Ministers has not been understood by his Excellency, 
 and that he should have adopted so very harsh, cold, and luiexpected a course. 
 All that the British Government demands is, that for certain reasons the 
 Persian Government should desist from taking ])ossession of Herat (which 
 in addition to its having ab antiqito ever been, as all the world knows, Persian 
 tcn-itory, and reckoned a portion of the province of Khorassan, has during 
 the present reign been placed by the petition of the whole of the chief ])e()plc 
 and inhabitants of that place, the clergy, the authorities, jjublic servants, and 
 troops, under the protection of this Government), that it should not station 
 any garrison there, that the governor of that place should be a nati\e of 
 Atlghanistan, that it should not take sovereign possession of the said territory, 
 and that until these demands had been actually carried into execution, the 
 British Ministers could hold no political or diplomatic relations with Sheft'ee 
 Khan, the Persian Charge d'Affaires. 
 
 Your Excellency is at present well aware that the Persian Ministers, in 
 order to preserve the friendship of the Biitish Government, to give it satisfac- 
 tion and to increase the friendly i-elations between the two Governments, luive 
 accepted by letter these three demands ; they are actually carried into effect, 
 and at the present moment there is not in any portion of these three demands 
 anything wanting, either apparent or concealed. Moreover, if in order to give 
 greater assurance to the British Ministers, your Excellency should make the 
 friendly request that the three demands be written in greater detail in a separate 
 communication, to be ratified by His Majesty the Shah and delivered to your 
 Excellency, it will not be withheld, on the condition that your Excellency 
 also shall give a written engagement that on the part of the British Government too, 
 neither by word nor deed, openly or underhand, will it interfere in the affairs of 
 Herat or its dependencies. These points being established, how is it suitable 
 that the Ministers of the British Government, whose justice is celebrated all 
 over the world, and with whom friendship has existed for many years, who, 
 with great trouble and expense, have raised the feelings of unanimity to the 
 highest pitch between the two Governments, should now, without any right 
 or just reason, forget what friendship demands, and, when the warmest 
 feelings of friendship are entertained by this Government, act Avitli coldness 
 and distance, give so degrading a dismissal to the Persian Agent residing at its 
 Court, and send such insti'uctions to your Excellency ? In justice, if his 
 Excellency Lord Malmcsbury should become acquainted with the real state 
 of the case, and with the sentiments and conduct of this Government, he ought, 
 according to right, to apologize. With I'cgard to his Excellency's repeated 
 statements in his letter that the Persian Ministers had not kept faith on the 
 subject of Herat with the engagements and official documents they had given, 
 and that they had not acted up to the assurances they had given on that 
 subject, what promises or vouchers, besides the three demands, have been 
 given on our part to you, and what now remains unfulfilled ? Let those 
 documents and engagements be produced, and if any of them be found 
 (unfulfilled), they will undoubtedly be accepted most willingly and in the 
 most friendly spirit by the Persian Ministers. It makes a great impression 
 on my mind that from the date of His Majesty's accession up the present time, 
 the Persian Ministers should have been exerting themselves constantly to the 
 utmost to give satisfaction to the British Ministers, and have never, according 
 to their belief, remitted in those exertions, and still, all at once, without any 
 reason or event having occurred, the latter should disregard the claims acquired 
 by this Government by right of friendship, and suddenly adopt a cold and 
 distant line of conduct, which, in truth, is derogatory to the dignity of the 
 Persian Ministers. Conduct such as this, bears no resemblance to the usual 
 
49 
 
 conduct of the British Ministers, and in the eyes of the people appears both 
 strange and new. No doubt they are the judges of what course they will 
 pursue in their own affairs, but in that which friendship and unanimity, 
 prompted by heartfelt inclination, demands, force and aversion do no enter. 
 
 I beg you will be so good as to forwai'd by the earliest opportunity to 
 London, a copy of this letter, with a correct translation, to his Excellency 
 Lord Malmesbury, and as His Majesty had requested by an autogi-aph note to be 
 informed of what passed during my interview with your Excellency two days 
 ago, and I had represented the circumstances, I received subsequently another 
 autograph note from His Majesty, a copy of which is transmitted herewith to 
 your Excellency. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 36. 
 Autograph* Note from the Shah to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 (Translation.) January 6, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE become acquainted with what passed at your interview with his 
 Excellency the (British) Minister. No doubt that which is known to every one 
 is also known to his Excellency ; namely, that over and above that Herat, 
 ab anticjiio, has always been an integral portion of the Persian dominions, under 
 the name of Eastern Khorassan, under our reign too, the whole of the 
 Chiefs and people of that place, the governing and the governed, the troops, 
 servants, clergy and authorities, confessed and acknowledged in a petition their 
 being our subjects and sei^vants, and placed themselves, by their own urgent 
 solicitation, under our protection. But my Ministers, solely at the friendly 
 request of the British Ministers, and in order to gratify them, disregarded this, 
 their clear and established right, and accepted the arrangement which your 
 Excellency and his Excellency Lord Malmesbury had proposed ; which is to be 
 written and ratified hereafter, on the condition that his Excellency Lord 
 Malmesbury too shall give an official document (to the effect) that the British 
 Government shall never, at any tirfie or in any manner, interfere with Herat or 
 its dependencies, and that it shall remain in the condition of an independent 
 Government, in order that the state of internal order in the country and in 
 Khorassan be not distui'bed. 
 
 In truth, when we, solely for the friendship and at the friendly request of 
 the British Government, yield up our so plainly established rights, and have no 
 other view in Herat beyond its protection, and the intercourse which formerly 
 existed, although everything is possible to us, it is out of place that they should 
 be dissatisfied and wish to act with coldness. It is clear that his Excellency the 
 Minister Plenipotentiary, after these details, and the engagements given by you, 
 will not stand out in giving a document which will inspire the Ministers of this 
 Government with confidence. You will state the circumstances to his Excel- 
 lency the Minister Plenipotentiary, in order that he may be acquainted with 
 them, and if he should not join you, that it may be clear to the whole world 
 that no objection whatever had been made on our part, that we acted everywhere 
 as a friend, and they did not. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 36. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 January 10, 1853. 
 
 I RECEIVED yesterday your Excellency's letter of the 6th of January. 
 From the copy and translation of the despatch of the Earl of Malmesbury, 
 
 * This is called an autograph, but it is not so; it is a letter written by the Government in the 
 Shah's name. 
 
 H 
 
in the hands of the Persian Ministers, they will understand the estimation ip 
 which their good faith is held by the British Cabinet. The Persian Ministers 
 ought to deliberate whether, by a fresh repetition of ihe conduct which called 
 forth such an expression of the sentiments of Her Majesty's Ministers, confi- 
 dence will be restored, or whether it is more likely that the breach will be 
 widened. 
 
 Your Excellency concluded with me various arrangements, certainly not 
 free from objection as far as Great Britain was concerned, but which, neverthe- 
 less, if executed in a different spirit from the previous engagements of the 
 Persian Government, would have afforded a prospect of the restoration of the 
 friendly relations hitherto subsisting between Great Britain and Persia. But 
 this arrangement has been broken in the most abrupt manner, and on pretences 
 the most unmeaning. 
 
 As I said to you in conversation, neither recently nor within the last ten 
 years has Great Britain maintained any connection with Herat, or adopted any 
 measures towards that State, to make it necessary to call on it for a formal 
 explanation with relation to a speculative and remote future. The British 
 dominions are separated from Herat by hundreds of miles, and the claim made 
 by the Persian Government is, in plain language, nothing but an undisguised 
 pretext to escape from its own engagement. I repeat what I said in conversa- 
 tion, that Great Britain has no desire nor intention to meddle with Herat ; and 
 it is most certain that so long as another Power does not interfere with that 
 country, Pier Majesty's Government will not embroil itself in its affairs, [f the 
 Persian Government had followed the same course, it would be equally unneces- 
 sary to claim from it any specific declaration. But it is the system adopted by 
 this Cabinet, of giving the most explicit assurances and promises relative to its 
 intentions, and then repeatedly breaking these promises, with the utmost 
 disregard of good faith, and of which the late arrangement made by your 
 Excellency is a glaring instance, which has rendered it incumbent to require a 
 more formal arrangement. If the Persian Government had not followed the 
 line of conduct it has adopted, and if it had adhered to the promises it repeatedly 
 made several months ago to the British Government, it is quite clear that 
 the present discussions would be unnecessary, and would never have taken 
 place. 
 
 Two points in particular ought to engage the attention of the Persian 
 Ministers. The rupture of the arrangement alluded to will confirm the 
 suspicions of the British Government, and be an evidence to it of a fresh 
 attempt to escape from its engagements. Next, if the Persian Cabinet is 
 sincere in its professions of recognizing Herat as an independent State, and in 
 its assurances of abstaining from any interference in its internal affairs, the 
 letter you proposed to write to me is enough, and more than enough, to 
 maintain all the privileges which Persia has a right to claim in an independent 
 State. If Persia aspires to more, then its professions are insincere ; but they 
 will no longer impose on Great Britain. The Persian Ministers may be assured 
 that the present moment is not one for trifling, or for throwing away time in 
 evasive correspondence. 
 
 Your Excellency calls on me to state in what instances this Government 
 has broken its promises. You will find them detailed in the Earl of Malmesr 
 bury's despatch of the 27th of August, of which a copy and translation are in 
 your possession. As for the verbal promises of the Persian Government in 
 your own person, they altogether exceed enumeration. 
 
 As I know the faithlessness of your Excellency's memory, owing to the 
 weight and extent of your occupations, I take the opportunity of inclosing a 
 copy of the draft of the letter you agreed to write to me, and of the letter which 
 was to be addressed by His Majesty the Shah to his Excellency Syed Mahomed 
 Khan. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
51 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 36. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Shell. 
 
 (Translation.) January 13, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 9th instant, and every 
 parfigraph in it has caused nie fresh surprise and deep regret. I do not know 
 with what intention your Excellency has changed your conduct at the present 
 time, in your official communications you have repeatedly and openly accused 
 the Ministers of this Government with actinpj contraiy to their engagements, 
 with being inconsistent and inconsiderate, and in a most slighting manner. 
 
 It has been repeatedly mentioned to you in writing that if your Excellency 
 has in your possession any document or bond relative to Herat, proving that 
 the Persian Ministers pay no attention to its stipulations, and now act contrary 
 to it, let it be produced, so that the authenticity of the document and the 
 assertions of both parties become known to the whole world. It is most 
 surprising and deeply to be regretted that when the Ministers of this Govern- 
 ment, solely to preserve the friendship of the British Government, have closed 
 their eyes to their own rights, should still submit patiently to such disagreeable 
 and degrading expressions, and be set down in writing as inconsistent and 
 regardless of their engagements. 
 
 It would appear that your Excellency's translator and writer is not very 
 competent or perfect in the Persian language. Thus, before my former letter 
 reached you, you stated that inferior and uncourteous titles had been applied to 
 his Excellency, &c., the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the British Government, 
 and it appears that you alluded to '■' Mushar-un-alyh " having been used for 
 " Maazzum-alyh."* Now, it is impossible to write a more respectful letter than 
 the one in question, in the Persian language. ". Mushar-un-alyh" f is generally 
 applied in writing to a Sovereign, and thus they say the " Mushar-un-alyh 
 Government." Your Excellency's being so veiy strict and particular causes 
 astonishment, and (Heaven forbid it should be so !) it appears as if you were 
 seeking for a pretext. If it were not so, a discussion such as this is very unlike 
 your Excellency's usual habit of courtesy and justice, and is full of menace. 
 
 Mr. (Sir Harford) Jones, Sir Gore Ouseley, and Mr. Ellis, Ministers 
 Plenipotfcntiary of England, concluded two or three Treaties with the Persian 
 Government, and in each of them it is stipulated and distinctly stated that if 
 hostilities should arise between the Persian Government and AfFghanistan, the 
 British Government would not interfere unless the Persian Government should 
 itself desire it. Those Treaties have been ratified by several Sovereigns, and 
 have been acted upon for many years. Notwithstanding that Herat, by works 
 on history and geography, is reckoned the undisputed territory of the Persian 
 Government, and a portion of the Province of Khorassan, and at the present 
 time its inhabitants, without the exertion of any violence, have themselves, of 
 their own free will and accord, come under the protection of this Government ; 
 still, solely out of regard for the friendship of the British Government, the 
 Persian Ministers have foregone (closed their eyes to) established rights of this 
 nature, and have accepted the three demands of the British Government, 
 which are : not establishing a garrison of Persian troops in Herat, not taking 
 sovereign possession of the said territory, and that the Governor of the place 
 shall be an AfFghan. All this being the case, a litlte reflection will show that 
 on our part there has been no disregard of engagements. 
 
 Moreover, your Excellency has in your own letters repeatedly employed the 
 words "breaking engagements," and applied those terms to the Persian Ministers. 
 I do not know what meaning to apply to those ex])ressions. Is it not in your 
 Excellency's recollection that the expressions I used in conversation were used 
 with the view of their perhaps leading to some arrangement, and it was 
 
 * The word emuloyed was unquestionably objectionable, and having been used at the present 
 nioment, seemed to be designed. The expression whs corrected in the last note of the Sedr Azim. 
 It was a phrase which would be addressed to a person of tlie rank of the Persian Secretar}' of this 
 Mission. If it were usfd to the Sedr Azim himself, it would give him deep offence. 
 
 \ This is the expression that was applied to Lord Malmesbury, and the assertion that it is even 
 used to a Sovereign is wholly untrue. 
 
 H 2 
 
52 
 
 distinctly stated by me,* that until your Excellency and myself had agreed 
 (to the terms), and they had been submitted to and approved by His Majesty, 
 they were not valid. I am astonished that words used in conversation, and not 
 yet settled between me and your Excellency, setting- aside their not having been 
 represented to His Majesty and accepted by him, should be called an engage- 
 ment; and how can their not being confirmed be styled "breaking an engagement," 
 or how can it be considered permissible to employ, with reference to this, the 
 words " contrary to fact ?" 
 
 With reference to your statement that the Persian Ministers would perceive 
 from the translation of his Excellency Lord Malmesbury's letter, in what estima- 
 tion the British Government held the Persian Minister's veracity, I dare say 
 the fact may be as stated, because their knowledge is derived from your 
 Excellency's statements and correspondence. If it were not so, the justice, 
 straight-forwardness, and truth of the British Ministers do not admit that — having 
 in view the conduct of the Ministers of this Government, they having observed 
 and still observing the relations of friendship and unanimity with the British 
 Government, more especially with regard to the question of Herat, to which 
 the whole world has testified — should, Heaven forbid ! close their eyes to a 
 friendship of so many years' duration, and act with coldness and entirely give 
 up the advantages they anticipated they would derive from the friendship of 
 Persia. Your Excellency ought carefully to observe how unjustly and without 
 proof, voucher or bond, you seek to obtain a convention from us, and refuse to 
 give two lines in writing that the British Ministers will not in any manner 
 interfere with Herat. If what has been said in conversation is correct, what 
 necessity is there for standing out in giving the writing in question? but if it is 
 not so, and the only object is to obtain a convention from us, then it will be 
 established that the Persian Government has a right to take its own interests 
 into consideration, and in this case it is not necessary to give a document : that 
 would doubtless be an unfriendly act, and an easy matter ought not to be made 
 one of difficulty. 
 
 I do not understand why, in your Excellency's letter, you employed the 
 word " nameh."t The word " nameh " in this Government is used when applied 
 to a letter from one Sovereign to another It has always been the practice of 
 this Government, and is so still, to issue firmans to the late Kamram, the late Yar 
 Mahomed Khan, and Syed Mahomed Khan, and they address and still address 
 petitions to the Ministers of this Government. You always verbally and in 
 writing state that the rights of this Government are to remain in force as 
 heretofore, and such being the case, what is the meaning of asking for a 
 " nameh ?" 
 
 You stated your regret that my memory was weak. I thought you 
 entertained a greater degree of friendship for me than to make such an insinua- 
 tion, but my memoiy has, I imagine, not yet become so weak that it should be 
 necessary to bring that circumstance to my recollection. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 36. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim, 
 
 (Translation.) January 14, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE had the honour to receive your Excellency's lengthy communica- 
 tion dated yesterday, relative to the discussions and agreement which have lately 
 passed between you and me concerning the affairs of Herat. As it is not my 
 design to inflict useless trouble on you or myself by entering into a corre- 
 spondence leading to no results, I confine myself to the acknowledgment of the 
 above letter. 
 
 * Nothing of the kind happened, the Sedr made no such statement to Lieutenant-Colonel Shell. 
 The arrangement formed was not the result of one interview, but of repeated interviews, corrections, 
 and alterations. 
 
 t The expression was used simply as implying that the Ruler of Herat was independent of 
 Persia. 
 
53 
 
 No. 37. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmesbury. — (Received March II,) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, January 19, 1853. 
 
 YESTERDAY I received a message from the Sedr Azim, to the eft'ect that 
 if I would send Meerza Hoossein Koolce, the Persian Secretary to this Mission, 
 to his house, he was ready to conclude the arrangement he had recently made 
 with me, relative to Herat, and foi-ward it to me, sealed. When Meerza 
 Hoossein Koolee waited on his Excellency, he proposed to seal another docu- 
 ment, at total variance with the above original Agreement, including a sort of 
 protest that "if Great Britain interfered in any manner whatever in the affairs 
 of Herat, either openly or secretly, directly or indirectly," (literally, crookedly or 
 straight,) this Agreement was to be considered annulled, and not to have taken 
 place. After much discussion and remonstrance, the Sedr Azim said he would 
 adhere to and seal the original Agreement. 
 
 To-day I received a letter from the Sedr Azim, inclosing a sealed document 
 containing various conditions, of both which papers I have the honour to inclose 
 translations. The latter corresponds with the document which he yesterday 
 wanted to substitute for the original agreement, but which his Excellency 
 subsequently withdrew. 
 
 A most studied ambiguity pervades nearly the whole of this proposed 
 arrangement. It contains scarcely a clause that is not susceptible of a double 
 interpretation, invariably favourable to the aggressive views of this Govei'nment. 
 This ambiguity is much more apparent in the Persian origical than is possible 
 in an English translation. 
 
 In my opinion this arrangement, if concluded, would leave Her Majesty's 
 Government in exactly the same position that it occupies at this moment. 
 The previous assurances of Persia were as ample, explicit, and binding, as 
 these, but they proved useless. 
 
 The arrangement contains, moreover, two serious omissions. It had been 
 agreed that the Shah should write a letter to Syed Mahomed Khan, notifying 
 the engagements which had been contracted, and that this letter should be sent 
 to Herat, in conjunction with me. All this is thrown aside. It is therefore 
 certain that notice of the arrangement would never reach the Ruler of Herat ; 
 if I had attempted to address him on the subject, or to convey a verbal intima- 
 tion of its nature. Her Majesty's Government would be liable to the penalties 
 threatened in the last clause of the Sedr Azim's new arrangement. 
 
 It was agreed that the present Persian Agent at Herat should be recalled 
 after four months' residence. In the new arrangement no time is named for 
 his withdrawal. 
 
 Under these circumstances I determined to take the responsibility of 
 rejecting this proposal, and I accordingly returned the document to the Sedr 
 Azim, as your Lordship will perceive from the accompanying translation of a 
 letter I addressed to his Excellency. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 37. 
 The Sedr Azim to Lieutenant- Colonel Shell. 
 
 (Translation.) ' January 19, 1853. 
 
 THE Persian Government has derived and derives great advantages from 
 the reputation of its friendship with the British Government, and it is greatly 
 grieved at the report of there being a coldness or no intercourse with that 
 Government. 
 
 Then such being the case, the Persian Government placed and places great 
 value on the friendship of the British Government, and has always been and 
 still is engaged in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two 
 Governments, and it never acquiesces in any other murmur being heard than 
 that friendship. At the present time, contrary to the wishes of the Persian 
 Government, a report has been diffused, and is in the mouths of the people, of 
 coldness and displeasure on the part of the British Government. If this report 
 
has been caused by the affair of Herat, the points — as stated in the letter of his 
 Excellency Lord Malmesbury, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the British 
 Government, a copy of which, with a translation, were inclosed in your Excel- 
 lency's own communication, and sent to me — had been accepted by the Persian 
 Ministers previous to the receipt of that letter, and had been actually all 
 observed, and put in force. No troops had been or are stationed as a ganison 
 in Herat; neither has a Governor been appointed by them to Herat ; nor have 
 they taken sovereign ])ossession or occupation of Herat. Again, that in word 
 and deed the British Government may be fully assured of the intentions of the 
 Ministers of this Government, the points as WTittcn in the accompanying 
 separate document, have been addressed to your Exccllencj^, in order that you 
 may take the trouble to send a copy and a translation of the articles in question 
 to the Ministers of the British Government. 
 
 The Persian Ministers expect that, in the first place, your Excellency, with 
 your knowledge of what consequences may ensue from the report of this cold- 
 ness and displeasure, will as soon as possible endeavour to dispel it ; and in 
 the second place take steps (to free) Sheffee Khan, the Representative of this 
 Government, from the unpleasant and degrading position in which he now finds 
 himself, without any just reason, in London. 
 
 If the Ministers of this Government should not obtain from your Excellency 
 a distinct assurance with regard to these two points, it is clear that the British 
 Government has completely closed its eyes to the friendship of Persia, and is 
 engaged in collecting means of annoying this Government. In this case, the 
 least that Persia can do is not to allow its Representative in that country to 
 remain longer in an abject and degiading position. 
 
 I have written this letter to your Excellency by order, and I await your reply. 
 Translated by '. 
 
 (Signed) Wm. Tavlour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 37. 
 
 Proposed Arrangement hy the Sedr Azim. 
 (Translation.) 
 
 THE Persian Government is not to THERE is no distinct engagement 
 send, on any account, troops to the by Persia in this and some of the other 
 Herat territory, unless when foreign Articles, nor is there a distinct promise 
 troops invade Herat (and any disorder given, as there would have been if the 
 appears in the affairs of Herat), that is, future tense of the verb had been 
 from the direction of Cabul or Cauda- used ; the words within parentheses 
 har, or other foreign country. In the seem to have been studiously wiitten 
 event, too, of troops being sent, in that with an obscure sense, in order to 
 case the said troops are not to enter admit of two contingencies instead of 
 the city of Herat, and whenever the one, that is, in the event of internal 
 foreign troops return, and the disorder disorder, 
 has been dispelled, the troops which 
 have been sent are to return immedi- 
 ately towards their own territory and 
 without delay, without occupying or 
 taking possession. The dispatching of 
 these troops, too, is solely for this 
 purpose, that if Herat should become- 
 disturbed, without fail the affairs of 
 Khorassan and the internal affairs of 
 the country will become disturbed ; 
 and this too is a cause of great loss to 
 the Persian Government; if this were 
 not the case, the troops in question 
 would not be sent. 
 
 The Persian Government, too, is not This, like the preceding Article, gives 
 to interfere in any manner in the no distinct engagement or promise ; 
 internal affairs of Herat, such as in the sense is also obscure. Some edu- 
 taking possession of or assuming the cated Persians would understand it to 
 sovereignty, or m governing, unless in mean that the Shah in person, or hig' 
 
55 
 
 so far as existed between the two 
 parties during the life-time of the late 
 Zuheer-ood-l)owleh, Yar Mahomed 
 Khan, and the late Kamran, such as 
 sending assistance of horse and foot in 
 cases of necessity, either in person or 
 by a General on his part ; or as they 
 always sent from time to time during 
 the year petitions and offerings, and in 
 like manner as in sending wlien expe- 
 dient dresses of honour and firmans of 
 favour, swords and decorations, and 
 titles, to the Governor and the chief 
 people and dignitaries, and on such 
 like occasions, which must all continue 
 as formerly to be in force. The reason 
 why this intercourse, as formerly, is 
 desired is sqlely that if they should 
 assume independence and be completely 
 hopeless and have no expectations from 
 the Ministers of this Government, they 
 will themselves raise mischief on that 
 frontier. 
 
 The Ministers of the Persian Govern- 
 ment, too, abandon the demand for the 
 coinage and the "khotbeh" or any other 
 mark whatsoever of the people of that 
 place being subjects or under the 
 Government of Persia, and all their 
 own rights, solely to give satisfaction 
 to the British Government, with the 
 exception of our Protectorate. But as 
 Kamran coined money in the name of 
 Fettee Alee Shah, and Syed Mahomed 
 Khan, in the name of Nassir-ood-deen 
 Shah and sent it to them and they 
 accepted it, so also hereafter if they 
 should send it in a similar manner, it 
 will be accepted by His Majesty and 
 not returned. 
 
 They also engage to recall Abbass 
 Koolee Khan, because it has appeared 
 and been said that he had gone to 
 manage the affairs of Government and 
 take possession ; but after him, a per- 
 son, by way of superintending adviser, 
 and to give notice of the state of orga- 
 nisation or disorganisation and to trans- 
 mit letters, will always proceed there, 
 remain and return, and* or another per- 
 son will go. It is necessary that, as in 
 the time of Kamran and Yar Mahomed 
 Khan, whatever intercourse and privi- 
 leges then existed, they remain always 
 as formerly in full force. 
 
 The Persian Government too engages 
 to set at hberty and leave unbridled, 
 without condition and without excep- 
 tion, all the Herat Khans who are in 
 Meshed or Tehran or elsewhere, and 
 henceforward not in any manner to 
 agree to imprison culprits or prisoners, 
 or persons accused of crimes sent to 
 hem by Syed Mahomed Khan, but 
 
 General, may lead an army to aid 
 Herat ; others, that the Cliief of Herat, 
 or his General, may aid Persia; and 
 others would maintain that the right 
 was possessed by both parties. The 
 indefinite phrase of maintaining such 
 intercourse as existed in the time of 
 Yar Mahomed Khan and Kamran, is 
 studiously introduced in order, it would 
 appear, to keep open the question of 
 what that intercourse was. The late 
 Sovereign of Herat is never styled 
 Shah, but simply Kamran. 
 
 It would appear from this that Persia 
 has no intention of recognising Herat 
 as an independent State. 
 
 In this article also there is no specific 
 engagement. The protectorate of 
 Herat is also reserved. 
 
 Here there is an engagement ; but 
 again the intercourse and privileges 
 which existed in the time of Kamran 
 and Yar Mahomed Khan are insisted on. 
 
 * Probably intei\ded to be written 
 " baz," which would read " and then 
 another." 
 
 This is also an engagement, but it is 
 stated that the Persian Government 
 engages " not to agree to imprison 
 persons sent to them by Syed Mahomed 
 Khan ;" it does not, however, say that 
 it will not exercise any other mode of 
 restraint, and this ambiguity is design- 
 edly employed, it would appear, to 
 enable this Government to exercise 
 
'o 
 
 56 
 
 excepting persons whom Syed Malio- real restraint, without maldnt? use of 
 med Khan has himself expelled from a jail for tliat purpose. 
 Herat, and those persons should of their 
 own free will come here, if they should 
 wish to come and remain here or enter 
 the service, as formerly, they will receive 
 aid and be treated with friendship. Or- 
 ders will be immediately issued to the 
 Pi'ince Governor of Khorassan to put 
 in force these engagements, and in like 
 manner they will announce these ar- 
 rangempnts to Syed Mahomed Khan 
 himself. 
 
 These engagements are in force and 
 acted upon so long as the British 
 Government, too, by no means what- 
 soever, openly or secretly, directly or 
 indirectly, interferes in the affairs of 
 Herat, and, if otherwise, this engage- 
 ment is unwritten, non-existent, and 
 invalid. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour THOMsoNf. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 37. 
 Lieutenant' Colonel Shell to the Sedr Azim. 
 
 (Translation.) . January 19, 1853. 
 
 THE points which your Excellency took the trouble of forwarding to me 
 in your letter of to-day, relative to Herat, being altogether at variance with the 
 arrangement you made with me, I cannot transmit them to Her Majesty's 
 Government, and I, therefore, have the honour to return the document to your 
 Excellency. 
 
 No. 38. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Earl of Malmesbury. — {Received March 20.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, January 30, 1 853. 
 
 I HAVEl the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, a transla- 
 tion of further corresjjondence which has passed between the Persian Prime 
 Minister and me relative to Herat, including a translation of an arrangement 
 sealed by the Sedr Azim ; a translation of a letter from his Excellency to Syed 
 Mahomed Khan, the Ruler of Herat, notifying the substance of this arrange- 
 ment, and a translation of a firman from the Shah to the above Chief in ratifica- 
 tion of his Minister's communication. 
 
 This arrangement does not differ essentially from that which was first made 
 by the Sedr Azim, and will, I hope, receive your Lordship's approbation. The 
 chief deviations consist of a faculty on the part of Persia to receive, though not 
 to demand authoritatively, assistance from Syed Mahomed Khan, in case of 
 rebellion in the Shah's dominions, and a declaration that the engagements 
 contracted by the Persian Government were to be considered annulled should 
 Great Britain interfere in the internal affairs of Herat. 
 
 I propose to dispatch a person without delay to Meshed to proceed to 
 Herat in company with the Persian messenger. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) JUSTIN SHEIL. 
 
67 
 
 Inclof?iire 1 in Fo. 88. 
 The Sadr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) January 21, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter, in which you state that the 
 conditions I sent to you were entirely at variance with the arrangement I made 
 with you ; that, therefore, you were unable to transmit them to your Govern- 
 ment, and that you returned them to me. I beg to state to your Excellency 
 that if that which you call an arrangement between mc and your Excellency was 
 brought to a termination, no doubt you hold in your hands some voucher in 
 conformity to which the name of an arrangement can be properly applied. I 
 request you will be so good as to send mc that voucher to enable me to act 
 conformably : otherwise I ask your Excellency to declare with candour whether 
 an affair which has not l)een concluded or brought to a settlement, and which, 
 moreover, I explicitly told you in conversation was not to be regarded as of any 
 value until it was finally closed, and which l)esides had not been brought to the 
 notice of His Majesty the Shah, and of whose approval or disapproval I was 
 consequently ignorant, can appropriately be entitled to the name of an arrange- 
 ment, or be regarded as binding. It is most evident that if anything had passed 
 between the Persian Ministers and your Excellency which could be deemed final, 
 this Government, A\ith a due regard to the friendly relations subsisting between 
 the two Courts, would not hesitate to carry it into execution ; they Mould imme- 
 diately ratify and fulfil it. The position you have assumed, and by which you 
 are resolved to abide, is a clear proof that I did not form any arrangement 
 which could be considered final. Otherwise, what point was there remaining 
 which should induce you to persist in maintaining that position (this passage is 
 unintelligible to Persians) .' Although I repeatedly said that my statements 
 were made under the reservation of His IVIajesty's approval, from the very first 
 you have attached to them the designation of a final adjustment. 
 
 It astonishes me very much that ]\Ieerza Hoossein Koolee should have 
 rejected on your part one of the clauses which you yourself had distinctly 
 promised to me you would agree to, and which was to be written when the 
 whole aft'air was concluded. I do not know whether he has done this on his 
 own part, or whether he had your Excellency's instructions, or whether he had 
 a latitude. 
 
 In short, this affjiir has taken up too much correspondence. T request your 
 Excellency either to send some one to me, or to receive a confidential person 
 whom I will dispatch to hold a discussion with you, so that this question may be 
 brought to a termination, and that this external coldness, which assuredly is 
 contrary to the internal wishes of this Government, may cease. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 38. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil to the Sarlr Azim. 
 
 January 23, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE had the honour to receive your Excellency's letter of the 
 21st of January, in which you call on me to produce documentary evidence 
 of your having concluded the arrangement so often referred to. I possess no 
 voucher of this sort, as your Excellency well knows. If I did, I would not 
 discuss the matter further. But I possess a voucher of another sort, which 
 among men of honour is superior to any document — your own affirmation. 
 
 Your Excellency certainly made no reservation to me of the Shah's consent 
 to the arrangement ; if you had done so, I should have understood at once the 
 uselessness of discussion, and that you had no serious object in view. Why 
 should it have been required to refer to the Shah after such a number of 
 conferences ? It is well known what confidence your Sovereign reposes in your 
 Excellency's talents, loyalty, and judgment, and that the interests of His 
 Majesty are safe in your hands. 
 
 With regard to your reference to Meerza Hoossein Koolee. I can only say 
 
 I 
 
68 
 
 that I entirely approA'e of his conduct. "What passed between your Excellency 
 and me was this: you required me to engage in writing that Groat Britain 
 should not interfere in the internal goveniraent of Herat, but I declined to do 
 so, for the reasons already stated. 1 added that I would not reject a document, 
 though it should contain a declaration by your Excellency that Persia would 
 not consider the engagement in force if Great Britain usurped a control over 
 the internal affairs of Herat. But 1 did not agree to, nor did you even hint 
 at, such terms as your Excellency inserted, that Great Britain was to be 
 excluded from holding any relations whatever, whether secretly or openly, 
 directly or indirectly, Avith Herat. None of the great Powers of the world have 
 ventured to tell Great Britain that she should hold no relations with an 
 independent State. 
 
 According to the desire expressed by your Excellency, Mr. Thomson will 
 have the honour of visiting you to-morrow, at any time you choose to appoint, 
 but I may as well state, at once, my expectation that your Excellency should 
 adhere to your arrangement. I sincerely trust thp.t the result of that gentle- 
 man's interview wiU be to close the breach which has unfortunately taken place, 
 and which, I will frankly confess, I consider detrimental to the interests of two 
 Governments which have so many ties in common. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 38. 
 The Sadr Azim. to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) January 23, 1853. 
 
 I HAYE received your Excellency's reply of yesterday's date to my com- 
 munication. You stated therein that you considered my word and affirmation 
 an important voucher, and that during the discussion there had been no restriction 
 as to their being dependent on their being accepted and ratified by His Ma-jcsty 
 the Shah. I have never withdrawn from what I have said, nor will 1 do so 
 hereafter ; but I am much surprised that with your Excellency's strong memory, 
 you should have forgotten the expressions I had used in conversation. I stated 
 not only once, but repeatedly, that every word I spoke was dependent on its 
 being ratified and accepted by the Shah, and that I would make no represen- 
 tation to His Majesty on the subject until the terms had been adjusted between 
 us. Meerza Hoossein Koolee, who was present on one occasion, has no doubt 
 not forgotten the circumstance, and if you inquire of him, he will represent that 
 I repeatedly made such a statement to your Excellenc}^ With regard to your 
 remark, that among men of honour, their word and affirmation are considered 
 more than any voucher, your Excellency will, in justice, bear witness that in the 
 whole of the current affairs between the two Governments, I have concluded 
 without delay every engagement contracted Avith your Excellency Avhich had no 
 clause of reservation which Avas to be observed. Then, Avhy in the present affair 
 should I, Heaven forbid ! retract, if, let it be supposed, I had concluded it ? 
 
 AVith reference to your Excellency's giving an official engagement in AATiting 
 for the non-interference of the British Government Avith Herat, as was arranged 
 when the subject Avas previously discussed, besides your having entirely approved 
 Meerza Hoossein Koolee's conduct, AA-ho denied (that such an arrangement had 
 been made), your Excellency has, in your letter, introduced an article containing 
 new matter and expressions. I shall recall to your Excellency's recollection the 
 expressions you used on that occasion : " I have no permission from the 
 Ministers of my OAvn Government to Avrite (an engagement), but you, in your 
 own letter, may Avrite Avhatever you please with regard to the non-interference 
 of the British Government in Herat. I shall not object, and you can select and 
 write in such terms as you think right." If your Excellency were to recall 
 correctly to your memory the expressions used, you would, in justice, admit that 
 these matters have remained well in my mind. You wrote that none of the 
 great Governments had ever ventured to say that the British Government was 
 to have no intercourse Avith an independent Government. Although many 
 observations may be made on such a remark by your Excellency, and although 
 I do not Avish to give additional trouble to your Excellency, still I cannot 
 
bii 
 
 avoid expressing my great surprise at your statement, and I shall only trouble 
 you by remarking, how does it happen that that great Government, which up to 
 the present time had no communication with Herat, and, according to express 
 Treaty, had no right to interfere itself or to prevent (another Government) from 
 interfering, has now advanced such a demand as that Persia shall withdraw from 
 the right it possessed, and still possesses, of interference with Herat ? When 
 the Persian Government has deemed its rights of no consequence in comparison 
 with the friendship of the British Government, it is no doubt suitable that the 
 British Government should not cause any injury to this Government, which has 
 become satisfied with a small portion of the question, by giving such intimations 
 as your Excellency has so distinctly expressed in your letter, and enable the 
 Ministers of this Government to feel assured that no disturbance will arise in 
 Khorassan, and that Herat will remain in its present condition. 
 
 
 SON. 
 
 ). 38. 
 it-Colonel Shell. 
 
 January 23, 1853. 
 
 ur Excellency, herewith, the con- 
 ;er having been submitted to His 
 our Excellency and myself, to our 
 letter M'hich will be addressed and 
 iwleh, the Governor of Herat; and 
 )le to acknowledge their having 
 
 dSON. 
 
 
 o. oS. 
 
 rovernnent relative to Herat/^ 
 
 January 25, 1853. 
 to send, on any account, troops to 
 at, that is, (troops) from the direc- 
 
 ctiiess of this traiislaticii, Mr. Murray was 
 inal, which translation is subjoined : — 
 
 -{Received May 1 3.) 
 
 Bai/dad, April 2, 1857. 
 
 IS conveyed to me in your note of January 9, 
 
 ginal I'ersian engajjenient respecting Herat, 
 
 IS been made by Mr. R. Thomson, without 
 
 lookinn; at or referring to tnc lormer tninsiiiiiuii, m oiucr that his mind might be unbiassed by any 
 
 plirase or expression therein contained. 
 
 I do not pretend to express an opinion on the comparative merits of two translations, both made 
 by persons better skilled than myself in the Persian language, but I liave, as in duty bound, compared 
 the one herein inclosed with the original, and it seems to me as faithful and as literal as tlie idiom of 
 the resjiective languages vpill admit. 
 
 I have, &e. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
 Inclosure. 
 
 Engagement of tin Persian Government regarding Herat. 
 
 (Translation.) \5 Behlel-oo-Sanee, 12')9 {January 25, 1853.) 
 
 THE Persian Government engages not to send troops on any account lo the territory of Herat, 
 excepting when troops from -without attack that place ; that is to say, troops from the direction of 
 
 12 
 
68 
 
 that I entirely approve of his conduct. What passed between your Excellency 
 and me was this: you required me to engage in writing that Great Britain 
 should not interfere in the internal government of Herat, but I declined to do 
 so, for the reasons already stated. I added that I would not reject a document, 
 though it should contain a declaration by your Excellency that Persia would 
 not consider the engagement in force if Great Britain usurped a control over 
 the internal affairs of Herat. But 1 did not agree to, nor did you even hint 
 at, such terms as your Excellency inserted, that Great Britain was to be 
 excluded from holding any relations whatever, \^hether secretly or openly, 
 directly or indirectly, with Herat. None of the great Powers of the world have 
 ventured to tell Great Britain that she should hold no relations with an 
 independent State. 
 
 According to the desire expressed by your Excellency, Mr. Thomson will 
 
 have the honour of visiting you to-morrow, at, anv +.imo .r^n ^i^ -^- - 
 
 but I may as well state, at once, i 
 adhere to your arrangement. I sii 
 man's interview wiU be to close the 
 and which, I will frankly confess, I 
 Governments which have so many t 
 Translated into Persi 
 (Signed) Wm. Tayi 
 
 Inclosu 
 The Sadr Azim U 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 I HAVE received your Excel! 
 munication. You stated therein tl 
 an important voucher, and that durin 
 as to their being dependent on their 
 the Shah. I have never withdraw 
 hereafter ; but I am much surprised 
 you should have forgotten the expre 
 not only once, but repeatedly, that 
 being ratified and accepted by the 
 tation to His Majesty on the subject 
 us. Meerza Hoossein Koolee, who 
 not forgotten the circumstance, and 
 I repeatedly made such a statement 
 remark, that among men of honour, 
 more than any voucher, your Excellt 
 whole of the current affairs betwee; 
 without delay every engagement con 
 clause of reservation which was to be 
 should I, Heaven forbid ! retract, if, h 
 
 With reference to your Excellen 
 for the non-interference of the Britis 
 
 when the subject was previously discussea, oesiaes your having entirely approved 
 Meerza Hoossein Koolee's conduct, who denied (that such an arrangement had 
 been made), your Excellency has, in your lettei', introduced an article containing 
 new matter and expressions. I shall recall to your Excellency's recollection the 
 expressions you used on that occasion : " I have no permission from the 
 Ministers of my own Government to write (an engagement), but you, in your 
 own letter, may write whatever you please with regard to the non-interference 
 of the British Government in Herat. I shall not object, and you can select and 
 write in such terms as you think right." If your Excellency were to recall 
 correctlj' to your memory the expressions used, you would, in justice, admit that 
 these matters have remained well in my mind. You wrote that none of the 
 great Governments had ever ventured to say that the British Government was 
 to have no intercourse with an independent Government. Although many 
 observations may be made on such a remark by your Excellency, and although 
 I do not wish to give additional trouble to your Excellency, still I cannot 
 
avoid expressing my great surprise at your statement, and I shall only trouble 
 you by remarking, how does it happen that that great Government, which up to 
 the present time had no communication with Herat, and, according to express 
 Treaty, had no right to interfere itself or to prevent (another Government) from 
 interfering, has now advanced such a demand as that Persia shall Avithdraw from 
 the right it ])ossessed, and still possesses, of interference with Herat ? When 
 the Persian Government has deemed its rights of no consequence in comparison 
 with the friendship of the British Government, it is no doubt suitable that the 
 British Government should not cause any injury to this Government, which has 
 become satisfied with a small portion of the question, by giving such intimations 
 as your Excellency has so distinctly expressed in your letter, and enable the 
 Ministers of this Government to feel assured that no disturbance will arise in 
 Khorassan, and that Herat will remain in its present condition. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Tayloub Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 38. 
 
 The Sadr Azim to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation). January 25, 1853. 
 
 I HAYE written, sealed, and sent to your Excellency, herewith, the con- 
 ditional Articles relative to Herat, which, after having been submitted to His 
 Majesty the Shah, were concluded between your Excellency and myself, to our 
 mutual satisfaction ; as well as a copy of a letter which will be addressed and 
 sent to Syed Mahomed Khan, Zuheer-ood-Dowleh, the Governor of Herat; and 
 I beg your Excellency will take tlie trouble to acknowledge their having 
 reached you. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Tayj.ouk Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 38. 
 Engagement contracted by the Persian Government relative to Herat* 
 
 (Translation). January 25, 1853. 
 
 THE Persian Government engages not to send, on any account, troops to 
 Herat, unless when foreign troops invade Herat, that is, (troops) from the direc- 
 
 * Some doubt having been raised as to tlio correctnofS of this trunslaticn, Mr. Murray was 
 instructed to liavc a fresh translation made from tho original, which translation is subjoined : — 
 
 Mr. Murray to Mr. Hammond. — {Meceived May 13.) 
 
 Sir, Bai/dad, April 2, 1857. 
 
 IN conformity with the wishes of Lord Clarendon, .is conveyed tome in your note of January 9, 
 I have the honour to inclose herewith a copy of the original I'ersian engagement respecting Herat, 
 together with a fresh translation thereof. The latter has been made by Mr. R. Thomson, without 
 looking at or referring to the former translation, in order that his mind might be unbiassed by any 
 phrase or expression therein contained. 
 
 I do not pretend to express an opinion on the comparative merits of two translations, both made 
 by persons better skilled than myself in the Persian language, but I have, as in duty bound, compared 
 the one herein inclosed with the original, and it seems to me as faithful and as literal as the idiom of 
 the resjiective languages will admit. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
 Inclosure. 
 
 Engagement of th6 Persian Government regarding Herat. 
 
 (Translation.) 15 EMel-oo-Sanee, 12^)0 {January 25, 185S.) 
 
 THE Persian Government engages not to send troops on any account lo the territory of Herat, 
 excepting when troops from without attack that place ; that is to say, troops from the direction of 
 
 12 
 
60 
 
 tion of Cahul, or Candahar, or other foreign country. In the event, too, of 
 troops being sent, in that case the Persian Government engages that the said 
 trooj)s are not to enter the city of Herat ; and whenever the foreign troops 
 return towards their own territory, the Persian troops are immediately, and 
 without dehiy, to return to the Persian soil. 
 
 The Persian Government also engages not to interfere, in any manner 
 whatsoever, in the internal affairs of Herat, such as in taking possession, or 
 occupying, or assuming the sovereignty, or in governing, unless in so far as 
 interference existed between the two parties during the lifetime of the late 
 Zuheer-ood-Dowleh, Yar Mahomed Khan ; that (interference) is to remain in 
 force as formerly. Therefore the Persian Government engages to address a 
 letter of this purport to Syed Mahomed Khan, and to send it in concert with a 
 person belonging to the British Mission, who may be in Meshed, who are to 
 deliver it to the above-mentioned person. 
 
 The Persian Government also engages to abandon the pretension and 
 demand for the coinage and the "khootbeh," or any other mark whatsoever 
 of the people of Herat being subjects or under the government of Persia. 
 But if, as in the times of the late Kamran and tlie late Yar Mahomed Khan, 
 a sum should be sent, by their own free will, as an offering, and coin the money 
 in the Royal name, the Persian Government does not object to it, and it will 
 receive it ; and this engagement will be immediately communicated to Syed 
 Mahomed Khan. 
 
 It (the Persian Government) also engages to recall Abbass Koolee Khan, 
 Pissian, after he shall have resided four months, dating from his arrival there, 
 so that he may not be resident ; and also hereafter not to have a permanent 
 Agent in Herat ; but that there is to be intercourse (going and coming) as in 
 the time of the late Yar Mahomed Khan : and also not to retain in Persia a 
 
 Cabul, or from Candahar, or from other foreign territory ; aiirl in case of troops heing dispatched 
 under such circumstances, the Persi.au Government binds itself tliat they shall not enter the city of 
 Herat, and that immediately on the retreat of the foreign troops to their own country, the Persian 
 force shall forthwith return to the Persian soil, without delay. 
 
 The Persian Government also engages to abstain from all interference whatsoever in the internal 
 affairs of Herat, likewise in (regard to) occupation, or taking possession, or assuming the sovereignty 
 or government, except that the same amount of interference which took place between the two in the 
 time of the late Zuheer-ud-Dowlch, Yar Mahomed Khan, is to exist as formerly. The Persian 
 Government, therefore, engages to address a letter to Syed Mahomed Khan, acquainting him with 
 these comlitidus, and to forward it to him (by a person), accompanied by some one belonginor to the 
 English Mission, who may be in Meshed. 
 
 The Persian Government also engages to relinquish all claim or pretension to the coinage of money 
 and to the " khootbeh," or to .any other mark whatever of subjection or of allegiance on the part of the 
 ])eople of Herat to Persia. But if, as in the time of the late Kamran, and in that of the late Yar 
 Mahomed Khan, they should, of their own accord, send an offering in money, and strike it in the 
 Shah's name, Persia will receive it without making .any objection. This condition will also be 
 immediately commnnicjited to Sved Mahomed Khan. They also engage to recall Abbass Koolee 
 Khan, Peeseean, after four months from the date of his arrival, so that he may not reside there 
 permanently ; and hereafter no permanent agent will be placed in Herat, but intercourse will be 
 maintained as in the time of Yar Jfahonied Khan. Neither will they maintain a permanent .agent 
 on the part of Plerat in Tehran. There will be tlie same relations .and privileges which existed in 
 K.aniran's time, and in that of the late Yar iM.aliomed Khan. For instance, if at any time it should 
 be necess<ar}-, for the punishment of the Toorkom.ans, or in ea.sc of disturb.ance or rebellionjin the Shah's 
 dominions, that the Persian Government should receive assistance from the Heratecs, similar to that 
 afforded by the late Yar i^lahomed Khan, they may, as formerly, render assistance of their own 
 .accord and free will, but not of a permanent nature. 
 
 The Persian Government further eng.ages, unconditionally, and without exception, to release 
 and set free all the chiefs of Herat who are in IMeshed, or in Tehran, or in any other part of Persia 
 and not to receive any offenders, prisoners, or suspected persons whatsoever," from Syed M.ahomed 
 Khan, with the exception of such persons as, having been banished by Syed Mahomed Khan from 
 Herat, may come here and themselves desire to remain, or to enter the service. These will be treated 
 with kindness .and favour as formerly. Distinct orders will be issued immediately to the Prince 
 Governor of Khorassan to carry out these engagements. 
 
 The above six engagements, on the part of the Persian Government, are to be observed, and to 
 have effect ; and the Persian Ministers, notwithstanding the rights which they i)ossess in Herat, solely 
 out of friendship and to satisfy the English Government, have entered into these engagement's with 
 the English Government, so long as there is no interference whatsoever on its part in the internal 
 .affairs of Hcr.at and its dejiendencies ; otherwise these engagements will be null and void, and .as if 
 they never had existed or been written. And if any foreign (State), either Affghan or other, should 
 desire to interfere with or encroach upon tiie territory of llcrat or its dependeircies, and the Persian 
 Ministers should make the request, the British Government are not to be remiss in restraining them 
 and in giving their friendly advice, so that Herat may remain in its own state of independence. ' 
 
 (Seal and a\itograph of the Sadr Azim.) 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ro^AI,D F. Tuo.mso.n. 
 
«1 
 
 permanent Agent from Herat. Also, as in the time of Kamran and Yar 
 Mahomed Khan, the same intercourse, and all the privileges then enjoyed, will 
 still exist. One of these is, if, at any time, assistance from Herat should, in 
 order to punish the Toorkonuins, or to suppress disturbance or rebellion in the 
 Persian territories, be required by Persia, aid, as was afibrded by the late Yar 
 Mahomed Khan, may, as formerly, by their own free will, be given, but not as 
 permanent (aid). 
 
 The Persian Government also engages to set at liberty, and unbridled, 
 without condition and without exception, all the Herat Khans who are in 
 Meshed or in Tehran, or elsewhere, and henceforward not to receive, in any 
 manner whatsoever, cul])rits or prisoners, or persons accused of crimes, from 
 Syed Mahomed Khan. But persons whom Syed Mahomed Khan may himself 
 ex])el from Herat, if those persons should of their own free \vill come here, 
 and desire to remain in the country, or enter the service, they will, as formerly, 
 receive aid, and be treated with kindness. Distinct orders will be immediately 
 issued to the Prince Governor of Khorassan to put in force these engagements. 
 
 The above six engagements, with these conditions, which have been con- 
 tracted by Persia, notwithstanding the rights which Persia possesses in Herat, 
 solely out of friendship to the British Government, to give it satisfaction and 
 promote cordiality, are in force and acted upon so long as no interference of 
 any sort whatever shall occur on the part of the British Government ; but if 
 otherwise, these engagements will be (as it) unwritten, non-existent, and 
 invalid. 
 
 If any foreign Power, such as the Afighans or others, should wish to inter- 
 fere and take possession of the Herat territory or its dependencies, and the 
 Persian Ministers should request the British Ministers to prevent them by 
 friendly means and by advice from doing so, they will not object to do so, so 
 that Herat may remain in its o\\ n state of independence. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 6 in No. 38. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 January 30, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE had the honour to receive your Excellency's letter of the 25th of 
 January, inclosing an engagement sealed by your Excellency relative to the 
 future rehitions of this Government with Herat ; also an authenticated copy of 
 a letter to be addressed by you to Syed Mahomed Khan, and an authenticated 
 copy of a " melfoofeh " (private firman) from the Shah to that Chief, in con- 
 iirmation of your communication. 
 
 But 1 hope the Persian Ministers will remember that what makes an 
 engagement valuable or permanent, or can secure the return and continuance of 
 those intimate relations of which both the Governments of Great Britain and 
 Persia have enjoyed the benefit, is the spirit with which it is fulfilled. Although 
 the Government of His Majesty the Shah has assumed to itself a right to send 
 troops to the territory of Herat under certain contingencies, they have no doubt 
 not failed to observe in the despatch addressed by the Earl of Malmesbury to 
 me, the dislike of Her Majesty's Government to such movements, and I there- 
 fore make no doubt the Persian Ministers will exercise a wise discretion in its 
 practice. 
 
 In conformity with the above engagement, I request the Persian Ministers 
 will issue instructions for the immediate and unrestricted freedom of the Herat 
 Khans now in Tehran, particularly of the four Khans who lately arrived here 
 under restraint ; also for tlie liberation of tlie Khans in confinement at Meshed, 
 or A>ho may be on the road from that city. I assume it to be impossible that 
 any more such deplorable events will liappen, or can happen, as general notoriety 
 ascribes to the unfortunate Fettee Mahomed Khan, near Beerjend, or to the 
 Arz Begec at Nishapoor. 
 
62 
 
 Inclosure 7 in No. 38. 
 
 The Sadr Azim to Syed Mahomed Khan, Ruler of Herat. 
 
 (Translation.) January 26, 1853. 
 
 THE Persian Ministers, from the time when they began to give aid and 
 assistance to you, my son, had no intention of taking possession or assuming 
 sovereignty over Herat ; nay, they were desirous that it sliould remain in a state 
 of independence, and be preserved from the attacks and invasions of foreigners. 
 They had no views of acquisition on the Herat soil, or of raising contributions 
 from Herat or the people of Herat, and these circumstances were made known 
 to the Mufti (lately Political Agent from the Governor of Herat to the Shah) 
 when he was here. Ifow when their intentions have, thank God, been accom- 
 plished, it is necessary that I should inform you, my son, of the articles and 
 engagements which the (Persian) Ministers have imposed upon themselves. 
 They are to the following effect : — That the Persian Ministers never had, nor 
 will ever have, any idea of taking possession, assuming the sovereignty, or 
 governing either Herat, or the Herat territory, or its people, and will not inter- 
 fere in any manner whatsoever in the internal affairs of Herat, so that they may 
 be independent in their country and their own affairs, without the interference 
 of any one belonging either to this Government or to the Affghans of Cabul and 
 Candahar, or other foreigners. They will not in any manner agree that the 
 khootbeh (prayer in the Shah's name) should be recited in the name of His 
 Majesty (the Shah). With regard to the coinage also, solely to secure your 
 independence, my son, they will never consent that the current coin should be 
 struck in the name of His Majesty (the Shah). But if, as in the times of the 
 late Kamran and the late Yar Mahomed Khan, you should desire to send a sum 
 of money as an offering, and that money should be struck in His Majesty's 
 name, the Persian Ministers will not object to it, and it will be received. If 
 at any time it should be necessary that the people of Herat should give assistance 
 to Persia in order to punish the Toorkomans, or when there is a disturbance or 
 rebellion in the Persian territory, they may of their own free will, as was formerly 
 done in the time of the late Yar Mahomed Khan, send assistance in men, but 
 not as a permanent force. Yes, that which His Majesty the Shah considers 
 imperative on him, on account of the services rendered by the late Zuheer-ood- 
 Dowleh is, that if any foreign troops, Affghan or other, should invade Herat, the 
 Ministers of this ever-enduring State shall dispatch troops to the aid of the 
 Heratees, to join the Herat troops outside of the town of Herat, and when the 
 foreign troops have been expelled from the Herat soil, to return immediately to 
 the Persian territory. No doubt, after you have become acquainted with the 
 real sentiments of the (Persian) Ministers, you will act in conformity with them. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylour Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 8 in No. 38. 
 Firman of the Shah to Syed Mohomed I 'han, Ruler of Herat. 
 
 (Translation.) January 29, 1853. 
 
 LET the high in rank, &c,, Zuheer-ood-Dowleh, Syed Mahomed Khan, feel 
 assured of our Eoyal favour, and know that the engagement given by the 
 Ministers of this Government, with regard to Herat, and to acquire independence 
 for him, is as his Excellency the Sadr Azim has written to him. No doubt he, 
 Syed Mahomed Khan, will be made acquainted with it, and will act in con- 
 formity with it. Let him know that he enjoys the highest favour of our Eoyal 
 person, and represent his prayers to us. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylouk Tuomson. 
 
65 
 
 No. 39. "■ 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Earl of Mnlmesbunj. — (Received March 19.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, February 4, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose for your Lordship's information a trans- 
 lation of a letter I have addressed to the Ruler of Herat, in transmitting- to him 
 a copy of the arrangement made by the Persian Cabinet, relative to its future 
 connection with his Government. I have forwarded this letter by Sultan Khan, 
 a native of Candahar, whose brother is a pensioner of the Government of India. 
 This person is, therefore, well acquainted with all that concerns Affghanistan ; 
 and he will accompany the Persian messenger from Meshed. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 (Signed) JUSTIN SHEIL. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 39. 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Shell to Syed Mahomed Khan, Ruler of Herat. 
 
 YOUR Excellency has no doubt heard of the anxiety testified many years 
 ago by the Government of Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, for the 
 maintenance of the independence of Herat. Although circumstances have 
 withdrawn Her Majesty's Government of late from any direct connection with 
 Affghanistan, they have not ceased to take a warm interest in the welfare and 
 prosperity of Herat, and in the preservation of its independence under Affghan 
 rule. They have v.atched with solicitude during the last year and a-half, since 
 your Excellency's accession to the Government of that country, the progress of 
 events in Herat, and the issue has been that they have felt themselves called on 
 to require an explanation from the Persian Ministers, for their share in certain 
 proceedings connected with your Excellency's territory, and to claim from them 
 assurances for the maintenance of that territory independent of Persian rule. 
 The discussions which folloAved terminated in certain engagements, concluded 
 by this Government, and which I deem it my duty to bring to the knowledge 
 of your Excellency. They are contained in the three inclosed papers, which are 
 copies of the originals, consisting of a document sealed by the Prime Minister 
 of Persia ; a letter from the Prime Minister to your Excellency ; and a firman 
 from the Shah to your address, ratifying the engagements of the Sadr Azim. 
 
 These documents sufficiently explain the views of Great Britain, which, 
 briefly stated, are a determination that Herat shall remain in Affghan hands 
 and in independence. 
 
 I sincerely trust that the time has arrived when you will cease to require 
 aid from the Government of this country ; and that hanceforward your 
 Excellency will be able alone to maintain the integrity of your country. Your 
 Excellency may be assured that the ruler who seeks foreign aid, loses the 
 respect and the loyalty of his subjects, and that there is only one termination to 
 repeated applications for foreign succour. The goodwill of your subjects is 
 your surest safeguard. By upright, just, and impartial government, by culti- 
 vating Affghan national feeling, there can be no doubt of your ability to 
 maintain your position against all intruders, in the same manner that your 
 Excellency's father, the late Yar Mahomed Khan, accomplished with such 
 brilliant success. 
 
 My messenger, who will deliver this communication, will await your 
 Excellency's convenience to return with an answer in acknowledgment of its 
 receipt. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylouk Thomson. 
 
64 
 
 No. 40. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, March 2\, 185.".. 
 
 I HAVE to acquaint you tlmt Her Majesty's Government approve of tlie 
 arrangement wliich you have made with the Persian Government respecting- 
 Herat, as reported in your despatch of the 30th of January. 
 
 They also approve of tlie letter which you addressed to the Ruler of Herat, 
 on the subject of that arrangement, of which a copy is inclosed in your despatch 
 of the 4th of February. 
 
 1 am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 N"o. 41. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to Lord John Russell, — (Received April 1.5.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, February '['J , 1853. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose a translation of corres))ondence which has 
 passed between the Persian Ministers and me, relative to Sultan Khan, the 
 person whom I dispatched to Herat. On the pretence that a native of Candahar 
 was an objectionable selection, they threatened not to adhere to their engage- 
 ment to communicate to Syed Mahomed Khan (the Ruler of Herat), the nature 
 of the arrangement concluded relative to Herat ; but the Sadr Azim at length 
 withdrew this menace, and has announced the determination of this Government 
 to fulfil its agreement. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) JUSTIN SHEIL. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 41. 
 
 Meerza Saeed Khan to Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 YOUR Excellency is well aware of the exertions of the Ministers of this 
 Government to do that which may be agreeable to you in every question and 
 affair ; and one of which is the question of Herat, which has been under discus- 
 sion for a considerable length of time. No doubt it has become clear and evi- 
 dent to you how much the Ministers of this Government exerted themselves to 
 conclude that negotiation in conformity with the friendship between the two 
 States and your Excellency's wishes ; thanks be to God, the matter has been so 
 arranged. Such being the case, it is evident that your Excellency too will 
 endeavour to do that Avhich will be agreeable to the Ministers of this Government. 
 How then has it happened that you have not acted conformably to the article of 
 the engagement, in sending a person along with the messenger of this Govern- 
 ment to Herat, with the letters addressed to Syed ^lahomed Khan, Zuheer- 
 ood-Dowleh ; and instead of appointing the Mission Agent in Khorassan to 
 proceed in company with a person from the Prince Governor of Khorassan. you 
 have dispatched Sultan Khan from this. No objection would have been made, 
 if no person belonging to the Mission had been in Meshed, to your sending one 
 of your couriers ; but the dispatching of Sultan Khan was in every respect con- 
 trary to the articles of the engagement, which ought to be observed \\ith the 
 greatest nicety. As the Persian Ministers do not believe that Sultan Khan will 
 content himself with only being a witness to the delivery of the letters, but he 
 will engage in other matters unconnected with the affair in question, I therefore 
 make a friendly request of your Excellency that his departure may immediately 
 be cancelled ; and that, in conformity with the arrangement, another person be 
 appointed to proceed in his stead, so that the Ministers of this Government may 
 not be forced to issue imraedinte and distinct orders to the Prince Governor of 
 Khorassan not to send the letters until he receives fresh instructions from this. 
 
65 
 
 I hope from the high friendship of your Excellency that you will arrange this 
 affair in conformity with my friendly request, and give me a speedy intimation 
 of what you have determined. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Tatlotte Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in Ifo. 41. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to Meerza Saeed Khan. 
 
 I HATE received your Excellency's private letter without date. As it 
 contains a threat, it is out of my power to make a reply, and I request your 
 Excellency to take the trouble of addressing me officially. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 41, 
 
 Meerza Saeed Khan to Lieutenant-Colonel Shell. 
 (Translation.) 
 
 I COMPREHEND the contents of the short private note addressed to me 
 by your Excellency. You asked me to write to you officially, to enable you to 
 give me an answer. I did not intend to give your Excellency the trouble of 
 entering into a formal correspondence. I merely made a friendly (or private) 
 request that Sultan Khan should be changed for another person. If this request 
 is now agreeable to your Excellency, I beg you to be so good as to inform me of 
 the circumstance, without taking the trouble of entering into correspondence : 
 otherwise why should I place you to inconvenience ? it will be apparent that you 
 do not consider it expedient to agree to that request. (The Persian Minister 
 means probably that if an answer is not sent, it will be considered as a refusal.) 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 41. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to Meerza Saeed Khan. 
 
 February 9, 1853. 
 
 AS your Excellency's second private note of to-day is written in a tone 
 wholly diffijrent fron the communication of this morning, I beg to answer that 
 I ascribe to myself the most entire freedom in communicating with Herat ; that 
 I will send there whom I please, when I please, and as often as I please, without 
 reference to the Persian Ministers, or communication or consultation with them, 
 exactly as I would do to any other independent Government. 
 
 It is absolutely contrary to the fact to assert that it Avas agreed that an 
 Agent of this Mission at Meshed should be sent to Herat. There was no speci- 
 fication of persons. The Agent of this Mission has his own duties in Meshed, 
 which would render it impossible for him to leave that city, independent of 
 other recent circumstances connected with him, of which your Excellency is 
 aware. The Prime Minister seems to forget that he sent me a message by 
 Meerza Hoossein Koolee, requesting me to dispatch the person who was to 
 proceed from Meshed. Your Excellency was, I think, j)resent. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 41. 
 
 Meerza Saeed Khan to Lieutenant-Colonel Shell. 
 (Translation.) February 12, 1853. 
 
 I CONSIDER it necessary to trouble your Excellency with this short 
 reply to your private note. It is better that I should refer to his Excellency the 
 Prime Minister of this Government what you have stated in regard to your being 
 free to have intercourse and relations with Herat, as all the discussions and arrange- 
 ments connected with this affair have been between him and your Excellency. 
 
 K 
 
G6 
 
 But with reference to your statement that apparently his Excellency the Prime 
 Minister had forgotten the message he had sent you through Meerza Hoossein 
 Koolee, that you should appoint some one to accompany the person to be 
 dispatched by this Government : I was present on the occasion, but the message 
 was not to the effect that your Excellency's man should proceed at once from 
 this place to Herat ; nay, his intention was to inquire Avhether your Excellency 
 would transmit your letters through the courier of this Grovernment, or appoint 
 a person expressly to convey your Excellency's letters to Meshed, from whence 
 the Mission Agent residing in Meshed would convey them to Herat, in the 
 company of the person dispatched by the Prince Governor of Khorassan. If 
 the message of his Excellency was conveyed to your Excellency in other terms, 
 the bearer had forgotten what was said. It is much to be regretted that what is 
 said should either be exaggerated or diminished. It is for this reason that I 
 have informed your Excellency of the true state of the case. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylouk Thomson, 
 
 Inclosure 6 in No. 41. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 February 10, 1853. 
 
 HIS Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs thought fit to state to me 
 yesterday, in a private note, that, under certain circumstances, the Persian 
 Ministers would issue orders to the Prince Governor in Meshed not to transmit 
 to Herat the arrangement they made relative to that Principality. As it seemed 
 doubtful whether this note was written in his own person merely, or on the part 
 of the Persian Ministers, it is my duty to inquire the purport of his communica- 
 tion ; and also to state that should this intimation have been conveyed on the 
 part of the Persian Ministers, it would be a flagrant breach of an engagement, 
 of which the consequences would be serious. 
 
 It is incumbent on me, under the circumstances of receiving a communica- 
 tion so extraordinary and unparalleled as that of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, 
 to notify that Her Majesty's Government will hold the Persian Government 
 responsible for any molestation my messenger to Herat may receive within the 
 Persian dominions. 
 
 Inclosure 7 in No. 41. 
 
 The Sadr Azim to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.') February 12, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 10th instant. You 
 inquired in what capacity (official or private) his Excellency the Minister of 
 Foreign Affairs had addressed his note to you. It is clear that it was not written 
 without the knowledge of the Government. But with reference to the point to 
 which you allude in your letter, as being in contravention of the engagement 
 concluded by this Government, I bring to your Excellency's recollection the 
 expressions used in the written engagement, where it is distinctly stated, " the 
 Persian Government engages that a letter to this effect shall be addressed to 
 Syed Mahomed Khan, and be delivered to him conjointly with a person 
 belonging to the British Mission who may be in Meshed." I am surprised how 
 your Excellency could have disregarded a phrase so distinctly expressed ; and, 
 at the same time, I recall to your Excellency's recollection, that previous to an 
 arrangement having been concluded between your Excellency and myself, relative 
 to the Herat question, you every day assumed as a voucher expressions which in 
 the course of discussion had been employed, and complained that in such and 
 such a point the Articles of the Engagement had been contravened, although 
 it is clear that until a discussion is closed any term which may be employed 
 has no connection with the engagement. Now I Avould ask your Excellency to 
 say, in justice, if after the discussion has been closed, and the engagement is 
 
67 
 
 concluded, so shameful a change in the meaning of the above Article should 
 appear, which of the two parties is thereby i)roved to be the contravener ? 
 
 Witli regard to your statement that if Sultan Khan should be forced to 
 return (without completing his journey) the British Government will attribute 
 it to the Persian Government, and accept of no excuse, I have to state to your 
 Excellency that no disrespect will be shown to that person, and he will go 
 without impediment and with all respect, in the manner you have chosen to send 
 him ; but the objection made is to the sending of the letters which were to have 
 been sent by a person such as is clearly described in the Article of the written 
 Engagement, and not by the above-mentioned person, whose dispatch is contrary 
 to the clear stipulations of the Engagement. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Taylouk Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 8 in No. 41. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Shell to the Sadr Azim, 
 
 February 13, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 12th February. I will 
 enter into no discussion with this Government as to the selection of the person 
 whom I shall send to Herat ; for, as I said to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, 
 I exercise an absolute discretion on the subject. The person I shall employ is 
 Sultan Khan, whom I have already dispatched to Meshed. As for sending the 
 English Agent at Meshed, as your Excellency suggests, it is wholly out of the- 
 question ; he has his own avocations. Moreover, I cannot admit the interference 
 of the Persian Ministers in the matter ; and besides this, the scandalous treat- 
 ment of this person by the Prince Governor of Khorassan, for which I have- 
 still to obtain ample satisfaction from this Government, incapacitates him for 
 such a duty. 
 
 As the Persian Government has taken on itself the responsibility of the 
 threat conveyed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that the arrangement and 
 other documents will not be transmitted to Herat, I claim from the Persian 
 Ministers a distinct announcement whether it is their purpose to adhere to their 
 engagement, and dispatch these documents to Herat in company with my 
 messenger, or whether I am to report to my Government that the Persian 
 Ministers refuse to do so. 
 
 Inclosure 9 in No. 41. 
 
 The Sadr Azim to Lieutenant- Colonel Sheil. 
 
 (Translation.) February 13, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 13th instant, on the 
 .subject of Sultan Khan's accompanying the messenger of His Eoyal Highness 
 the Governor of Khorassan to Herat for the purpose of delivering the letters 
 addressed to Syed Mahomed Khan. Although Sultan Khan, accompanied by 
 the Prince's messenger, ought by this time to have been dispatched, still, in 
 order that your Excellency may be assured, a letter will be addressed to His 
 Highness, so that if, let it be supposed, their departure has been delayed, he 
 shall dispatch his messenger in company with Sultan Khan, who will deliver his 
 letters, and return. This is merely a repetition of instructions, as no orders had 
 been sent to the Prince to dispatch his messenger without being accompanied 
 by Sultan Khan. No doubt they will be speedily dispatched, and, having 
 delivered their letters, will return in a short time. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. Ta-tlour Thomson. 
 
 K2 
 
6a 
 
 IfTo. 42. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Ueutenant-Colonel Shell. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, April 18, 1853. 
 
 I HAVE received your deppatch of the 17th of February, inclosing copies 
 of further correspondence with the Persian Government respecting Herat. 
 
 The tenour of this correspondence serves to confirm Her Majesty's Grovem- 
 ment in their determination to abstain fi-om renewing political intercourse with 
 Sheffee Khan until they shall have obtained clear and indisputable proof that 
 the Persian Government will faithfully fulfil its engagements in regard to Herat, 
 as recorded in the Agreement of which a copy is inclosed in your despatch, 
 of the 30tli of January, and of which I signified the approval of Her Majesty's 
 Government in my despatch of the 21st of March. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLAEEFDOl!}". 
 
 No. 43. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Thomson. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, May 7, 1853, 
 
 SHEFFEE KHAN" having asked for an interview, I received him here this 
 morning. 
 
 He stated that he had learnt from his Government that the wishes of Her 
 Majesty's Government, with respect to Herat, had been entirely fulfilled, and 
 that he was therefore desirous to know in what position he was henceforward to 
 stand at this Court. 
 
 I told Sheffee Khan that diplomatic relations with him had been suspended^ 
 because the Persian Government, and he as its Agent, had grossly deceived us, 
 and that we thought it useless, as well as improper, to keep up communication 
 where we could feel no confidence ; but that upon the intelligence of the 
 arrangement respecting Herat, to which he alluded, reaching me, 1 should have 
 renewed ofiieial intercourse with him, if I had not almost at the same time heard 
 that the Persian Minister was attempting to evade the Agreement entered into by 
 the Shah ; but that as, on the representation of Colonel Shell, this fresh attempt 
 to deceive us had been entirely abandoned, I was prepared to remove the 
 restriction. 
 
 ShetFee Khan expressed his satisfaction, and with some earnestness assured 
 me that the agreement respecting Herat would be lasting, and that the most 
 friendly understanding with tliis country was the wish and the interest of his 
 Government. 
 
 I said that a similar wish animated Her Majesty's Government, but that its 
 realization altogether depended upon the fidelity with which Persia fulfilled her 
 engagements, as Sheffee Khan well knew that those of Great Britain were never 
 departed from. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDOK. 
 
 No. 44. 
 
 Mr. Thomson to the Earl of Clarendon — Received July 31. 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, June 15, 1854. 
 
 I HAVE appointed, pending your Lordship's approval, Meerza Hashem 
 Khan to be First Persian Secretary to this Mission. He is about thirty years of 
 age, and belongs to one of the chief branches of the tribe of Nooree, but not 
 that of which the Sadr Azim is the representative. His father, the late Meerza 
 Mahomed Eaheem Khan, was, during the last reign, on different occasions 
 
60 
 
 Governor of the districts of Mishkeen, of Sirab, and of Meeaneh ; and having 
 commenced his service in the household of the present Shah, while heir-apparent^ 
 he has a most extensive circle of acquaintance among the people of the Court. 
 The late Ameer Nizam was his patron, and, a few days before he was seized and 
 exiled to Cashan, intended to have given him a post in the Civil service, but 
 since that Minister's fall he has received no countenance from his successor. 
 His character, in as far as I have been able to ascertain, is most respectable, 
 and he is connected by marriage with the Koyal family. 
 
 ■ 'No. 45. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Thomson- 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, August 7, 1854. 
 
 IN^ reply to your despatch of the 15th of June, I have to acquaint you 
 that I approve of your having appointed Meerza Hashem Khan to be First 
 Persian Secretary to Her Majesty's Mission at Tehran ; but you will impress 
 upon him that the continuance of his employment in the above-named capacity 
 will depend on his fidelity, and on his zeal for Her Majesty's service. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON". 
 
 No. 46. 
 Mr. Thomson to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received November 6.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, September 2, 1854. 
 
 IN my despatch of the 15th of June, I had the honour to report that, 
 pending your Lordship's approval, I had appointed Meerza Hashem Khan to 
 be First Persian Secretary to this Mission. But the Persian Government has 
 decHned to receive that gentleman in that capacity on the plea that he, having 
 been in the service of the Shah, and not having received from His Majesty a 
 formal discharge, was not competent to enter any other service. This refusal 
 of the Persian Government was conveyed to me by the Sadr Azim in such a 
 manner that I had some doubts if the objection which had been taken Mould be 
 pressed, and I therefore delayed some time reporting this circumstance in order 
 that I might see clearly the course they intended to take. In the meantime, 
 although I am aware that the appointment Mas not very agreeable to the 
 Persian Ministers on account of the rank Avhich Meerza Hashem Khan 
 holds as a member of one of the chief families in Persia, the persons about 
 the Court Mho are opposed to the Sadr Azim took this opportunity of insti- 
 gating the Sliah to instruct the Sadr Azim to oppose the appointment on the 
 ground I have first mentioned, and also on account of his connection by 
 marriage with the Royal family, Mith the hope that it would lead to an 
 estrangement between the Prime Minister and this Mission. This advice 
 having been taken by the Shah, the Sadr Azim begged of me so strongly not 
 to insist on the appointment at such a moment, that I at length considered it 
 more judicious to appoint another person to act until your Lordship's sentiments 
 might be made known to me, as I felt persuaded that by the adoption of the 
 other course angry discussions would be the result, and the Mission would be 
 deprived of the services of the First Persian Secretary at a moment M'hen, by 
 the return of Colonel Shell, they were indispensably necessary. 
 
 Your Lordship is aware of the great difficulty of obtaining an efficient 
 person to fill that post, and, in this dilemma, I have been obliged to employ 
 Meerza Fezloollah in that capacity. 
 
 I trust your Lordship will, under the peculiar cii'cumstances I have stated, 
 not disapprove of the course I have taken. 
 
 AVith regard to Meerza Hashem Khan, the Prime Minister has volun- 
 teered to me to take care of his interests, but as that gentleman has been 
 so thoroughly dissatisfied Mith the treatment he has received from the 
 
70 
 
 Persian Government, he declines taking any service under the Shah ; and as 
 he appears to me to be a person Avho would make himself useful, I would venture 
 to suggest, that on his obtaining a formal discharge from the Shah's Govern- 
 ment, he might be appointed to the post of Agent in Shiraz ; the Acting Agent 
 there having, during the time he has been acting, not shown himself properly 
 qualified for the duties of that post. 
 
 No, 47. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Thomson. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, November 16, 1854. 
 
 I HAVE received your despatch of the 2nd of September, explaining the 
 circumstances under which the Persian Government have declined to receive 
 Meerza Hashem Khan as First Persian Secretary to Her Majesty's Mission, and 
 reporting that you had appointed Meerza FezlooUah to discharge the duties of 
 that office. 
 
 It does not seem to me expedient to object to the course taken by the 
 Persian Government in this matter ; and I am willing to sanction the appoint- 
 ment of Meerza FezlooUah. 
 
 With regard to your suggestion, as to the appointment of Meerza Hashem - 
 Khan to the post of Agent at Shiraz, I have to state to you that if he succeeds 
 in obtaining a formal discharge from his Government, I see no objection to his 
 appointment in that capacity, with the concurrence of the Persian Government. 
 The asking for that concurrence might be made a compliment to them. 
 
 No. 48. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 30.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, June 22, 1855. 
 
 WITH reference to the correspondence noted in the margin,* I have the 
 honour to request your Lordship's attention to the case of Meerza Hashem 
 Khan, who was, in the first instance, appointed First Persian Secretary to this 
 Mission, and subsequently recommended for the office of British Agent at Shiraz; 
 for both of which situations, Mr. W. T. Thomson has pronounced him highly 
 qualified — an opinion in which I entirely concur. 
 
 The most reasonable argument against Meerza Hashem Khan being 
 retained as First Secretary, was the fact of his family having for a long time 
 been at enmity with that of the Sadr Azim, and that the Government did not 
 wish him to be the medium of communication between his Highness and this 
 Mission ; but with regard to the second nomination, I am of opinion 
 that the objection does not apply with equal force, first, because there seems to 
 exist a personal dishke between the Prime Minister and Meerza Hashem Khan, 
 and, secondly, because in this situation he is not in any way brought 
 into contact with the Persian Government. Deeply compromised as he 
 certainly is, by his adherence to the British Mission, he has no wish to return 
 to the Persian service. Another point I would bring to your Lordship's 
 notice, is the principle of conceding to the Persian Government the right of 
 questioning the appointments the nature of the duties of which are thoroughly 
 British, and for the proper conduct of which the Agents are responsible fo us 
 alone. 
 
 At a recent interview with the Sadr Azim, he harped upon the necessity of a 
 discharge from the Shah's Government, before a man could take service with 
 another Power. In the course of conversation, the Sadr Azim admitted that 
 
 * Nos. 45, 46, and 47. 
 
71 
 
 the Meerza had demanded an increase of pay, which was refused. The Meerza 
 then requested his discharge, as his salary was insufficient ; the Sadr Azim said 
 he might go where he pleased, but his pay would not be augmented. The Sadr 
 Azim now denies the validity of such a dismissal, and urges that the King's seal 
 is necessary : by inquiries which I have made, I find that such formal discharge 
 has not been the usual practice. 
 
 I trust, therefore, that your Lordship will sanction the appointment, as I 
 cannot find any other person so well qualified ; independently of which, I am 
 confident of his fidelity, as he is sensible of the misery which must inevitably 
 await him should he, by any misconduct, be dismissed the service, and forfeit 
 the protection of the Mission. 
 
 I beg, in conclusion, to add that if, before receiving your Lordship's reply, 
 I obtain the consent of the Persian Government, or, owing to any other circum- 
 stances, have reason to believe that the appointment of Meerza Hashem Khan 
 is advisable and expedient, I shall not hesitate to anticipate your Lordship's 
 sanction, and appoint him accordingly. 
 
 No. 49. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Murray. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, August 1, 1855. ' 
 
 Df reply to your despatch of the 22nd of June, I have to state to you that 
 under the circumstances which you report, 1 approve of your appointing Meerza 
 Hashem Khan to be British Agent at Shiraz. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLAEEN.DOif. 
 
 No. 50. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received December 21.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, November 9, 1855. 
 
 I HAA^E the honour to inform your Lordship that I find myself again 
 drawn into a most disagreable correspondence with the Persian Government, 
 by the perverse obstinacy of the Sadr Azim. The matter in discussion is 
 unimportant ; but the consequences, if his Highness perseveres in his threatened 
 course, may be very serious. Agreeably to the instructions contained in your 
 Lordship's despatch of 1st August, I appointed Meerza Hashem, who has been 
 for upwards of a year resident in the Mission, to the British Agency at Shiraz. 
 All the circumstances connected with the case of Meerza Hasham were stated to 
 your Lordship in detail in my despatch of June 22 ; it is not, therefore, neces- 
 sary to trouble your Lordship with a repetition of them. The Sadr Azim now, 
 adducing the name and authority of the Shah, persists in maintaining that the 
 Meerza cannot, and shall not, hold any appointment under Her Britannic 
 Majesty's Government, and has intimated, in terms too plain to be misunder- 
 stood, that if the Meerza leaves Tehran for Shiraz, the Persian Government will 
 cause him to be seized or detained. To this I have replied that as the Meerza 
 has his British passport and Agency commission under your Lordship's instruc- 
 tions, if the Persian Government attempt to detain or molest him in the dis- 
 charge of his duties, they must expect the same consequence as would ensue 
 from a similar injury ofi'ered to any other servant or employe of the Mission, 
 and that the responsibility of those consequences will rest upon them. So far 
 as I can judge from language, the Sadr is determined not to concede the point, 
 and prefers risking the interruption of friendly relations with this Mission to 
 the permitting- a man whom he dislikes, and whose family has a feud with his 
 
72 
 
 own, to eat bis bread in peace at a remote post under tbe protection of tbe 
 Britisb Government. 
 
 In tbis, as in most otber instances, bis Higbness bas used tbe Sbab's name 
 just as it suits bis convenience : wben it answers bis purpose to act on bis own 
 responsibility, and at his own pleasure, be makes no scruple of saying tbat His 
 Majesty bas nothing to do with such matters, and tbat he himself is the organ 
 of the Persian Government; wben, on tbe contrary, it suits bis purpose to cloak 
 his own personal views under the pretence of zeal for the Shah's honour, then 
 he excites and irritates His Majesty and draws him personally into the discus- 
 sion tbat may be going on ; tbe latter course be has followed on tbis occasion 
 with a view to drawing me into a personal dispute with the Shah ; but I have 
 ^protested against this irregular course, and have desired his Highness to carry 
 on the discussion as usual in the name of the Persian Government, without 
 dragging His Majesty into it. 
 
 Copies of this correspondence, with a report of its result, will be transmitted 
 to your Lordship by a future post, 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURKAY. 
 
 No. 51. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 1, 1856.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, November 17, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE tbe honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copies 
 and translations of tbe correspondence tbat bas taken place between the Sadr 
 Azim and myself respecting Meerza Hashem Khan, appointed to the British 
 Agency at Shiraz, under the instructions contained in your Lordship's despatch 
 dated August 1. 
 
 It is with much regret that I find myself obliged to take up your Lord- 
 ship's time with these prolix and tedious documents upon a matter of most 
 trifling importance in itself, hut rendered serious in its consequences by the 
 perverse obstinacy of the Sadr Azim. 
 
 Your Lordship Avill see it stated in tbe Sadr Azim's despatch (Inclosure 
 No. 6), that be never knew of our having an Agent at Ispahan, Shiraz, &c,, 
 and that the Persian Government never had consented, and never would con- 
 sent, to such a thing ; whereas it is a notorious fact that not a week passes 
 tbat our local agents are not in communication with the Governors of those 
 towns, respecting the claims of Hindoos and other Britisb subjects. Only a 
 short time ago, in a case reported to the Foreign Office, the Sadr Azim, at my 
 request, ordered a Commission of Arbitration to sit at Ispahan, in presence of 
 our Agent, on the claims of a British subject against the Custom-bouse, which 
 was accordingly done, and the result reported to me by our Agent ; yet now, 
 because the Sadr's order for arbitration was addressed direct to tbe Persian 
 Governor, and not sent in writing to me, he denies the fact, and says in an 
 official letter that he never knew that we had an Agent at Ispahan. And with 
 respect to our Agency at Shiraz, two years have scarcely elapsed since a chief 
 servant of tbe Sadr's, who had insulted our Agent there, was, on tbe official 
 demand of Mr. Thomson, sent back all the way from this place, and publicly 
 punished in Shiraz in presence of our Agent. 
 
 I proceed to call your attention briefly to the more salient points of tbis 
 dispute with the Persian Government ; the first and chief of which is, whether 
 the Britisb Government was justified in considering Meerza Hashem Khan 
 as being out of the actual service of the Persian Government, and as being, 
 therefore, eligible, like any otber Persian subject, for employment under 
 this Mission. In support of this point, your Lordship will observe that I 
 have proved that tbe Meerza had been employed upwards of a year in the 
 Mission without any pay from the Persian Government ; that on my arrival, 
 and since my arrival, the Sadr Azim had never privately or officially 
 complained to me of Mr, Thomson's having retained the Meerza in the 
 Mission, nor had he ever requested me to induce tbe Meerza to return to any 
 real or supposed service under tbe Persian Government ; that the words which 
 
73 
 
 lie acknowledged to me in the presence of my Attache, that he had formerly 
 addressed to ]\Ieerza Hashem Khan, Mere, in the opinion of that individual, in 
 the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, and of this Mission, equivalent to a 
 dismissal from the Shah's service, and a permission to gain his liveliliood 
 elsewhere. On these grounds, I had. agreeably to your Lordship's instructions, 
 appointed him to the Agency at Shiraz. The replies of the Sadr to these 
 arguments j'our Lordship will see in his Highness' own despatches, in wjiich he 
 plainly tells mc that if I send the Meerza on his duty to Shiraz he will be seized 
 and imprisoned by order of the Persian Government ; a step which the Sadr 
 well knew, without my telling him so. must lead to the hauling down the flag 
 of this Mission. 
 
 The next step in the transaction is tlie seizing and imprisoning the wife of 
 the Meerza ; a measure Avhich was not only a violation of the rights enjoyed 
 under Treatv by employes of the Mission, but also a violation of the civil and 
 religious law of Persia. As soon as I heard of this outrage, I desired the 
 Meerza to lose no time in obtaining from two or three of the principal Mosh- 
 tehids,* a fetwah or decree, as to the law on his ease respecting the detention 
 of his wife, or the attempt at forcible divorce, without his consent. These he 
 obtained, and it was fortunate that he did so, as, although they could not mate- 
 rially affect the diplomatic question at issue, they proved, lieyond dispute, that 
 the Persian Government had been guilty of an act of illegal violence ; and to 
 show the animus by which they were influenced, I may add that, if he had not 
 applied, and got these fetwahs immediately, he would not have got them at all, 
 for two or three other Moshtehids, to whom application was subsequently made, 
 acknowledged that they could not give any fetwah on the subject, as they had 
 received a prohibitory message from the Sadr. 
 
 Here in this one incident we have an instance of a Prime Minister who 
 insults a foreign friendly Mission, oppresses a Persian subject, and then tries 
 to close the only avenue which the laws of the country afford for justice 
 or redress. 
 
 My Lord, I felt that I should disgrace the position which 1 hold, and the 
 country which I serve, if 1 had submitted to this gross affront offered to our 
 fliig ; so I have insisted on the wife of the Meerza being liberated and restored 
 to her husband. I have given the Persian Government until Monday next, the 
 19th instant, to inform me of their decision, under the alternative conveyed in 
 my despatch to the Sadr, Inclosure l^o. 11. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 51. 
 Mr. Murray to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 November 4, 1855. 
 
 MEERZA HASHEM KHAN having been nominated to Shiraz by Her 
 Majesty's Government to reside in that city as Agent for this Mission, I have 
 the honour to state, for your Highness' information, that he has been furnished 
 with his commission and passport, and will start for his post in the course of a 
 few days. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 (Signed) Ronalb F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 51. 
 The Sadr Azim to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) November 4, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of this day's date; but as 
 the matter it contained was serious, and connected with the internal 
 administration of this country, and at variance with the institutions and 
 
 * High-priests. 
 
74 
 
 customs which have long been in force in Persia, and strano-o nioroovei-. 
 I did not tliink it right, of my own accord, to re])ly to it ; J therefore lost 
 no time in submitting it to His Majesty the Shah, who Avas pleased to 
 address to me an autograph note, the substance of which, ^^on\ for word 
 without any alteration Avhatever, I now insert in this letter by His Majesty's 
 commands : — 
 
 Meerza Hashem Khan is a servant in the pay of this C4overnmcnt, and his 
 name is enrolled in the list of Government servants ; and he cannot enter 
 the service of any other person, according to Ihe established law of this 
 country, unless he receive his dismissal first. It is certain that if he has had 
 the presumption, of his own accord, to do such a thing, the internal affairs 
 of this country will be thrown into confusion, and it will bo a bad example 
 for others. 
 
 Of course his Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiar) is not aware of this • 
 otherwise, in justice and right, he would never, in the face of the friendly 
 relations existing between the two Governments, commit an act which is 
 irregular and incompatible with the Persian institutions. If, after beino- 
 informed of these circumstances, he should persist in this course, without a 
 regard to the preservation of the dignity of this country, certainly, whatever 
 steps are necessary for upholding its dignity and reputation, will be adopted; 
 and any consequences arising from this will rest with that person who takes the 
 initiative in an affair of this description. 
 
 As a reply to your letter was necessary, I have confined myself to merely 
 copying the Shah's autograph word for word. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 61. 
 Mr. Murray to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 November G, 1855. 
 
 I HAVK received your Highness' despatch of the day before 3'esterdav'3 
 date : and I observe with regret and surprise that your Highness has made an 
 objectionable innovation, in causing the Shah to take a part in the official 
 correspondence passing between your Highness and myself. Up to this date, 
 in this country as in all others, a due respect for Royalty has established a rule, 
 that diplomatic correspondence takes 2)lace between the Minister of one Power 
 and the Vizier of another ; and it is not the custom for Sovereigns to take 
 any part in such discussions. Your Highness, on this occasion, by drawino- 
 aside the curtain of awe, which has hitherto veiled the person of the Shah, and 
 by causing His Majesty to come forth on the arena of discussion, seems to me 
 to have committed an act which tends to lower the dignity of the 
 Shah ; and it is a course which, out of respect to His Majesty, nnd 
 out of regard for the established customs of diplomacy, I cannot consent to 
 follow. 
 
 With reference to the case of Meerza Hashem Khan, lately appointed 
 British Vakeel* at Shiraz, I am quite ready to answer any arguments which 
 your Highness can advance against the appointment, Avhen you bring them 
 forward in the customary form on the part of the Persian Government. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 51. 
 The Sadr Azim to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) November 6, 1865; 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of this date. You expressed 
 surprise that I had communicated to His Majesty the Shah, my Royal Master, 
 
 ♦ Agent. 
 
the contents of your letter. I believe I have frequently informed you, both in 
 writin,«- and verbally, that in all matters of business, especially in affivirs 
 connected with the Foreign Department, I am charged to submit the entire 
 questions to the Shah; and the practice existing in this country no wa,y 
 resembles the usages prevalent in Europe. Kcither is that attention which His 
 Majesty pays to the administration of his country derogatory to his Royal 
 dignity; nor is the obedience and submission which I practise unsuitable 
 to°the position and office which I hold. What indeed causes surprise is, that 
 your Excellency should, in your official letter, write that, by the orders of Her 
 Majesty's Government, Meerza Hashem Khan, who is in the pay of this 
 Government, has been appointed Agent to the Mission at Shiraz, and 
 that you should expect me to consent to such a strange and serious matter 
 without the knowledge of Hi:- Majesty the Shah, and to admit tho_ right 
 of the Mission to have an /vgent in Shiraz, which is not granted in the 
 
 Treaty. 
 
 In short, with regard to Meerza Hashem Khan, the case is just as I 
 before stated ; I again repeat it by the Shah's orders : If Meerza Hashem 
 Khan should start for any place as a servant of the Mission, against the 
 inclination of the Shah, by His iMajesty's orders he will be prevented ; and any 
 disagreeable consequences which may arise from such a proceeding will rest 
 with that person who commits an irregularity by taking the initiative in a 
 matter which is contrary to right. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) IIonald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 51. 
 Mr. Murray to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 November 8, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE i-eceived your Highness' letter of November 6. in which you say 
 that 1 expressed my surprise at your having communicated to His Majesty the 
 Shah the contents of my despatch. If your Highness will take the trouble to 
 read my despatch you will see that I never said anything of tlie kind. I 
 expressed my surprise and my disapproval at the course you had folio ived in 
 drawing the Shah in person into a discussion which, according to established 
 custom, ought to be carried on between your Highness and mj'self on the part 
 of our respective Governments. And your Highness is quite mistaken in 
 supposing that the customs of Enjjland and of Persia are different in this 
 respect, for in truth they are exactly the same. In both countries the Vizier 
 submits to the Sovereign the despatches received from and addressed to 
 foreign Missions, and, having received the Royal commands, writes accordingly 
 in his own name and that of his Government, without drawing the Royal name 
 and dignity into the discussion. Such has always been the practice, and I hope 
 your Highness will conform to it. It is indeed a matter of regret to me in this 
 instance to reflect that your Highness' last despatch will, in course of time, be 
 submitted to the Queen ; for it cannot fail to alter the opinion which my 
 late reports will have led Her Majesty to form of the friendship entertained 
 by your Highness for Her Majesty's Government ; for it clearly appears, by the 
 kind of threat held out in your Highness' despatch, that in a matter 
 of the most trifling importance, and Avhich your Highness could have 
 explained satisfactorily in a few words to His Majesty the Shah, you arc 
 prepared to sacrifice the friendship happily existing between tlie two 
 countries, which you have so lately pretended a desire to cement by a still 
 closer alliance. 
 
 The next argument of your Highness is still more extraordinary and 
 unfounded. Y"ou pretend to find it strange that I should inform you of 
 the appointment of an Agent of the British Government at Shiraz, as if it 
 were something new, and not before known to the Persian Government ; 
 whereas it is perfectly weU known to your Highness that although, by 
 Treaty, Bushire, Tabreez, and Tehran, are the only places in Persia where 
 British Consular Agents can reside, the British Mission has for many years 
 
 L2 
 
76 
 
 entertained Agents in Shiraz, Ispahan and other cities of Persia, to assist 
 British subjects in their attairs, and to transmit to tlic Mission intelligence ol" 
 passing events. Although these Agents have not the privileges of Consuls, 
 they have always been treated with courtesy by the Local Governors ; and 
 it is not long since your Highness yourself, in respect of a coniniercial dispute 
 at Ispahan, ordered an ijlas* to be held, at which the British Agent was 
 present, to attend to the claims of the British subjects interested. As these 
 things are perfectly familiar to your Highness, of what avail is it to v.aste 
 your own time and mine by pretending that the appointment of an Agent 
 of this class at Shiraz is unknown to the Persian Government and contrary to 
 Treaty .' 
 
 I come now to the special case of Meerza Hashem Khan. Your 
 Highness has more than once insisted that he is in the service of the 
 Shah, and in tlie receipt of a salary for service. It is my duty to inform 
 your Highness that since I have been in Persia, and for some time previous, 
 he has neither been in the Koyal service nor has he received a farthing of 
 salary. It may be the case that your Highness has desii'ed that the 
 beratst for his pay shouUl still be made out, and that his name should be 
 kept on the books of the AVar Otlice as if he were still in the service, on 
 purpose to keep up this discussion with tlie British Mission, although you were 
 well aware that he would not receive the pay nor re-enter the service ; and that 
 in fact he never had any office or military charge in the AYar Department 
 whatsoever. 
 
 Your Highness has stated to me that no servant of the Persian 
 Government can be considered as having left the service unless he can 
 produce a paper oi dismissal. I have made extensive inquiry, lioth among 
 Europeans here and Persians, and I find these papers of dismissal, so far 
 from being an universal custom, are of extremely rare occurrence ; if a 
 servant is to be dismissed, the common practice seems to be tliat a superior 
 officer tells him to go about his business, and he goes away without receiving 
 any paper at all. I am aware that your Highness argues that in Persia a 
 servant cannot leave his employment without the consent of the Government ; 
 your Highness will excuse me if I decline to accept this proposition. I am well 
 aware that in the army those who are recruited must serve, whether they will 
 or no, unless they can pay the redemption money ; and I know also that a slave 
 must serve whether he Avill or no, whetlier he be satisfied or dissatisfied with his 
 condition : but if your Highness argues that a Persian, not only born free, but 
 of good and respectable family, finding himself in an employment where his 
 salary is insufficient for his maintenance, or the labours are too great for his 
 strength, cannot present his resignation and seek employment elsewhere, you 
 leave no distinction between him and the slave. It may, indeed, be true, either 
 in the llo^al service, or in that of your Highness, that if you had a pish- 
 khidmet,J or any other servant to whom you gave an insufficient salary, and 
 that he came to you to ask for an increase of pay in order that he and his 
 family might eat bread, it is in your power, instead of either letting the man 
 .seek service elsewhere or increasing his pay, to beat and imprison -him, and 
 force him to work unpaid and unhappy. 1 say that your Highness might have 
 the power to do this, but it Avould be o])pression, and not right or law ; and I 
 feel assured that His Majesty the Shah is too humane to permit such proceed- 
 ings, and your Highness too enlightened to ).>ractise them. 
 
 !Xow the case of Meerza Hashem Khan is something of this nature ; he 
 found his salary too small for his necessary maintenance, and he applied to your 
 Highness for an increase. Your Highness did not think fit to grant his petition ; 
 but you informed him " that you would not give him any more salary, and that 
 he might go about his business, and get more where he could." Such is the 
 answer that your Highness told me yourself, in presence of a member of this 
 Mission, you had given to the Meerza ; he considered this as a dismissal, and 
 from that time never asked for nor received any pay from the Government. It 
 is also quite evident that at that season, and also at the time of my arrival in 
 Tehran, your Highness did not consider the Meerza as one of the actual servants 
 of the Government, otherwise you would certainly have applied to Mr. 
 Thomson, and afterwards to myself, to induce him to return to the duties of his 
 service. 
 
 * Commission of Inquiry. t QoTeminent bills. t Upper servant. 
 
From all these circumstances, with which I have trouI)led your Highness in 
 detail, it is clear that I, on findini;- :Mcerza llashoui Khan residing in the 
 Mission on my arrival, and knowing that he had been more than a year out of 
 the pay and employment of the Government, had just the same right to engage 
 his services on the part of the British Government as I had to engage those 
 of any Meerza, pish-khidmet, or other Persian subject in Tehran. 
 
 in obedience to the instruction of Her Majesty's Government, I have 
 given him his tezkereh^' as British Agent a^ Sliiniz, and your Highness well 
 knows that in that town, or on the road, or in his own house, he is as com- 
 pletely under the protection of the British Hag as if he were within the walls of 
 the Mission. If your Highness, therefore, causes him to be impeded or molested 
 in the discharge of his duties, the responsibility of tlie !;eiious consequences 
 which must ensue will fall on your Highness. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 ^Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 6 in Ni>. 5 1 . 
 The Sadr Az'nn to Mr. Murray. 
 
 Translation.) 30 Spfcr, 1:27-'. {November 11, 1«55.) 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 8th instant. Although 
 the proper and distinct answer to this question is exactly that contained in my 
 letters of the 5th and Gth, and justice does not leave any room for discussion 
 in the matter ; still, for making the arguments more perfect, and to elucidate 
 the case, by the Shah's orders, I beg to trouble you with this last letter in full 
 detail. 
 
 You stated that the customs in this respect, that is, in diplomatic affairs, 
 were similar in Europe to those in force in Persia ; and that in Europe also, the 
 commands of the Sovereign were received with obedience and submission. Such 
 heing so clearly the case, and both of us Ijeing aware of the fact, it is quite 
 unnecessary that we should involve ourselves in troublesome discussions on the 
 subject. But as your Excellency admits this point you ought not to have felt 
 surprised that His Majesty the Shah should liave personally taken a part in the 
 discussion, because this is not the first instance of this rule having been adopted, 
 nor is it an innovation. If you will take the trouble to refer to the letters in 
 your office received from the Persian Ministers, you will certainly perceive that 
 in a great number of these connnunications, expressions such as these are used : 
 — " i have to inform you, by order of His jMajesty the Shah,"' or, " I have laid 
 your letter before the Shah, and His Majesty has commanded me to give tlie 
 following reply." More than this, it has often happened that copies of the 
 Shah's autograph notes addressed to me, have been inclosed in my letters, and 
 even the original autographs have frequently been transmitted for the informa- 
 tion of the Chief of the Mission. At all events, whether the customs in Europe 
 in this respect are the same, or whether they are different, in this country the 
 source from which originate all commands, both trifling and of great importance, 
 is the person of His Majesty the Shah-in-Shah (may our souls be his sacrifice !), 
 and all the letters written by this Government tend to prove that such is the 
 case. Since things existed this has always been the practice in this country ; 
 and hereafter never will any change be allowed to take place. After all, the 
 execution of the Shah's orders only, and the discussion of all matters, depend 
 upon the Chief Minister of the State, and in foreign affairs the Foreign 
 Minister shares with him his duty. 
 
 You also write that I had evinced a desire to strengthen the bonds of 
 friendshi]) between the two Governments: this had no reference whatever 
 to any former official agreement, and 1 do not understand your object. 
 
 * Passport. 
 
78 
 
 This can only be explained wben I see you, and discuss the matter verbally 
 Avith you. But with regard to your statement, that you regretted that the 
 letter 1 had written by the Shah's commands would alter the opinion which Her 
 Majesty the Queen of England would have f(3rmed of my friendship for the 
 British Government from your letters to the Government : indeed, the expres- 
 sion of regret and surprise should come from me, because, from the day that I 
 assumed the office of Sadr Azim, up to the present time, on every occasion 
 I have clearly proved the strong desire by which [ am actuated sincerely to 
 cement the friendship between the two countries; and it is as clear as daylight 
 that in justice no doubt can be entertained of this. But this circumstance 
 cannot be made an argument that I should abolish the old-established 
 customs of Persia. Certainly, Her Majesty the Queen, mIio takes a friendly 
 interest in Persian affairs, in.stead of desiring that other regulations should be 
 added to those now existing for the benefit of this country, will not alter her 
 opinion of me for having preserved an old and wise rule observed in Persia, and 
 necessary for the independence of this nation, and that Her Majesty will still 
 retain the opinion of my friendship which she has formed from your previous 
 letters, because she cannot wish to see this country thrown into a state of 
 confusion. It is clear that the foundations of friend.ship are strengthened for 
 the purpose of increasing the prosperity and improving the state of this country, 
 not with a view to abolishing those laws which at present exist. 
 
 With regard to your Agents in the Persian Provinces besides Tabreez and 
 Bushire, you have written at some length. I confess that I never supposed you 
 would write what is irregular and not just, and insert it in an official letter. 
 The Persian Ministers have never yet recognised any official agent on the part 
 of the Mission excepting in the places above named, and they will not give their 
 consent to such appointments ; nor have they ever given any document or 
 even letter of reconraiendation to these persons. If the Mis.sion is in possession 
 of any such paper let it be produced, that the Persian Minister may see it. 
 The British Government and its Mission have agents, secret and recognised, in 
 every part of the world, some of Avhom are merchants, others travellers, and 
 others again news writeis ; and all these people, in consideration of the friend- 
 ship felt for the British Government, receive protection. If the British Govern- 
 ment have an agent in a particular town, it is no proof that they are formally 
 entitled to appoint him, and the Persian Ministers have never, in any way, 
 aduiitted this right, nor will tht-y do so. Any agents which the Mission may 
 keep in any other towns except those already specified, have been maintained 
 with so much secresy that once, when in friendly conversation I mentioned the 
 name of one of those persons to Sir Justin Sheil as being in his employment 
 he denied it, and .said that he had no one of that description hi his pay. With 
 regard to the Ijlas* of merchants in Ispahan, I do not even know the name of 
 the Mission Agent in that place, and up to the present time I have never heard 
 of such a thing. How, then, can it be that, as you state, the Mission Agent was 
 present at that meeting ? If this is true, of course you have some documentary 
 evidence to produce from me. Let it be brought forth, that the truth may be 
 known. 
 
 But now, with reference to the matter of INIeerza Hashem Khan, and 
 what you have written- that when you came to Persfa and for some time 
 previously, that person Avas neither in the service of the Persian Government 
 nor had he received one penny of pay. 1 never pretended that Meerza Hashem 
 Khan received pay Avhile he was in the Mission. When he refuses to obey and 
 to serve, and takes up his residence in the Mission-house, it is perfectly clear 
 that his pay will not be sent to the Mission as an offering to him. His salary 
 bills were not issued, as you suppose, nor was his name inserted in the army list 
 for the purpose of keeping up the discussion with the Mission. Before he went 
 to the Mission, every year his bills were drawn out by the chief of the depart- 
 ment and given to him, and he used to go himself and have them registered and 
 then encashed ; but after his entering the Mission, the bills were still issued, 
 remaining, however, in the hands of the Chief, as Meerza Hashem Khan was 
 not there to receive them and get them registered. If the intention had been 
 to keep up the discussion with the Mission, how easy it would have becu to have 
 had his bills registered also. His being in the Military Department is a thing 
 
 * Conimission of Inquiry. 
 
79 
 
 well known to every one, and his position, as an officer, preelndes him from 
 paying- money and procuring- a substitute. Even this is unfounded, for no 
 sei-bauz, after he has entered the army, and liis name is enrolled in the lists, can 
 possibly place another in his stead and leave the regiment, nor can any parallel 
 be drawn between Meerza Hashem Khan and a pish-khidmet* or any other 
 servant. When a child, he was in the private apartments of the late Shah's 
 establishment, and accompanied the present Shah when he went to Tabreez. He 
 was afterwards, when tha Shah ascended the throne, a pish-kidmet for some time, 
 but was placed, at his own desire in the War Department. Holding tnis post 
 he fled to the Mission and took sanctuary there, and has remained there ever 
 since. With regard to Persians who are free-born and are of respectable family, 
 whose pay does not suffice for their maintenance, or who are not equal to the 
 duties required from them, not being allowed to resign the service and seek 
 employment elsewhere, and yom- observation that, ii' such is the case, there is no 
 difference between them and a slave, I have to state that the position of a subject 
 and servant of the Shah towards his master, has, in many respects, a \-ery great 
 resemblance to that of a slave ; and no one, in thu fiice of the Sliah's wishes, 
 can assume to himself any liberty of action. It is clear that if a law is estj,- 
 blished permitting all those who are dissatisfied with the amount of their pay to 
 resign and seek ser"ice elsewhere, in a short time all discipline in this country 
 would be at an end; and a soldier who receives annually only seven or eight 
 tomauns pay, were he to receive from the Mission twelve or fourteen, and were 
 the Mission to pay the Colonels and other officers, Mustoofees,t and Secretaries 
 at War, who receive, more or less, from 500 to 1,000 tomauns, twice the amount 
 of their pay, or half as much again, it would not take long for the Government 
 to find itself without a single servant, and the Mission premises would soon 
 swell to the size of a very large city. The Persian Government would never 
 have in its power to submit to such a proceeding. If Meerza Hashem Khan 
 once asked for an increase of pay, and it were refused, nothing very extra- 
 ordinary happened. The Persian Ministers did not consider his services deserving- 
 of an increase of pay, and they therefore refused his demand ; instead of going 
 to the Mission and giving you all this trouble, he ought to have devoted his 
 time to the duties of his post, and made himself worthy of higher pay and the 
 favour of his Majesty. You state that I had said to Meerza Hashem Khan, 
 that his pay would not be raised, and that he might go and serve Avhere he wished : 
 and that he had considered this equal to a dismissal. I said to him his salary 
 would not be increased at present, and that he might go and petition his master, 
 the Shah ; and such a reply from me cannot be considered as a dismissal. 
 Meerza Hashem Khan, and persons of respectable family like him, when dismissed, 
 must either be told that his services are dispensed with by the Shah in person, or 
 orders are given, and his dismissal is issued in writing. What you say, 1 hat if I 
 had considered this person in the service I would have referred to Mr. Thomson, 
 or afterwards to you, to induce him to return to his duties, require some remarks. 
 In the first place, it is not the case that I had no discussion with Mr. Thomson 
 regarding him. Mr. Thomson several times wished to send him with an employe 
 of the Mission to me, that I might overlook his past conduct and intercede for him 
 with the Shah ; but 1 did not agree to this. I replied, that if he came to me, with- 
 out the interference of the Mission, I would overlook the past, and treat him in 
 future with kindness, in the same manner as the Persian Ministers had shown great 
 kindness to a number of persons, among others, to Abbas Koolee Khan, Larijanee, 
 to Koocheek Khan, and Hoossein Khan, who had gone without reason into the 
 sanctuary of the Mission ; but afterwards, without the intervention of the 
 Mission, had left it. Moreover, the affair of Meerza Hashem Khan had been 
 terminated between Mr. Thomson and myself; and I do not know why 
 the question has been again brought forward, and a reference again made 
 to the past. Secondly, as the Persian Ministers have found by experience that 
 whenever they advance claims wh'.ch are just and clear it produces no impression, 
 and they are not be'ieved, and the Mission holds its own pretensions, right or 
 wrong, with greeit obstinacy — not viewing the matter with the eyes of justice, 
 and as 1 am unwilling to enter into discussions and disputes, for these reasons, 
 
 * Upper Servant. f Accountants in the Treasury. 
 
80 
 
 1 refrain always as much as possible from commencing altercations of this 
 description. If this had not been the ease, a discussion would have been com- 
 menced by me reg-arding Mcerza Hassan, who is now in the Mission, and has 
 no reason whatever for remaining tliere. Thirdly, if out of respect for the 
 Mission, Mecrza Hashem Klian or others, while they remain in the Mission- 
 house, are not molested, it is no evidence of the weakness of this Government 
 in the control of their servants. 
 
 You also state that when you came to Tehran you found Tileerza Hashem 
 Khan in the Mission, where he had resided for a year, and that you were as 
 much justified in engaging him as a servant of the British Government as you 
 would have been at liberty to engage the services of any other Meerza or 
 Persian subject in Tehran. T have already mentioned that this person is in the 
 position of a man who has disobeyed orders, and is a refugee in the Mission- 
 house, and your Excellency has no right on any plea to engage a servant of 
 this Government in the pay of the Shah. But, yes, you have a right to employ 
 any servant who is not a Government servant, and wlio is himself desirous to 
 serve in any ordinary post in the Mission which may be necessary, and such a 
 person has a right to accept such employuient. 
 
 Be this as it may, if your j^^xcellency, notwithstanding the just arguments 
 of the Persian Ministers, should still dispatch this person from Tehran to any 
 place whatsoever in the service of the Mission, T state to your Excellency dis- 
 tinctly that, by the orders of His Majesty the Shah, he will be seized, and any 
 grave consequences which may arise from this will rest with your Excellency. 
 But if he should himself leave the Mission like Abbas Koolee Khan, Koocheek 
 Khan, and Hoossein Khan, and others, who without reason took sanctuary in 
 the Mission, and afterwards left it without the intervention of the Mission, and 
 were treated with kindness, he also will be kindly treated. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronai-d F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 7 in No. 51. 
 Mr. Murray to the »Sffdr Azim. 
 
 November 14, 1856, 
 I HAVE received your Highness' letter of the 11th of November, and it 
 requires a very brief I'eply, as all that your Highness has advanced has been 
 already answered in my last despatch. The only point to which it is necessary 
 to call your Highness" special attention is the fact and the manner of Meerza 
 Hashem Khan's dismissal from the Persian service. Your Highness states in 
 your letter that when iMeerza Hashem Khan solicited an increase of pay, you 
 told him that his salary would not be increased at " present," and "that he 
 might go and petition his master the Shah." Now I beg to inform your 
 Highness that these last expressions quoted were never made use of until they 
 were written in your last letter. Your Higliness' answer, as delivered to the 
 Meerza and as stated by yourself to me, Avas that his pay would not be raised 
 a farthing, and that he might go about his business and get more where he 
 could. This answer from a Prime Minister in this country, as in all other 
 countries, amounts to a dismissal, or, at all events, to a permission to seek 
 service elsewhere, and the Meerza in seeking service in this Mission did no 
 more than obey your Highness' orders. If, as your letter states, it was out 
 of your power to dismiss a public servant without the Shah's commands, 
 it is evident that you used those expressions either with or without His 
 Majesty's permission : if you used them with that permission, then the 
 man was legitimately dismissed ; if your Highness used them without that 
 permission, and thereby committed a breach of the rules of the Persian service, 
 that is an affair which it rests with your Highness to settle with the Shah. 
 
 But, as I said before, those expressions used by your Highness were con- 
 
81 
 
 sidered l)y the Meerza <as an order or permission to retire from the pnblic 
 service, and to seek liis wages elsewhere; they were so considered by this 
 Mission and by Her jNIajesty's Government, and consequently tlie Meerza was 
 taken into the British service. Your Highness writes, indeed, about his having 
 abandoned his post in the Military Department, but it is well known to you that 
 he never held any military post, rank, or charge whatever. Your Highness has 
 written a great many words about this Mission, by offers of high pay, taking 
 away hundreds of Persian officers froni the public service ; if these words were 
 not in a public despatch, 1 should suppose your Highness to be joking, for you 
 well know that this Mission has never taken nor wishes to take a single officer 
 from the Persian service, and that our Persian employes amount to a certain 
 number, which we neither wish to increase nor diminish. 
 
 I return therefore to the principal topic of this correspondence, which is to 
 renew to your Highness a clear and unequivocal statement that Meerza Hashem 
 Khan having been taken into the service of this Mission, and by the special 
 order of Her Majesty's Government, I shall employ him here or elsewhere in 
 Persia as the service of the Mission may require, and if the Persian Government 
 seize or molest him in the discharge of his duties, the consequences of such a 
 l)roceeding, which will be the same as seizing any other employe of the Mission, 
 are well known to your Highness. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 8 in l^o. 51. 
 The Sadr Azim to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) November 15, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of yesterday's date, regarding 
 Meei'za Hashem Khan, and it also has been perused by His Majesty the Shah. 
 By His Majesty's orders, I beg to state in reply, that there is no necessity for 
 writing at any length. The answer is exactly tliat contained in my letter o^ the 
 4th November, which was written from the Royal autograph. Any consequences 
 arising from Meerza Hashem Khan, a servant of this Govcinment, will rest 
 with that person who illegally commits an act at variance with the customs of 
 this country. 
 
 With regard to the verbal communication, which I do not recollect in the 
 least, your Excellency has written a good deal. My engagements in official 
 business are confined to those which are contained in official documents. Any- 
 thing which I may have written, or you may write, will be considered as binding 
 and received in evidence. As the affairs of Meerza Hashem Khan were entirely 
 terminated between me and Mr. Thomson, I do not trouble you further, and 
 these few lines have been perused solely for your information, 
 '^rranslated bj' 
 (Signed) Ronald P. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 9 in 'No. 51. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 November IG, 1855. 
 IT is my duty to inform your Highness that the day before yesterday 
 a complaint was made to me by Meerza Hashem Khan, lately taken into 
 tiie service of this Mission, that his wife was forcibly detained and 
 imprisoned in tlie house of Sultan Hoossein ]\leerza by order of the Persian 
 Government. 
 
 On inquiry into the parti<^vilars of his complaint, I learnt tliat this seizure 
 and detention of his wiie nas occasioned l)y his having taken service under 
 
 M 
 
82 
 
 this Mission, and that she was threatened, if he did not leave the British service 
 and protection, that she woukl be forcibly divorced from him. 
 
 As I could not believe, without full evidence, that the Persian Government 
 was capable of conduct so contrary to all the rules of law and justice, I sent 
 Meerza Hashem Khan yesterday, accompanied by two employes of the Mission, 
 to the house of Sultan Hoossein Meerza, to demand that his wife might be 
 restored to him. His Highness positively refused to do so. Upon this Meerza 
 Hashem Khan produced and showed to him the fetwahs* of two of the principal 
 Mooshtehidsf in Tehran, proving to him the illegality of his proceedings. 
 He replied, that he was perfectly aware of the law on the subject, but that 
 he was acting under orders Avhich he could not disobey, and that if any 
 further explanation were required, application must be made to your 
 Highness. 
 
 It must be some secret and malignant enemy of your Highness who has 
 persuaded you to order or to sanction this most irregular and unjust proceeding, 
 which is at once an affront to a friendly Government and a flagrant violation 
 of the laws of Islam, Those who have evinced their courage in threatenins: 
 and terrifying an imprisoned woman, will scarcely have the courage to avow 
 that, by the Persian laws, a wife not charged Avith any crime can lawfully be 
 withheld from her husband, or that she can be forcibly divorced by command 
 of any third party, without the consent of her husband. 
 
 It is not, however, my object at present to comment upon any acts of 
 injustice committed by the Persian Government, so long as they do not affect 
 persons connected with this Mission ; but as in the present case the complainant 
 is in the employment and under the protection of the British Government, and 
 as on that very ground his wife is forcibly imprisoned and withheld from him, 
 it is my duty to request that your Highness will give immediate orders for the 
 lady's liberation and restoration to her husband. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 10 in No. 51. 
 The Sadr Azim to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) November 17, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of yesterday's date. As the 
 subject of which it treats touches on a discussion regarding ladies — moreover 
 those connected with the Royal harem, and clashes with the honour of His 
 Majesty ; and as the discussion of such a subject is not only extremely delicate, 
 and not to be thought of in this country, but is also unprecedented, I have 
 always myself avoided doing so, and liave never allowed myself even to con- 
 template the matter, far less to make it a subject of a correspondence Avith any 
 person being a foreigner, and the Representative of a foreign Government. 
 
 It being quite out of my power to discuss this matter in any Ava}', and 
 more especially in an official correspondence, I therefore, Avith the greatest 
 respect, beg to state this much in reply to your Excellency, that I am excused 
 from considering your letter as an official communication, and that I am in 
 duty bound lo look upon it as if it had never been received. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Religious decrees. f High-priests. 
 
83 
 
 Inclosure 11 in No. 51. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 November 17, 1855, 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Highness' despatch dated 
 17th ITovember ; and in reply, to inform your Highness that, although you are 
 pleased to state that, on account of the nature of the subject of which it treats, 
 you cannot consider my despatch of the 16th as official, it is my duty to state, 
 that not only is it official but that the continuance of the friendly relations 
 existing between the Persian Government and this Mission depend upon the 
 answer which your Highness gives to the demand contained in it, and renewed 
 in wliat I now write. 
 
 Your Highness truly says that an official discussion concerning ladies, and 
 especially ladies connected with the Royal " anderoon," is a matter of extreme 
 delicacy, and without precedent, I grant it ; but I add, that, however 
 unbecoming or precedented it may be, the blame of it rests with those who 
 have provoked it ; for it is also unbecoming and unprecedented that the Persian 
 Government should give orders for the forcible detention and imprisonment of 
 the wife of an employe in this Mission, 
 
 Your Highness well knows that the protection enjoyed by employes in this 
 and other foreign Missions, extends to their houses and family ; and the Persian 
 Government, in seizing and imprisoning the wife of Meerza Hashem Khan, 
 has offered the same affront to Her Majesty's Government as if they had seized 
 ' and imprisoned the Meerza himself, which last step your Highness has informed 
 me officially that you would take if I sent him on the duty to which he has 
 been appointed. Although I do not intend to enter into any further discussion 
 on this matter, I wish to give your Highness full time to consider the con- 
 sequences of the decision to which you may come ; and I therefore now officially 
 inform you that if, by 12 o'clock on Monday next, the wife of Meerza Hashem 
 Khan is not set free and restored to her husband, the flag of the Mission will 
 be hauled down, and the responsibility of the interruption of friendly relations 
 between the British and the Persian Governments will rest on those who have 
 caused it, by an act of flagrant and unprecedented injustice. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Eonald F, Thomson. 
 
 No. 52. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 1, 1856.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, November 20, 1855. 
 
 IN continuation of the matter contained in my despatch of the 17th 
 instant, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that yesterday Prince Seif- 
 ed-dowleh Meerza called upon me on the part of the Sadr Azim and discussed 
 at length the case of Meerza Hashem Klian. He said that with regard to the 
 liberating of the Meerza's wife and restoring her to her husband, there would be 
 no difficulty about it, and it might be effected immediately ; but in that case 
 he wished to know what I meant to do in respect to the Meerza liimself. 1 
 replied that T should send him to Shiraz in obedience to the instructions of 
 Her Majesty's Government. To tliis he replied that such a proceeding would 
 be very painful to the Shah and to the Persian Government, after all the corre- 
 pondence that had taken place, and asked me whether there was no course which 
 I could suggest by which a satisfactory arrangement might be effected. To this 
 I replied tliat, in order to show that it was not my Mish to drive matters to 
 extremes, I was ready to restore Meerza Hashem Khan to the Persian service, 
 provided the Persian Government, after having liberated his wife, offered 
 to the Meerza a salary somewliat better than that attached to our Shiraz 
 Agency, and gave me a document assuring its continuance and the safety 
 of the Meerza's person, family, &c, The proposals made by the Prince on 
 
 2M 
 
•84 
 
 the part of the Government were reasonable, and indeed liberal, so I agreed 
 to allow him to negotiate an amica])le arrangement of the affair on this 
 basis. 
 
 As our eonversation had been of some duration, and the hour of noon 
 fixed in my despatch to the Scdr Azim as the time at which my Hag Avould 
 be struclv if the Mecrza's wife were not liberated, was near at hand, he asked 
 for two hours' delay in order that the Shah's pleasure might be taken ; to this 
 I acceded. Just as the time had elapsed, and the Meerza was on his way to 
 demand his wife, a messenger came down post haste from the Prince asking 
 for two hours' more delay, on the plea that His INIajesty had been out riding 
 and had only just returned; to this I again acceded. 
 
 Whether the Persian Government considered these concessions of delay, 
 and my listening to their proposals of a compromise, as a proof of A\eakness 
 or hesitation, I know not ; but certain it is that when, a little l)ef()re sunset, 
 the Meerza went to demand his wife's liberation, it was peremptorily refused, 
 and an answer given that it coidd not be done without an order from the Sadr 
 Azim. On receiving this intelligence, just as I was about to give an order for 
 striking the flag, Hyder Effendi, the Ottoman Charge d'Affaires, came to me 
 on the part of Sadr Azim, with whom he had discussed tlie whole affair ; he 
 acknowledged that, in his own opinion, 1 was entirely in the right, and the 
 conduct of the Persian Government in seizing and imprisoning the Meerza's 
 wife entirely indefensible ; but he entreated me to defer striking my flag till 
 the following morning, in order that he might have time to go back to the 
 palace and persuade the Persian Government to send back the Meerza's wife, 
 the same evening, under charge of her brother, to her husband's house. To 
 this I replied that, althougli the behaviour of the Sadr in this matter deserved 
 and would obtain from me no such concession, out of my regard for Hyder 
 Eflfendi himself, and my respect for the office which he held, I agreed to his 
 request, and he left me to return to the Sadr. .^bmit 10 r.M. I received a note 
 from him, saying that the Sadr could do nothing in the matter, as the Shah was 
 on a visit to his mother, and he asked for twenty-four hours' more delay ; I 
 received, also, about the same hour, a private lujte from M. IJouree urging mo 
 in the strongest terms to give a further delay of a few days. To these two 
 notes I replied by expressing my regret that it was out of my power to agree 
 to the suggestions contained in them, as the pretexts and subterfuges to which 
 the Persian Government had had recourse during the preceding three days, 
 proved to me that they had no intention of acceding to my just and peremptory 
 demand for the liberation of the Meerza's wife. 
 
 I regret very much that it has been out of my power in this instance to 
 adopt the views and counsel of my French colleague, but in this case I held the 
 maintenance of the rights and honour of this Mission to be a consideration of 
 higher importance than the inconveniences which might be consequent upon 
 the temporary suspension of relations with the Persian Government, and 
 accordingly this morning I have struck my flag. 
 
 Although I feel fully assured of your Lordship's support and approbation 
 upon the grounds heretofore set forth, yet in full justification of a nieasure so 
 serious and so contrary to my own wishes and those of Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment, I am compelled to state additional grounds which I would gladly have 
 Avithheld from the pages of an oflicial correspondence. 1 refer to tliie lan- 
 guage held by the Sadr Azim, both verbally and in writing, respecting myself 
 and other members of tliis Mission. His Highness on h\o several occasions 
 has said to two European gentlemen, both holding official situations at Tehran, 
 that the reason why Mr. Thomson first took Meerza Hashem Khan into the 
 Mission and retained him under protection, was that he had an intrigue with the 
 Meerza's wife ; he has also stated more lately the same thing of myself as my 
 reason for continuing the protection and employment of the IMeerza, and he has 
 .spread this report throughout the whole of the Shah"s palace. Now, my Lord, 
 as this cdumny is as gross and groundless in both cases as if it had been 
 directed against the character of the Sadr's own mother, I respectfully ask your 
 Lordship whether such (conduct on the part of Sadr, the unjustifiable slander of 
 a lady so nearly related to the Shah, and the attribution of such motives for my 
 puldic conduct anil that of Mr. Thomson, are not most ortensive, reprehensible, 
 and hypo:;ritical actions, when proceeding from the Prime Minister, who penned 
 
85 
 
 the inclosure in my despatch of the 17th instant, in which he says that he never 
 woukl dare to speak, much less to write, on matters so delicate as those in 
 which the Harem is concerned .' 
 
 I have yet to add, that only yesterday the Sadr addressed to me a 
 despatch most offensive and unhecoming, in which allusion, or rather insinua- 
 tion, respecting- the same subject occurs, and a threat is held out that if I strike 
 my Hag- his Highness will be compelled to make certain disclosures, 8ic. 
 
 I appeal t<) your Lordship whether, under these calumnies, these personal 
 affronts to myself, and these insults to the Mission, above all, under the threat 
 above alluded to, I should have been worthy to hold the charge intrusted to me 
 if 1 had hesitated to strike a flag which had been so grossly and unjustifiably 
 insulted ? 
 
 The despatch in which the offensive passage above alluded to occurs, is not 
 inclosed in this despatch, liccausc t!ie Prince and another messenger from the 
 Court have been here this morning to inquire whether there are no means of 
 acconnnodating this dispute and arranging it so that the flag may be rehoisted 
 before the departure of tlie courier to-morrow. I have replied that after what 
 has passed, the dispute admits of no arrangement, unless as preliminary steps 
 the Mecrza's wife be restored to her husband, and the Sadr Azim comes to the 
 Mission in person to withdra\v his yesterday's despatch and to make me an 
 apology for writing it. On these conditions, I have agreed to rehoist the Hag 
 and not to forward to your Lordship a copy of the aforesaid despatch. 
 
 To-morrow I will not fail to send to your Lordship the latest accounts 
 of the progress of this affair. 
 
 No. ijS. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 1, 185G.) 
 
 (Extract*) Tehran, November 21, 1855. 
 
 1 HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that yesterday, alter 1 had 
 finished my ])receding dcspatcli, M. Bource dined and spent the evening with 
 me; before leaving he entreated me to allow him to make a last effort to 
 accommodate the pending dispute, so that my flag might be rehoisted before 
 the departure of the courier to-day at 12, and he asked me what terms I had 
 proposed or could propose. I told him those mentioned in the conclusion 
 of my despatch of yesterday to your Lordship. He said that the liberation of 
 the ^leerza's ^ife was indeed a necessary preliminary measure, but that he 
 thought that the forcing the Sadr to come here in person on such short notice, 
 to Avithdraw and apologise for his offensive despatch, was a humiliation some- 
 what hard to exact, and one to which the Persian Government could hardly be 
 expected to submit ; and he asked if I would not be satisfied if the Sadr Azim, 
 in lieu of coming in person, wrote to me officially this morning to retract and 
 withdraw his offensive despatch and to apologise for having written it. I replied 
 that I should not be satisfied, because in this city, when the British flag was 
 lowered, the Sadr Azim coming in person Avith fifty attendants, to make repara- 
 tion, would be a fact known to every one ; whereas, his written despatch would 
 he known to few, and among Persians he would not scruple to deny having 
 apologised at all. 
 
 M. Bouree entreated me to accept the written apology if it was sent. 
 Thus appealed to, I could not refuse his request, and I promised him 
 that if, before noon to-day, the Meerza"s wife was restored to her husband, 
 and I received a full written retractation of, and apology for, the offensive 
 despatch, I would not forAvard the latter to your Lordship, and I would resume 
 diplomatic relations with tiie Persian Court. 
 
 2 I'.M. — M. Bouree has just retui'ned from a lovig interview with tlie 
 Sadr, and has In'ought with him a letter of retractation jind apology for the 
 offensive disjjatch, which I might have accepted if the Meerza's wife had been 
 restored to her husband, which I had insisted on as a ])reliminary measure. 
 
86 
 
 Instead of this M. Bouree was bearer of a proposal that the Government 
 should place the lady in the house of her mother-in-law. To this I have 
 replied that I can no more admit the transfer of the wife from one relative's 
 house to another without her own consent, or that of her husband, than I can 
 admit the right of the Persian Government to imprison her where she now is, 
 and that 1 renew my demand for her restoration to her husband in his own 
 house as the sole basis of the resumption of negotiation. M. Bouree wished 
 me to wait while he wrote again to the Sadr, to renew a demand on this last 
 head. I told M. Bouree that I appreciated his well-intentioned endeavours, 
 but as this very proposal of the Sadr's had already been made and refused 
 twice, it proved to me that it was a mere pretext to gain time, and that 
 the courier must leave immediately. I would beg him simply to inform the 
 Sadr that I had declined the proposal, and that therefore his attempt at 
 mediation has failed. 
 
 P.S. — Under the existing circumstances, it is my duty to forward to your 
 Lordship the offensive despatch I have alluded to. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 53. 
 The Sadr Azim to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) November 19, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 17th instant. I have 
 been greatly surprised and puzzled to imagine why you have unjustly interfered 
 in and pressed an attair of sucli delicacy and danger that even I, the moment 
 I perceived it had reference to the Royal harem, and had given great offence 
 to His Majesty, immediately shunned, and avoided the matter completely. Far 
 less, then, ought a person Avho represents a foreign Government and country 
 to interfere on such a point. The question regarding Meerza Hashem Khan 
 himself, which has been under discussion between us, has not yet been 
 terminated ; and the Persian Ministers have never admitted that he is a servant 
 of the British INIission, nor will they ever admit such a thing. They still 
 consider him as a refugee Persian officer who has taken sanctuary in the 
 Mission, like Meerza Hassan, who is still within the precincts of the Mission, 
 and whom your Excellency unjustly protects. How, then, can the right to 
 protect the dependents of Meerza Hashem Khan be recognised ? Moreover, 
 no answer has yet been received from you to my last letter of the 15th instant; 
 and under these circumstances, by what right and on what grounds has a 
 new question been mooted, in which is involved the honour of His Majesty 
 the Shah? .Ul that was necessary in the shape of explanation and just 
 arguments was advanced by me with regard to Meerza Hashem Khan, and 
 if you will examine them with the eyes of justice, they are not without 
 reason. 
 
 If your Excellency, for ceiiain reasons, has overlooked the first question, 
 and persists in urging the second — which I have neither the power nor 
 permission to argue or touch upon ; nay, if, as stated in your letter under 
 acknowledgment, you should endanger the friendship which has endured for so 
 many years between Persia and England, I distinctly state to your Excellency 
 that even this will be fur the Persian Ministers easier than, hy agreeing to your 
 unjust proceeding, to submit to the serious confusions which would arise, and 
 which would endanger the independence of Persia ; nay, even the security of all 
 and sundry of its inhabitants. 
 
 In such an event, the Persian Ministers will have nothing for it but to state 
 what they have not yet considered it suitable to record in an official note, that 
 is, the true reason. They will then, being forced to the announcement, let the 
 foreign community in this country know, what they have not hitherto under- 
 stood, the laws of the Mahomedan religion, and the chaste desires of the 
 Persian people. They will refer the case to the justice of the British Ministers, 
 and hold your Excellency responsible for the consequences. 
 
87 
 
 p_g. — The British Ministers, as was once intimated to ns, are desirous 
 that the Persian Government should adopt measures for treating their subjects 
 and dependents in accordance with the principles of justice and equity, so that 
 people should not be forced, from injustice and oppression, to have recourse to 
 
 the sanctuary oi tue iviissiou, <iiiu lo give rise iv wo iiuk-ii iiouuie ; uin luey 
 were not aware of the fact that persons seek the asylum of the Mission premises, 
 not against injustice, but to procure an increase of pay, or station, or with 
 some other idea, and in this way caused annoyance. At all events I am always 
 ready to discuss, in this present case or in any other, either ver])ally or in 
 writing, when your Excellency has just arguments to advance, and I am 
 prepared to trouble you with verbal communications. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Eonald F. Thomson. 
 
 No. 54. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, January 4, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your despatches of the 17th and 20th of November, 
 reporting in detail your differences with the Persian Government on account 
 of their refuStM to acknowledge Hashem Khan as British Agent at Shiraz ; and 
 I have to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government approve of your 
 striking your ilag and no longer listening to the request for delay before 
 resorting to that measure. 
 
 No. 
 
 55. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 14.) 
 
 My Lord, Constantinople, January 3, 1856. 
 
 THE Persian Charge d'AfFaircs, acting under the instructions of his 
 Government, sought an interview with me the day before yesterday. His 
 object was to deliver a letter and accompanying note addressed to me by 
 the Persian Grand Vizier, with reference to Mr. Murray's late proceedings 
 and their present termination in his departure from Persia. He had no 
 authority to enter into the merits of the question with me, and your 
 Lordship is aware that 1 have no such authority myself. He expressed 
 the deepest regret that any misunderstanding should have taken place 
 between his Government and Her Majesty's l^epresentative. It was 
 evidently expected that I should interfere to effect a reconciliation without 
 any surrender of the Persian pretension. It would, indeed, be highly 
 gratifying to me if I could in any becoming way be instrumental to the 
 re-establishment, on proper grounds, of a good understanding between the 
 estranged parties ; and I am persuaded that the French Ambassador would 
 willingly assist in the accomplishment of so good a work. Having occasion to 
 see his Excellency yesterday, I found the Persian Charge d'Affaires engaged in 
 talking over the subject with him, and I availed myself of the opportunity to 
 repeat what I had stated before to the latter, namely, that I had no control over 
 Mr. Murray's proceedings, that I joined with him in regretting an incident which 
 was anything but opportune, and could only hope that the Persian Government 
 would prove the sincerity of its assurances by enabling Mr. Murray to return to 
 Tehran with satisfaction, reserving the power, if necessary and desirable, of 
 appealing to Her Majesty's Government for a final decision on the point in 
 dispute. 
 
8,% 
 
 Inclosed herewith, in cop}-, are (he letter^ Mhioh T have received from the 
 Persian Sadr Azim. A rumour prevails that Mr, IMurray is on his way to 
 Samsooii . 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLTFFE. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 55. 
 Tlie Persian Prime Minister to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Translation.) Novemher 29, 1855. 
 
 THE intelligence of your Excellency's personal well-being, and the reputa- 
 tion of your distinguished qualities, have encouraged me, Avho from my first 
 entrance npon the duties of my high office up to the present time, have been 
 constantly and most cordially endeavouring to strengthen the relations of friend- 
 ship between the Governments of Persia andEngland, to bringthose circumstances 
 to your notice which I have deemed hostile to the continuance of that friendship, 
 and A^'liich must appear most critical in the eyes of every thinking and intelligent 
 person ; and in this sense I beg to appeal to the sagacity of your l^ixcellency for 
 assistance. I had previously communicated to yon the conduct of former British 
 Agents, and to that representation answer was made that a new English Minister 
 liad been appointed : from this nomination I had entertained strong hopes of 
 compensation for the past and improvement for the future. Indeed, upon 
 Mr. Murray's arrival in 'J'ehi'an, his conduct, as long as he was actuated by his 
 own sincerity, justihed your Excellency's promise ; but a change speedily took 
 place under the influence of interested followers, and the line of conduct above 
 alluded to became but more pronounced. On the 18th Zilhidge I addressed a 
 second document, being an instruction to Meerza Ahmed Khan, the Persian 
 Charge d'Atfaires at Constantino])lc, in which he was directed to bring these 
 particulars to the notice of your Excellency. For our ])art, in conducting our- 
 selves in a spirit of acquiescence towards Mr. Murray, and in acting upon his 
 representations, we used the utmost exeitions in. our power to avoid tlie possibility 
 of any injury occurring to the friendship of the two countries from the hardness 
 with which that Minister bore upon us ; but, alas ! all these endeavours of mine 
 have jiroved fruitless. Whatever difi'erence former Agents may have had with 
 us, their coldness never was such as to close the path of satisfaction ; the present 
 Minister, however, will not meet our advances in the course of reconciliation, 
 but, ])3^ his violent and untenable propositions, which it is impossi])le for this 
 country to accept, as being in many ways ruinous to its interests, and which 
 involve no possible difference or advantage to England, he has broken off his 
 relations with the Persian Governm<int. There are thus no means left us for 
 explaining the circumstances except by sending the entire correspondence between 
 the Persian Government and Mr. Murray toMeerza Ahmed Khan, for communi- 
 cation to your Excellency. That Mr. Murray, unacquainted as he is with the 
 practices and tenets of this country, solely influenced by a desire to satisfy the 
 people about him, and carrying out their interested objects, should have so easily 
 disregarded a friendship of so many years' duration, has caused the most profound 
 regret to the Persian Government ; yet I derive consolation from two circum- 
 stances — the one being the judgment and clear-sightedness of the British 
 Government, and their appreciation of the nature and extent of that friendshij) 
 which it has for so man.y years been the endeavour of both j)arties to cherish ; 
 the other is based upon the justice of your Excellency and your efficacious and 
 powerful goodwill, which I specially invoke, imder present circumstances, 
 in order most effectually to counterbalance the recent conduct of l^ritish 
 Agents, by an appeal to a statesman of such distinguished reputation, I am 
 convinced that the British Government, appreciating as it does the maintenance 
 of mutual friendship, will not confirm the propositions in question, wl:ich, besides 
 their casting slight and discredit on Persia, are Avithout doubt of such a nature 
 that she cannot entertain them ; and that you, who have rendered your justice, 
 integrity, and goodwill so univevsally celebrated, Avill not in any way approve of 
 
89 
 
 such a proceeding as that the friendly relations of the two countries should in 
 this manner be neglected and thrown back Avithout cause. 
 
 (Seal of the Meerza Agha Khan.) 
 18 Rebiul-evvel, 1272. 
 
 s Translation of a Note accompanying the above Letter. 
 
 After Compliments. 
 
 With reference to the lady in question, to Mr. Murray's business, and to 
 his unjustifiable termination of our relations, 1 shall appear upon due reflection 
 to have performed a great service, and evinced strong proof of goodwill towards 
 the two countries. Meerza Ahmed Khan will inform your Excellency of all the 
 particulars, and will place in your hands the originals of documents issuing from 
 the most noted Ulemah of the capital. You will know what a serious affair 
 took place here in the time of his deceased Majesty, Fatteh Ali Shah, about a 
 Georgian girl ; and also how vigilant an attention I have paid to the safety of 
 the British Mission in an affair as serious as the present one, when the honour 
 of the Sovereign is in question, when all the Ulemahs have come forward in 
 writing, and when the city populace have risen in tumult. For the particulars, I 
 beg again to refer you to the statements of Meerza Ahmed Khan. Further I 
 will not trouble you. 
 
 20 Rcbiui-cvvel, 1272. 
 
 No. 5G. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 22, 1856.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, November 28, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copies of 
 the cori'espondence that has taken place respecting the case of Meerza Hashem 
 Khan, and the suspension of diplomatic relations, from which your Lordship 
 will see that the Persian Ministers having dragged the Shah personally into the 
 arena of discussion, the rupture has been thereby widened, and an amicable 
 solution rendered more difficult. 
 
 His Majesty's first autograph letter (Inclosure No. 3) contained some 
 expressions respecting Mr. Consul Stevens, in reply to which, in my letter 
 (Inclosure No. 5), I animadverted with some severity on the conduct of His 
 Majesty's Minister. The Shah, in his second autograph letter (Inclosure No. 8), 
 omits all the customary forms of courtesy employed here in speaking of a foreign 
 Minister, and speaks of me as '•' Mr. Murray." He complains of my recommencing 
 correspondence while my flag is struck, forgetting that he had been the cause of 
 it by writing a long letter himself, and causing his foreign Minister to write 
 another, after I had suspended diplomatic relations ; he orders my last 
 despatch to be sent back, and in the body of his letter he endorses and 
 sanctions the offensive calumnies previously propagated by his Minister, in 
 writing those words quoted in the inclosure, "Mr. Murray's object is this, 
 forcibly to take (or carry off) the sister of my wife." My last reply to His 
 Majesty's letter (Inclosure No. 9) was refused admission, and brought back by 
 my messenger, who succeeded, however, on the following morning in placing it 
 in the Foreign Minister's hands. 
 
 On the morning of the 23rd, the Sadr Azim's confidant (Meer Alee Nekkee 
 Khan), called on m.e about 10. He told me that three hours previously he 
 had seen the Sadr, and had found him in very low spirits, and that his Highness 
 had said to him that he must put an end to this unpleasant difference, and that 
 he should call on me in the course of the day and make the required reparation. 
 The fact of his having that intention must have been known at the Palace, 
 
 N 
 
90 
 
 for the Ferrashes who accompanied Meer Alee Nekkee Khan told my servants: 
 that the Sadr was coming down to pay rae a visit. He did not come, however. 
 The Sadr Azim gives out that he has sent to Europe (probably thereby 
 meaning to London and Paris) such complaints and charges against myself, 
 and also against Mr. Consul Stevens, as cannot fail to bring both to disgrace. 
 I am not the least afraid of what his Highness can write to any quarter where 
 calumny is despised and falsehood easily detected. Your Lordship will, unless 
 some of my despatches miscarry, have before you the whole correspondence 
 that has passed on this subject ; you will see the affronts offered to the Mission; 
 the insults and calumnies directed against myself; the infructiious pains that I 
 took to accommodate matters before striking my flag ; and if I am not mistaken' 
 in the sentiments of your Lordship and Her Majesty's Government, I should 
 have deseiTcdly been recalled from this post, had I failed in resenting as I 
 have done the illegal proceedings and offensive language of the Persian 
 Government. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in 'No. 5G. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 Excellency, November 20, 1855. 
 
 THE conduct of the Persian Government having rendered (necessary) 
 the lowering of the flag of this Mission, and the interruption of diplomatic 
 relations between the two countries, according to the contents of my despatch 
 written to the Sadr Azim on Saturday last, and to the verbal messages 
 conveyed to his Highness yesterday, I beg to inform your Excellency that it is 
 my intention to withdraw the British iNIission to the Turkish territory ; and I 
 shall be obliged if the Persian Government will designate a Mehmandar to 
 accompany me to the Persian frontier, as soon as my preparations for 
 departure are completed. I beg also to inform your Excellency that during 
 the absence of the Mission, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul will remain at 
 Tehran, and all the affairs and claims of British subjects, or persons enjoying) 
 British protection, will be placed under his charge. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 56. 
 The Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) November 23, 1855. 
 
 AFTER all the expressions of friendship of the Persian Ministers, and 
 after all their endeavours to maintain the friendly relations between Persia and 
 England, your Excellency has, contrary to my hopes, broken oft' diplomatic 
 relations and asked for a Mehmandar. It is with regret that I have to state, 
 in reply, that as the Persian Ministers have submitted as far as is in their 
 power to your Excellency's propositions, which are unjust, and have evinced 
 moderation, and as you, notwithstanding this, have persisted in suspending 
 relations, the Persian Ministers are compelled to nominate Hadee Khan, Colonel, 
 to be your Mehmandar. 
 
 By the Shah's command, copies of the correspondence which has passed 
 between the Persian Ministers and your Excellency on this subject will be 
 specially forwarded direct, with a statement of the true reason for this discus- 
 sion, which they have already promised to advance, showing the facts and the', 
 true state of the case, to the Ministers of the British Government, and more-- 
 over, the Ministers of foreign Governments who reside in Tehran will be 
 informed of the circumstances. The case will be submitted to the sense of 
 justice of the British Ministers. 
 
m 
 
 With regard to wliat you have written, that it is your intention to instruct 
 the British Consul to remain in Tehran during the absence of the Mission to 
 take charge of the commercial affairs of English subjects, I beg, with the 
 greatest respect, to state that, on account of the proceedings and position of 
 Mr. Stevens, and the expectations which they entertain from a person of his 
 disposition, the Persian Ministers do not consider it expedient that he should 
 remain in Tehran, and they believe it to be at variance with the interests of 
 both countries that he should do so. Your Excellency is therefore at liberty 
 to place any officer you may deem it advisable, with the exception of 
 Mr. Stevens. 
 
 P.S. — His Majesty the Shah has done me the honour to address to me an 
 autograph, respecting your request for a Mehmandar, and I am directed to 
 transmit to you herewith a copy of that note. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomsox. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in JSo. 56. 
 
 Autograph Note from the Shah to thf Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 Minister for Foreign Affairs, November 22, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE seen the British Minister's letter, and I am aware of his inten- 
 tion to leave, and of his request for a Mehmandar. Indeed, if the advantages 
 which are to accrue to us from the residence of a British Minister here are 
 those which we see, it is for the benefit of both Governments that he should 
 quarrel and depart. Whenever I contrast my own sincerity to the British 
 Government, and the expectations which I entertain at heart from their friend- 
 ship with the conduct of the Mission, I am drowned in a sea of amazement. 
 Do you suppose that the Mission of such a great Government resides in Tehran 
 merely to cause every day some new detriment to the dignity and reputation of 
 our Government ? It is always the protector of the perverse and obstinate, and 
 of the simpletons of our household, who, without being injured in the least, are 
 invited to the Mission with the temptation of increase of pay and position. 
 They are ever desirous to humiliate this Government, and they interfere in the 
 internal affairs of this country in such a way that the rights of the guest now 
 exceed those of the master and host. According to treaty, we possess the right 
 to demand the dismissal and withdrawal from office of foreign Consuls, in the 
 event of our being dissatisfied with them. They do not respect our wishes in 
 regard to a person like Meerza Hashem Khan, a servant in the Government 
 pay and one of our subjects, and in their opposition to us they forget their own 
 dignity and that of their Government. Meerzas out of employment were not 
 so scarce in Tehran that they should, for Meerza Hashem, a servant in our pay, 
 make us and themselves the subject of discussion amongst strangers antIA 
 natives. 
 
 With regard to what he has written, that he will leave a Consul here, 
 if by Consul he means Mr. Stevens, whose proceedings and mischief- 
 making, while living in Tabreez, would fill ten books, and whose pro- 
 ceedings here are just what you now see — when Mr. Murray, as Minister 
 Plenipotentiary, has become the cause of coolness and misunderstanding 
 in this way between the two Governments, what arc we to expect, and what confi- 
 dence can we have in a person like Mr. Stevens, notorious for his mischief- 
 making ? If the British Minister goes, let him take with him Mr. Stevens ; let 
 him place some one else in his place. Send a copy of this autograph in answer 
 to the Minister's letter, and prepare the details of his conduct for the information 
 of.the British Ministers, together with the real truth of the question. If the 
 3ritish Minister desires the humiliation of this Government, of course we, so 
 Jong as we have the power, will not submit to any indignity. 
 
 - ■ N 2 
 
92 
 
 P.S. — The propositions of the British Minister are such as cannot be 
 agreed to, and whoever is a true servant of ours will not subaiit to these condi- 
 tions. Send a copy of this to the Biitish Minister, and copies of the others to 
 the foreign Ministers resident here, who, in perfect justice, will coincide 
 with us. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 56. 
 Mr. Murray to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 November 24, 1855. 
 
 I BEG to acknowledge your Excellency's despatch of yesterday's date, 
 informing me that the Persian Government have appointed Hadee Khan, 
 Colonel, to be my Mehmandar, on the withdrawal of this Mission from Tehran ; 
 a step to which I have been compelled by the offensive conduct of the Persian 
 Government in imprisoning a person under the protection of this Mission 
 contrary to the laws of nations, and also to the laws of Persia, and 
 afterwards writing me the most offensive despatch ever addressed to a foreign 
 Minister. 
 
 I am happy to learn that, by the Shah's commands, the correspondence 
 which has passed on both sides is to be communicated to foreign Governments, 
 and I trust it will be communicated entire, and without the omission of any part, 
 because then the right of the question will be generally known, and all foreign 
 Governments will agree that a Minister who has received insults such as have 
 been offered to me, especially in the last despatch addressed to me by the Sadr 
 Azim, had no choice but to strike his flag, if he could not obtain satisfaction. 
 With respect to the statements regarding the true origin of this discussion, 
 which the Persian Government threaten to send to Europe, I presume that 
 your Excellency will let me know what they are, either before or after they 
 are sent. 
 
 With respect to what your Excellency has written concerning the stay of 
 Mr. Consul Stevens in Tehran, to take care of the affairs of British subjects during 
 the absence of the Mission, it is my duty to inform you that it is out of my 
 power to make any change in the arrangement that I intimated in my last letter. 
 It is not by my choice or selection that Mr. Stevens remains here in charge 
 during my absence ; it is simply because he is Consul, and according to the law 
 of nations, unless it be the intention to declare war, the Consul is always left 
 in charge when the functions of the Mission are suspended. The Consul is 
 appointed here by the Queen of England, and not by me ; and if one or two 
 members of the Persian Government have a personal dislike to Mr. Stevens, it 
 is a matter to be regretted, but I cannot, on that account, violate the regulations 
 of diplomacy, or depute an Attache to perform duties which belong to a Consul. 
 Further, I take upon myself to assure your Excellency, that if Mr. Consul 
 Stevens is treated in the discharge of his duties with justice and propriety, the 
 Persian Government will have no reason to complain of any unfairness or want 
 of courtesy on his part. 
 \ Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 5Q. 
 Mr. Murray to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 November 24, 1855. 
 IT is my duty to transmit to your Excellency a memorandum in reply to 
 the Royal autograph with which you were yesterday honoured, and of which 
 
93 
 
 you sent mc a copy. I request that your Excellency will transmit the original 
 of my reply to His Majesty the Shah. 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 Having carefully read the letter of His Majesty the Shah, and understood 
 its contents, it becomes my duty, first, to assure His Majesty of my high respect, 
 and that whosoever may have informed His Majesty that I, personally, or as 
 representing the British Government wish to impose any humiliation on His 
 Majesty, or any detriment to the Royal dignity, has told His Majesty a malicious 
 untruth for the purpose of bring about the differences now existing between this 
 Mission and the Persian Goveraient. They have also untruly told His Majesty, 
 as they have written to me, that 1 am always taking under protection mischie- 
 vous and troublesome Persian servants, and inviting Persian officers to enter the 
 service of the Mission for higher pay. All these falsehoods have been stated on 
 purpose to poison the Shah's mind against myself, although those who have 
 written and spoken them well know that since my arrival I have not taken under 
 British protection one single officer or servant of the Persian Government, and 
 the only two serious discussions which I have had on this subject with the Persian 
 Ministers have both been respecting persons who had been in the Mission, or 
 connected with it, long before it came under my charge. 
 
 With respect to Meerza Hashem Khan, the whole difficulty, from its com- 
 mencement to its conclusion, has been owing to the ill-will and the ill-advised 
 proceedings of the Sadr Azim. It is a fact, perfectly well established, that two 
 years ago his Highness did employ expressions which were equivalent to 
 dismissing the Meerza and allowing him to seek employment where he could 
 find it. I had this admission from his Highness' own lips iu presence of a 
 member of this Mission ; and yet when I reminded his Highness of it in a late 
 despatch, he wrote me in reply that his engagements in official business were 
 confined to those supported by written evidence, and only those would be 
 considered binding. 
 
 The Shah mentions in his letter that it is his intention to send the whole of 
 the correspondence on this matter to European Governments. Does His Majesty 
 think that it will redound to the honour of the Persian Covn-t that the highest 
 officer in the service should deny his own words, and admit in an official despatch 
 that his verbal statements were of no value ? 
 
 If the Sadr Azim hud shown prudence and goodwill in this matter, it might 
 
 have been arranged at first with the gi-eatest ease. If it were true that on my 
 
 arrival here Meerza Hashem Khan was an officer in the lioyal service, and 
 
 receiving pay, it was his Highness' duty to inform me of it, in order that steps 
 
 might be taken for settling the matter : but his Highness never spoke a word 
 
 to me concerning it, and as I was informed that the Meerza had been more than 
 
 a year in the Mission without employment, and without pay, I considered it the 
 
 best arrangement for all parties that he should go as Agent to Shiraz, to which 
 
 post Her Britannic Majesty's Government accordingly instructed me to appoint 
 
 him. It is since the receipt of that appointment that the conduct of 
 
 the Persian Government has been most improper and offensive, and has thus 
 
 compelled me to allude in public despatches to subjects that ought not to 
 
 appear in official correspondence. They seized and imprisoned the wife 
 
 of Meerza Hashem Khan, thereby not only violating the paper of protection 
 
 given to him and to his house, l)ut also violating the civil and sacred law ; 
 
 and thus, while pretending in their letters that matters belonging to the 
 
 harem were too delicate to be written about or referred to, they took a step 
 
 which necessarily caused these very matters to become the talk of all the city. 
 
 More than this, his Highness the Sadr Azim himself, on more than one 
 
 occasion, and in the presence of many people, has, in connection with these 
 
 matters, attributed the basest motives to this Mission as the reason for the 
 
 protection given to Meerza Hashem Khan and his family, I doubt not that his 
 
 Highness will deny having uttered such expressions, as I have seen in other 
 
 instances how little it costs his Highness to deny his own words ; but I 
 
 know they were used by him, and the subject is again insinuated in his 
 
 Highness' official letter of the 19th of November, in which it is coupled 
 
 with a species of threat. Does His Majesty think that I or any other 
 
 British Minister could submit to these affronts, these false unwarrantable 
 
94 
 
 calumnies, and these offensive threats, from the head of the Persian 
 Government, or could consent to continue diplomatic relations until full 
 reparation has been made ? And has it not occurred to His Majesty that when 
 that despatch is sent to and read by any friendly Governments, they will all 
 agree that the Mission flag must be lowered, unless T received the reparation 
 that I required ? 
 
 With respect to the Consul's remaining at Tehran in the absence of 
 the Mission, I have explained that matter in the accompanying letter. It 
 is an error to suppose that by Treaty the Persian Government possesses 
 the right to demand the withdrawal of any foreign Consul with whom it Is 
 dissatisfied. Such a right does not belong by Treaty to the Persian or to any 
 Other Government, excepting the right to object to any particular Consul at 
 the time of his nomination. When once appointed he cannot be sent away at 
 the pleasure of any Government excepting his own. 
 
 The Royal autograph uses some harsh expressions respecting the 
 conduct of Mr. Consul Stevens at Tabreez. 1 think the Shah may remember 
 some good services that the Consul rendered to His Majesty at the time that he 
 ascended the throne, but some time afterwards he reported truly the 
 proceedings of the Tabreez Government, and the cruelty extortion, and 
 injustice by which the fine province of Azerbijan was and is almost ruined ; 
 then he became a ''moofsid'"* in the eyes of those who wished that the 
 truth should be concealed from the Shah. Not onh" Mr. Stevens, but all 
 who approach His Majesty, and who might possibly tell him some truths not 
 found in the Tehran Gazettes, all tliose are to be kept at a distance as 
 " moofsids ! " 
 
 There are various expressions in the Royal autograph which set forth 
 that in the Shah's opinion this Mission has shown a desire to infringe the 
 privileges and lower the dignity of His Majesty. I can only imagine that 
 these expressions have fallen from His Majesty inadvertently while his mind 
 has been irritated by the pernicious counsels of those who wish to destroy 
 the friendship which had so long existed between the two High Powers. His 
 Majesty knows that Great Britain has always been desirous to maintain 
 Ms independence and honour, and since my arrival here I have been 
 governed in my conduct by the same sentiments ; but in respect to the rupture 
 that has lately taken place between the Persian Government and myself, it 
 is my duty to let His Majesty plainly understand that I cannot and will 
 not permit myself to be unjustly calumniated, and the British Govern- 
 ment to be affronted, without maintaining my right to a full and satisfactory 
 reparation. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Roxald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure G in No. 5Q. 
 
 The Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 Excellency, November 26, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 24th instant. Not- 
 withstanding the reasons which have been repeatedly advanced in the case 
 of Meerza Mashem Khan, and notwithstanding that you had, to the extreme 
 regret of the Persian Ministers, unjustly suspended diplomatic relations, your 
 Excellency has in a separate letter made use of certain expressions which, 
 without any doubt, are detrimental in the highest degree to the dignity of this 
 Government and of its First INlinister, the Sadr Azim. 
 
 One of the objectionable arguments is that in which you have again 
 had recourse to the statement that his Highness the Sadr Azim had verbally 
 employed expressions which amounted to the dismissal of Meerza Hashem 
 Khan. His Highness the Sadr Azim has no recollection of such a circum- 
 stance, or of his ever having issued orders of this nature. But as you persist 
 
 * Mischief-maker. 
 
95 
 
 in saying this, we will suppose that such words were employed. In the first 
 place, he asked 'for higher pay without his deserving it. Whilst irritated 
 and annoyed, it is possible that a servant (and even at times one's own 
 children receive rebukes) may be told that his pay would not be increased, 
 and that he might go about his business. Merely for an angry word; 
 how can it be admitted as his dismissal ? The dismissal of a servant 
 in this country has a regular form, and any 2)erson above the rank of a? 
 soldier cannot be dismissed by the Colonel or Lieutenant-Colonel. His 
 dismissal must be sealed by his Highness the Sadr Azim, by his Eoyal 
 Highness the Ameer Nizam (infant son of the Shah), by the Commander- v 
 in-chief, by the Secretaries at War, and must be confirmed by the Shah's 
 autograph, and the document must be in writing. At this very time in Tehran, 
 and in all the provinces, the eommissions of appointment and the papers of 
 dismissal are to be found issued in this form, and your Excellency can procure 
 many of these and examine them. Therefore, merely for a few angry words, a 
 person cannot consider himself dismissetl, and this discussion was terminated 
 with Mr. Thomson, Avho admitted the point, and dismissed him from the post of 
 Meerza to the Mission in consequence of this just argument, and he therefore 
 appointed Meerza Fezloollah, and announced the nomination to tiie Persian 
 Ministers. In truth, your Excellency has reopened a question which was 
 before terminated, and has considered it as unsettled. It would have been well 
 if you had made inquiries on this head from Mr. Thomson, so that it would 
 have become known that he admitted the right of this Government, and that . 
 the ^leerza was a servant of the Persian Government, and had been dismissed 
 from the Mission. Secondly, supposing that the orders of the Sadr Azim were 
 such as have been stated, when His Majesty the Shah is pleased to say that 
 Meerza Hashem Khan is considered by him to be one of his servants, and 
 not to have been discharged, what more can you have to say ? i\ccording , 
 to the rules of propriety and politeness, and what is necessary out of respect to 
 the Royal dignity.^you ought not, after learning the wishes and orders of His 
 Majesty, to have done anything contrary to the !loyal wishes, but should have, 
 by establishing Meerza Hashem Khan again in the Persian service, maintained 
 order in the internal administration of the country. There is another 
 reason, besides those which have been detailed, and of whicli you cannot 
 be ignorant, for the Shah desiring to keep Meerza Hashem Khan in his 
 service. AVith regard to the reports and gossip spread about the town 
 respecting the wife of Meerza Hashem Khan, the Persian Ministers would, 
 have said nothing. They maintain silence regarding the truth or falsehood 
 of these rumours, and they have endeavoured, as far as was in their 
 power, to veil the matter, as will clearly appear from their letter of the 
 15th K'ovember ; * but of what avail has this been, when' the Mission 
 has pushed it with such violence that the Persian Ministers, quite broken- 
 hearted, with great aversion and regret, now perceive that the matter 
 has been already unveiled ? Contrary to the principles of Mahometanism, 
 they are therefore unable to accept the conditions stiijulated by the 
 Mission. 
 
 With regard to Mr. Stevens, the opinion of the Persian Ministers 
 is exactly what they have already stated. If the determination of your. 
 Excellency remains the same, there is no compulsion on our part, but I 
 distinctly state to you that diplomatic relations between the Persian 
 Ministers and the Mission will not be continued through him ; it will be 
 just the same as if he were not here, unless one of tlie members of the Mission 
 should remain. The Persian Ministers will make no objection to him, the 
 same as they approve of the Consul-General in Tabreez and the Resident in 
 Bushire, and no difficulty will be made in treating them in accordance with the 
 rules of friendship. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 * He evidently means the 19th. 
 
96 
 
 Inclosure 7 in No. 56. 
 
 The Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) November 26, 1855. 
 
 THE memorandum which you wrote in answer to the Shah's autograph 
 and sent to me to be presented to His Majesty, was delivered in accordance 
 with your wishes. After perusing it, His Majesty was pleased to address a 
 second autograph to my address, and I beg to forward to you a copy of it in 
 obedience to the Koyal commands. Having been ordered in this autograph to 
 i-eturn to you the memorandum, I now inclose it in this note. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. • 
 
 Inclosure 8 in No. 56. 
 Autograph Note from the Shah to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 Minister for Foreign Aflfairs, November 26, 1855. 
 
 WE have read Mr. Murray's letters. There are some insulting expressions 
 to our Prime Minister in his letter, which have given us annoyance. Intimate 
 to him distinctly that all that the Sadr Azim has written or done has been by 
 our Royal commands. AVe do not require any foreigner to give us information 
 regarding the administration of our own country. Several threatening reports 
 have been spread in town by the Mission, which we could not have believed 
 to have emanated in reality from the Mission, but this letter of Mr. Murray 
 supports these reports. He seems to have the intention to create disturbance 
 and embarrassment in this country. If he has suspended diplomatic relations, 
 and official letters have passed, and his Mehmandar has been furnished at his 
 own demand, then what is the meaning of his renewing the question, and why 
 should he write official letters ? If he is deceived, and has anything to say or 
 claims to advance, let him hoist his flag, and after stating his reasons, let him, 
 ' if he likes, pull it down again. 
 
 He writes that the British Ministers have always been desirous to strengthen 
 the independence of this Government, and that he himself entertained the same 
 sentiments. The British Representatives are wonderfully desirous to maintain 
 our independence. They wish to take our power and authority, even over our own 
 particular family, from us. One day they protect and support our uncle, Fei'had 
 Meerza, and estrange him from us, making him disobedient to our commands ; 
 and another day they take away one of our servants openly and against our 
 inclination. To-day they demand forcibly' our wife's sister. We can't imder- 
 stand why you have all allowed the arguments of the case to escape you. 
 ^ Mr. Murray's object is this, forcibly to take our wife's sister. Our commands 
 are these, that we will not submit to this indignity, and we will not give her. If 
 his Excellency the Sadr Azim should still continue to show moderation and 
 forbearance to the Mission as formerly, we shall be obliged to do what is 
 necessary for giving the preference to the maintenance of our dignity. 
 
 As Mr. Murray has altogether exceeded the limits of courtesy, and has 
 outstepped the privileges of the Mission, and that too when diplomatic relations 
 have ceased, it is quite unsuitable that his letter should be registered. You 
 will certainly return it, and not keep it. You are not permitted to discuss the 
 matter any further, or to enter into debates either sound in argument or other- 
 wise. Don't enter into one word of discussion. Now that he has suspended 
 relations, and is about to depart, this kind of discussion can have no other 
 result than to give us greater annoyance. It is obvious that friendship and 
 diplomatic relations with England are not dependent upon the presence of 
 Mr. Murray. We will, in the manner we consider expedient, make known our 
 sincere friendship to the British Government, and a full report of the unsuitable 
 proceedings of Mr. Murray. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronai^d F. Thomson. 
 
97 
 
 Inclosure 9 in ISo. 56. 
 Mr. Murray to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 November 27, 1855. 
 
 I HA YE received your Excellency's despatch dated 26tli November, and 
 the copy of the Royal destkhet therein contained. It seems that your 
 Excellency has either not read or not understood His Majesty's wishes expressed 
 in that letter, or you would not, in direct opposition thereto, have written me 
 a long despatch reopening all the discussion respecting the case of Meerza 
 Hashem Khan. I shall pay more regard to the wishes of His Majesty, and 
 shall therefore decline to make any further reply to the contents of your 
 Excellency's letter. 
 
 With respect to the Royal destkhet itself, I have only three observations to 
 make, which I request you to convey to His Majesty the Shah : — 
 
 1. The Royal letter inquires "why I, after the suspension of diplomatic 
 relations, renew the question under discussion and write official letters ? " My 
 reply is very simple ; that I did not wish or intend to renew correspondence or 
 to write any official letter, but as His IMajesty the Shah began by writing a 
 letter himself and authorized your Excellency to write another, I thought myself 
 in courtesy bound to reply to both. 
 
 2. His Majesty complains that in my reply I had overstepped the privileges 
 of the Mission by making complaints against his Mhiister ; my answer is, that 
 I only followed a course suggested by the Eoj'al letter, which contained most 
 improper terms and unproved accusations against the British Consul holding 
 his commission from the Queen of England in this capital. It was in reply to 
 those observations that I was compelled to make comments on tlie conduct of 
 the Shah's Prime Minister, but as my letter contained nothing disrespectful to 
 His Majesty, I return it to you again, and I will not receive it back unless the 
 Royal letter which occasioned it is likewise withdrawn. 
 
 3. His Majesty's last Royal letter contains the following sentence: — 
 " Mr. Murray's object is this, forcibly to take our wife's sister." A^ these 
 words show, but too clearly, that the Shah has been misled into putting the 
 Royal seal and sanction to the groundless calumnies already propagated on this 
 subject by his Ministers, it is equally clear to me that no good result can arise 
 from the continuation of this correspondence, and I am only doing what I judge 
 best for the dignity of the Shah and the honour of this Mission, when I inform 
 your Excellency that it is not my intention to receive or reply to any further 
 official letters whatsoever connected with this discussion. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald P. Thomson. 
 
 No. 57, 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 22, 1856.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, December 1, 1855. 
 
 THE Persian Government still ostensibly hold out, but in a few days I 
 expect they will concede my demands. I will send a special courier. 
 
 I have, &'C. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
 
 
98 
 
 No. 68. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received January 22, 1856.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, December 3, 1853. 
 
 ON reviewing the whole of the discussion with the Persian Government on 
 the case of Meerza Hashem Khan, it has occurred to me that the only ])oin3. 
 which admits of a shadow of a douht is, whether the Meerza at the time of hit' 
 appointment to a post under this Mission was, or was not, actually in the service 
 and pay of the Persian Government. 
 
 The Sadr Azini's letters maintain the affirmative of this proposition as 
 strongly as mine maintain the negative, and Her Majesty's Government will 
 judge on which side the weight of argument preponderates. As the Sadr's 
 despatches repeatedly state that the Meerza is an officer in the Military Depart- 
 ment, and receiving pay as such, I have thought it proper to make further 
 inquiry on the subject, the result of which completely verifies what I have before 
 written to your Lordship on this head, on the authority of the Meerza himself, 
 namely, that he does not hold, and never did hold, any military rank, office, 
 grade, or pay whatsoever. The pittance of pension which was allotted to him, 
 amounting to about dol. a-year, may, indeed, have been charged on the books 
 of the War Department ; but that proves nothing, as it is the custom of the 
 Persian Government to charge salaries and pensions on any fund which they 
 find convenient. For instance, in the case of a British subject here who has an 
 annual pension from the Persian Government (Syed Abdullah), last year the 
 payment of his pension was charged on the books of the Government of Ispahan, 
 and this year it is charged on those of the Government at Kermanshah, though 
 he resides in Tehran, and has no relation whatever with either of those 
 places. 
 
 Moreover, I may add, that the enjoyment of such a pension without actual 
 service rendered, or duties to be performed, has never in Persia been held 
 incompatible with service under foreign Missions. AVhen Mr. Stevens was 
 Consul at Tabreez, he had a Meerza in the Consulate who was in the receipt of 
 a pension or salary precisely similar to that of Meerza Hashem Khan ; for 
 some cause or other the Tabreez Government stopped its payment ; Mr. Stevens 
 complained to Colonel Shell, who had a discussion on the subject with the 
 Persian Govoi-nment, the result of which Avas that the Tabreez Government 
 was ordered to pay up the arrears and continue the annual payment, although 
 the Meerza remained in the service of the Consulate. I am informed that there 
 are one or two persons now in the employment of the Russian Consulate at 
 Tabreez in the receipt of similar pensions from the Persian Government. 
 
 I have thought it my duty to explain these matters to your Lordship in 
 detail, as a distorted statement of the case will probably have been sent home 
 by the Persian Government. 
 
 No. 69. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received January 22, 1856.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, December 4, 1855. 
 
 1 HAVE the honour to inclose for your Lordship's information, a 
 translation of a paragraph which appeared in last week's "Tehran Gazette," 
 regarding the suspension of relations between this Mission and the Persian 
 Government. 
 
 The original paper will also be transmitted to your Lordship by this 
 coairier. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
.80 
 
 Inclosure in TSo. 59. 
 
 Translation of a Paragraph in the " Tehran Gazette " of 18 Rebbi-ul-evvel, 
 
 1272 (November 29, 1855). 
 
 THE Persian Ministers express, for the information of the public, their 
 concern and regret at tlic suspension of relations which has within the last few 
 days occurred between the Persian Government and the British Mission. But 
 this fact they wish to impress upon everybody, both in this country and abroad, 
 that this occurrence — which in consequence of the perplexing and dangerous 
 demands unjustly made upon this Government by his Excellency Mr. Murray, 
 the British Minister Plenipotentiary, obliged them to have recourse to a sus- 
 pension of relations — will not diminish the sincere friendship existing between 
 the Persian and British Governments, and will not in any way whatsoever dis- 
 turb the neutrality of the Persian Government. The Persian Government 
 adheres to its neutrality. 
 
 The Envoys of friendly States residing at this Court are informed of 
 all that takes place, and are aware that no breach of neutrality has occurred or 
 will occur. 
 
 No. 60. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received January 22, 185G.) 
 
 (Extract.) Ken, December 6, 1855. 
 
 li*^ my despatch of the 28th of JTovember I had the honour of giving 
 to your Lordship an account of all the discussion that had taken place with the 
 Persian Government respecting the suspension of diplomatic relations up to 
 that date. As they persisted in refusing to concede the satisfaction which I 
 demanded, I withdrew the Mission yesterday from Tehran, agreeably to the 
 notice that I had given, and entered upon the long journey which is to take 
 us to the Turkish frontier. 
 
 The satisfaction that I demanded as the condition of resuming diplomatic 
 relations and rehoisting the flag was as follows : — 
 
 1. Meerza Hashem Khan's wife to be released and restored to her hus- 
 band, and he himself to be recognized as in the employment of the Mission. 
 
 2. The Sadr Azim to visit me at the Mission to apologise for the offen- 
 sive despatch (inclosure in my despatch of the 21st of Is'^ovember), and to 
 withdraw it ; as also to retract whatever charges he had made either here or 
 in writing to foreign Governments calumniating myself and the Mission in 
 respect to improper relations with Meerza Hashem Khan's wife. 
 
 3. One of three high officers whom I named to call at the Mission on the 
 part of the Shah to apologise for that most offensive sentenci? contained in the 
 Royal autograph letter (Inclosure No. 8 in my despatch of the 28th of November), 
 and to withdraw the letter itself. 
 
 4. As the Moollahs have been induced by the Sadr Azim to affix the seals 
 of many of them to a document containing similar charges against myself and 
 the Mission, directly tending to bring the Mission and Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment into contempt and odium among the Persian people, the chiefs of that 
 body to call at the Mission to express to me their utter disbelief of the above- 
 named calumnies, and to give me their assurance that they would contradict 
 them wheresoever they might hoar them repeated. 
 
 I think that your Lordship will admit that considering the repeated and 
 unjustifiable insults that have been offered to myself and the Mission in this 
 matter, and the obstinate pertinacity with which they have been maintained, it 
 would have been impossible for me to have rehoisted the flag with honour, with 
 a less amount of reparation than is herein stated ; and 1 warned the Persian 
 Government that if by refusing it they compelled me to leave Tehran, I would 
 then no longer be bound by the same terms, but should place the matter in the 
 
 02 
 
100 
 
 hands of Her Majesty's Government, who Avould decide Avhat further reparation 
 might he necessary for the vindication of the honour of their Eepresentative and 
 of their flag. 
 
 I may mention, that yesterday they were prepared to add one crowning 
 insult to those which they have already otfered. It is the custom here, when a 
 foreign Minister arrives or departs, that he is attended for some distance out of 
 the town by all persons directly or indirectly connected with his Mission, as well 
 as by the members of other Missions. The Persian Government supposing that, 
 agreeably to this custom, Meerza Hashem Khan Avould yesterday form a part 
 of my exit suite, posted a certain number of Government ferrashes in the 
 Bazaar and at the gate through which I had to pass, with orders to seize him 
 before my eyes and carry him off. I received intimation of this project, and had 
 it been my object to excite the indignation of Her Majesty's Government by 
 proving to them the wishes and intention of the Persian Government to carry its 
 insults to the degree of outrage, I had only to allow the Meerza to take his place 
 yesterday among the other employee's of the Mission, and the object would have 
 been attained ; but when I reflected on the number of persons in my cort6ge, 
 and that some of them, especially among the Gholams, would not allow one of 
 my suite to be dragged oft' his horse without repelling violence by violence, I 
 thought that we might be involved in a very disagreeable and undignified street- 
 broil, and that blood would probably be shed ; so I thought it more advisable to 
 order the Meerza to remain quietly in the Mission. 
 
 If the Government choose to use force to drag him from thence, they may 
 do so ; and that insult to Her Majesty's Government will be as flagrant, perhaps 
 more so, than if they had seized him when riding in my suite. 
 
 No. 61. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 29.) 
 
 My Lord, Constantinople, January 12, 1853. 
 
 WITH reference to my despatch of the 3rd instant, I have the honour to 
 forward herewith a translation of an instruction of the Prime Minister of Persia 
 to the Shah's Charge d'Affaires at Constantinople. The translation was made 
 by the Honourable Percy Smythe, and, in my estimation, does much credit to 
 that gentleman. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 61. 
 The Persian Prime Minister to the Persian Charge' d'Affaires at Constantinople. 
 
 (Translation). 18 Rehi-ul-evvel, 1272. {November 29, 1855.) 
 
 YOU have doubtless received my former instruction relative to the conduct 
 of Mr. Murray, the British Representative, and have, in obedience to the direc- 
 tions therein contained, brought the subject fully under the notice of his Excel- 
 lency the British Ambassador at Constantinople, who is in reality and in the 
 firm conviction of the Government of this country the sincere well-wisher of 
 Persia, and who, deeply acquainted with the springs of affairs, is aware of the 
 degree in which the Persian Government and people are convinced of the friend- 
 ship of Great Britain towards them. You have also, no doubt, as you were 
 requested, impressed upon his Excellency this point, that the conviction enter- 
 tained by him that upon the arrival of Mr. Murray in Persia, affairs would take- 
 au amicable turn, and no cause of interruption of friendly relations would in 
 future be given to the Persian Government, is directly contradicted by the result. 
 Now, indeed, there is occasion for us to say, " Praise be to God for the first state 
 
101 ^.;i^i:v. ,; 
 
 of things." Indeed, it amounts to this, that Colonel Shell,' for lii's piivt, klkiiSi 
 separately ; that his successor, Mr. Thomson, though hard and unyielding, and 
 though in the time of his remaining in charge he vexed us with unfounded and 
 u-ieless affairs like that of Hajee Abdul Kerim and others, and changed the friendly 
 relations subsisting between the two countries in a manner little to be antici- 
 pated by this Government, and, in short, conducted himself in such a manner 
 that I had to instruct you to trouble his Excellency the Ambassador with the 
 particulars, vet he never brought affairs to such a pitch as not to leave the path 
 clear for ultimate accommodation. The present ]\Iinister, however, raises his 
 hand as one wlio had never been connected with foreign affairs, and had never 
 recognised the preservation of fi'iendship between the two nations : heedless of 
 the efforts and trouble undergone by England for the maintenance of that 
 friendship, he persevered in a course which no man of sense would ever adopt, 
 more especially in the face of the turn which events have recently taken, and the 
 consequent change with which the policy of nations is affected. 
 
 The Persian Government, after all the hardness which they sustained 
 at the hands of Mr. Thomson, heard with ftivourable anticipation that a 
 new Minister had been appointed to this Court, and entertained the idea that 
 the British Government, appreciating the importance of confirming its friend- 
 ship with us, and that Mr. Murray, enjoying its confidence, was in possession 
 of instructions and authority to act and come to soma resolution with that view 
 and to mutual national advantage. These anticipations were confirmed by 
 certain statements relative to Mr. Murray's appointment in the European news- 
 papers, so that we expected his arrival herewith the greatest satisfaction. After 
 some expectation we received the news of his arrival on the frontier, and at 
 once appointed Mustafa Khan, one of the most distinguished noblemen of this 
 country, to take charge of him as Mehmandar with every possible pre- 
 paration and honour, thq details of which are doubtless known to the British 
 Government as well as to his Excellency the Ambassador. On his arrival at 
 Tehran he repeatedly expressed his satisfaction at this treatment both to the 
 Shah and his Ministers, and nobles ; in fact, he once said, " T had heard before 
 my arrival in Persia that the men of Iran were ignorant of the proprieties of 
 ceremony and society, and that their reputation on that score was quite un- 
 founded, but I think they are better informed on those points than any other 
 people, nor have I ever passed so pleasant a time as since my arrival in Persia, 
 or heard of another Minister being so well treated elsewhere." 
 
 We constantly expected some proposition from the Minister for discussion, 
 that we might put our desires into practice, but he made no advances. Perhaps, 
 thought we, he is waiting for the arrival of the French Minister, England and 
 France being allies, and his object may be to confer previously with that gen- 
 tleman. Yet he, too, arrived ; time passed, and brought no result ; and the 
 affairs in which the British Minister was engaged were as worthless as those 
 carried on by his predecessors, and the trouble and vexation caused us by them 
 far greater. The first arrow shot from his quiver was the business of Ferhad 
 Meerza, he having reopened that question, which annoyed us much, as did also 
 the next one, relative to the claim of one Sadik, ferrash ; and that was succeeded 
 by the affair of Andre, the tailor, so that he never left us free from bitterness 
 and trouble ; then came the story of the Embassy Gholam, who had left the 
 service of the Shah's mother ; in fact, it would be necessary that you should 
 read the whole correspondence for you to understand the details of this last 
 affair. Every day we had a troublesome affair of the Minister's with which to 
 occupy ourselves, to tlie detriment of public business, as regarded internal 
 affairs. We had hoped that even if the Minister did not come forward with 
 any proposition for consolidating the friendship of the two countries, he would 
 at least abstain from anything to cause their collision, but now he has raised 
 the question of Meerza Hashem Khan, the particulars of v,hich are as 
 follows : — 
 
 The Khan is son of the late Meerza, Mahomed Raheem Khan, and nephew, 
 on the sister's side, to Ismail Khan. He was brought up in the harem of His 
 late Majesty, as a page, and accompanied the present Shah to and from Azer'jijan. 
 His first accession of fortune was the receipt of 200 tomauns yearly, as Gholam 
 pish-khidmet.* He afterwards requested to be admitted into the Nizam.f or public 
 
 * Confidential bodv-^T.ards of tlio Sult.-.n. t Ro^ukr arinv. 
 
•:;;■ 102 
 
 ;i«feiv>c5;"tvas accepted, and placed in the Academy of Public Instruction (Dar ul 
 '. Punoon). After some time, he accompanied the Royal cortege to the summer 
 quarters, as usual, during the time that Mr. Thomson was Charge dAffaires. 
 One day I saw a letter which had arrived from that gentleman, stating that he 
 had made Hashem Khan First Moonshee, or Native (Secretary, to the Mission. 
 On being acquainted with this circumstance, as it was entirely at variance with 
 Persian regulations that a born and salaried servant of our Government should 
 be taken from that service and go elsewhere to obtain service, and as, moreover, 
 such conduct might form a precedent for anybody else to do the same, we lost 
 no time in informing Mr. Thomson that we considered the Khan a real servant 
 of the Persian Government, and viewed him as a deserter from that Govern- 
 ment, who had taken sanctuary in the Embassy ; that therefore we could not 
 possibly recognise him as a servant of the Embassy, and we begged to decline 
 accepting any official document in his writing. After much resistance on the 
 part of Mr. Thomson, and much exchange of communication upon this profit- 
 less business, conducted, on his part, with so much hardness as to occasion us 
 much annoyance, he acknowledged the irregularity of the proceeding and the 
 groundlessness of his opposition to us, antl, with justice, yielded the point that 
 the Khan should have no employment as Moonshee ; he accordingly replaced 
 him in that post by Meerza Fezloollah, brother of the late Meerza Hussein 
 Koolee, a former Secretary to the Mission, and he notified his appointment 
 ofBcially. We accepted the letter containing the above announcement, and 
 recognised the appointment. Fezloollah entered upon and discharged his duties 
 until his dismissal on account of some opposition which he made to the Mission, 
 when he was replaced by the present Moonshee, Suleiman Khan, the Affghan. 
 When Fezloollah entered upon his post, Mr. Thomson turned Hashem Khan 
 out of the tent which had been pitched in the summer camp for the First 
 Moonshee, and jdaced the former as its occupant. 
 
 The Persian Government now demanded of Mr. Thomson that Hashem 
 Khan should be sent out of the Mission, in order that he might return to his 
 former service. To this Mr. Thomson replied, by a request, that a man might 
 be sent to reassure the Khan, on account of his safety, and conduct him from 
 the Mission, or that he might be allowed to send him, accompanied by a member 
 of the Mission, to resume his service, he being reassured and satisfied. We 
 could not accept this request, having so frequently experienced and been grieved 
 by the interference of British Agents in our internal affairs, such as the case 
 of Meer Ali Khan, Khan Baba, Khan Khonsari, and Ferhad Meerza ; and I 
 told Mr. Thomson that the Khan must leave the Mission without its intervention, 
 when he would be well and kindly treated ; precisely as in the cases of Hussein 
 Khan, the Nizam-ud-dowleh, of Abbas Koolee Khan, Larijani, of Koocheek 
 Khan, and others, who, without reason, took sanctuary in the Mission, and left 
 it without its intervention, beyond a friendly verbal request from Colonel Shell 
 that they might be kindly treated ; they experienced the kindest treatment, not 
 only then, but after Colonel Shell's dejjarture, and when they might have been 
 exposed to enmity, in consequence of our engagement to treat them well. 
 However, Meerza Hashem Kban would not leave the Mission, and Mr. Thomson 
 also called upon me, before the arrival of Mr. Murray, and said, "Although it 
 is to my discredit, yet the British Government have approved my conduct in the 
 dismissal of Hashem Khan, and I am grateful for their satisfaction.'' Although 
 not customary or proper that the Mission should resume the matter from the 
 beginning, and reopen the question, yet after the present Minister arrived, he 
 determined, I know not upon what grounds, to continue the protection of the 
 Mission to the Khan ; during all this while we were endeavouring to put the 
 latter at ease, and induce him to come out, but he declined doing so. 
 
 Meerza Hashem has a wife, who married him after many other husbands, 
 and who happened to have a doubtful reputation in public, yet she was the 
 daughter of the late Prince Ahmed Ali Meerza, and sister to the principal lady 
 of the Shah's harem. AVhen Meerza Hashem Khan was Under Secretary at 
 the Embassy, his wife also showed a preference for that neighbourhood ; and 
 from this, scandalous reports, the mention of which would be disgraceful to our 
 Government and peo])le, grew current among the people of Tehran, inside and~ 
 outside. The Ministers, in consequence, found themselves under an obligation 
 (to take notice of it), and addressed a circular letter to the foreign Representa- 
 tives in Tehran, couched in the most veiled and decorous terms, in the hopes of 
 
103 
 
 awakening the attention of the members of the British Mission to this point, 
 and putting them on tlieir guard against the future possibilit}^ of tearing the 
 curtain of sanctity by which the connections of the Imperial harem are veiled. 
 This made no impression on tlie tastes of the Mission, who not only acted as 
 before, but gave 5leerza Hashem Khan authority to bring his wife to Gollahe 
 (the summer quarters of the Mission), and place her in a tent among those 
 belonging to the Mission, onl}' separated by one wall. These circumstances at last 
 grew so notorious that the Prince Sultan Hussein Meerza, brother of the lady, and 
 son of the late Ahmed Ali Meerza, being indignant at tliese reports, proceeded first 
 to the principal nlemah and moollahs of the city, from whom he sought and obtained 
 a fetwah, bearing all their seals, after wliich he wrote to me, informing me that 
 he had taken his sister, and detained her in his own house as a place of refuge. 
 A copy of the Prince's letter, and of the fetwah, is inclosed for your informa- 
 tion. It was upon this that the British Minister came forward in opposition, 
 and the whole of the correspondence that has passed with him is inclosed here- 
 with, according to their date and number, and he has brought affairs to that 
 pass that he has terminated friendly relations, and has lowered the flag of 
 the Mission, the symbol of the continued amity of the two countries ; a 
 proceeding with which this Government can never be satisfied, and must always 
 deeply regret. If I were to state the whole of the business in this paper, it. 
 would never be contained within limits ; I have, therefore, to refer you for the 
 details to the correspondence. In every step taken, and every message sent by 
 us, whether by the intervention of the principal noblemen of the State, or the 
 friendly mediation of M. Bourre, the French Minister, or of Haider Effendi, the 
 Ottoman Charge d'AflPaires, Mr. Alurray's conduct was that of an Agent 
 specially appointed to embroil the two countries, so little moderation did he 
 show, and with such increased force did he insist on his proposition ; so much 
 so, that when we, at the instance of M. Bourre, addressed him a letter, giving 
 him unquestionable satisfaction, and revoking our last previous letter, he would 
 not accept the letter of satisfaction, but sent it back again. These particulars 
 are fully known to the French and Ottoman Representatives, as are also all the 
 circumstances, and I also send this last letter for j-our own information. The 
 object of sending you all this amount of correspontlence is that you should be 
 thoroughly acquainted with the affair, and should call, immediately upon its 
 receipt, upon the French and Austrian jMinisters, and most especially upon his 
 E.x.cellency the British vVmbassador, to whom you will remit the short letter 
 which I have addressed to liim, and, further, put into his hands copies of the 
 whole correspondence whicli has passed from the beginning to the end. You 
 will state tiiat the Persian Government is surprised at the conduct of an Agent 
 of the British Government : at the present moment, when it is the object of 
 every State to cement and increase its friendship with other States, upon what 
 considerations do your Agents alienate from their Government its old and 
 faithful friend ? Tiie English Government has been and is always desirous 
 of witnessing a strong and settled order of things in this country, and 
 they make use of language, which is occasionally heard, to the efi"ect that we 
 are not reckoned among the number of " civilized " nations. Xow when the 
 Agents of Britain might be introducing what they arc convinced to be the 
 benefits of civilization into Persia, and guiding and instructing her people in 
 that path, why and upon what considerations do they now seek to disgust the 
 Persian Government with civilization and force them back in the contrary 
 direction? The accusation brou'^ht at the beginning of the war an;ainst Russia, 
 by the nations of Europe was this, that Russia was as yet imperfectly civilized, 
 and was desirous of pursuing a course of war and bloodshed ; but against the 
 Government of Persia, which has always maintained the most perfect observance 
 of its previous friendship with each State, and the most complete respect for the 
 principle of civilization, what accusation can lie ? 
 
 The Ministers of this country endeavoured as long as it was in their power 
 to accommodate and arrange matters with Mr. Murray, and nuide the utmost 
 exertions ; but in the same proportion that we evinced a conciliatory spirit, the 
 hardness of his terms increased. Finally, under the mediation of the French 
 Minister and the Ottoman Charge d'Affaires, we sent him a message to the 
 following effect : That if Meerza Hashem Khan is so disposed, he may remain 
 in Tehran, and a bill for 400 tomauns, being the amount of two years' salary. 
 
104 
 
 lies in his favour at the Treasury ; although he has heen for two years in 
 sanctuary at the Mission, and the Government have heen deprived of his 
 services, yet taking the request of the Mission into consideration, the money 
 will be given him, together with an additional sum of 300 tomauns, on account 
 of debts, losses, &c., incurred by him, and he will resume his former service ; 
 I also will write him a letter bearing my seal, and recording my promise that 
 he shall incur no harm or injury, in order that his mind may be set at ease ; 
 and after he has come out, he will promise and engage on his part to keep his 
 wife safe, and not take her to unsuitable places, or leave her there, and also to 
 restrain her from going there of her own accord ; upon which terms his wife will 
 be surrendered to him. Moreover, if he feel so disposed, he may repair and 
 be employed in service in any province of Persia out of Tehran, with the excep- 
 tion of Tabreez and Shiraz ; he will in that case be promoted, and receive 100 
 tomauns additional : an instruction will also be addressed to the Governor of the 
 province in which he may be, to pay him 200 tomauns a-year out of his own 
 funds — so that he will get 500 tomauns a-year; while in the event of his 
 choosing to live out of Tehran, his wife Avill be surrendered to him uncondi- 
 tionally, so that he may take her with him. But if, however, he remains in 
 Tehran, he cannot be promoted, nor his salary increased, for such a proceeding- 
 might form a precedent ; other public servants might entertain the delusion of 
 moving off to the Mission, in the hopes of obtaining promotion and increase of 
 pay, and a cause of mutual bitterness and ill-will might l)c thereby generated 
 between this Government and the Mission. 
 
 The Minister was not satisfied with the above arrangements, and broke off 
 his relations. The propositions which he himself made were, in the eyes of the 
 people of this country, so onerous, that if tlic Government were to entertain the 
 idea of admitting and accepting them, it would endanger the independent 
 authority and security of this State, and compromise the safety in life and 
 property of its foreign guests. His principal proposition was this, that the wife 
 of Meerza Hashem Khan should, in spite of the various details and reports 
 (about her), be they true or be tliey false, in spite of all the information relative 
 to her collected by the Ulema, and of the fetwahs, and testimony, as Avritten and 
 sealed by them, be surrendered to her husband, under the authority of tlie 
 Ministers, to be by him taken to a house close to the dwelling of the Mission. 
 Considering that the history of the Russian Minister Greybayedoff is yet fresh, 
 and its painful circumstances, the shame and dishonour of which to Persia has 
 not yet been obliterated before the nations of Europe and the countries of the 
 ■whole world, are ever before the eyes of this Government ; and if that amount 
 of bitter feeling Avas then roused on account of one Georgian girl, would not 
 those feelings be much aggravated on behalf of the present lady, who is nearly 
 connected with the Royal harem, and who has ties of relationship with a powerful 
 tribe or clan, like the Kajjars ? Would not the shame be everlasting, and the 
 bitterness affect the authority of the Sovereign? 
 
 The Persian Government were unable to accept Mr. Murray's terms ; 
 and, under the necessity and compulsion of the case, and with the utmost 
 sorrow and profoundest regret at the cessation of relations l)y that gentleman, 
 remained silent. In point of fact, it does not lie against Mr. Murray as a 
 matter of so great blame that he, newly ari-ived in Persia, should be imperfectly 
 acquainted with the customs of that people, and with the importance with which 
 they view matters of decorum and of religion ; but that the people who surround 
 him, and especially Mr. Stevens, should have led him into this course, is 
 eminently matter of reprobation, for they who thus urge him are well acquainted 
 with Persian customs. This is the same Mr. Stevens whose conduct when at 
 Tabreez is well known, and has often been made the subject of complaints to 
 the English Government, sent by us immediately and without intervention, as 
 the Ambassador at Constantinople is, doubtless, not unaware ; and he had 
 hardly arrived at the capital when he did what he has done. When was it ever 
 known that political questions, which lir.ve nothing to do with the transaction 
 of Consular business, should be brought forward under the notice of Consuls? 
 This Mr. Murray has appointed Mr. Stevens as his own Yizier, and with him 
 throws political affairs into confusion. 
 
 The result of all this is, that you are instructed to make his Excellency 
 the British Ambassador informed of the whole circumstances from beginning to 
 
1Q5 
 
 end, and to request him to send copies of the whole correspondence to the 
 British Government, in order that they may be fully acquainted with the 
 conduct of their Minister, and the dependents of the Mission in Persia, and 
 may, in the interest of the friendship of the two countries, adopt some decision 
 to obviate the possibility of such occurrences henceforward, and to prevent the 
 interference of the British Mission in the internal affairs of this country. 
 
 No. 62. 
 Mr. Murray to thr Earl of Clarendon. — {Received February 15.) 
 
 My Lord, Tabrecz, January 5, 1856. 
 
 TPIE Mehmandar in attendance upon me having, in course of conversation, 
 intimated that the greatest obstacle to a reconciliation between myself and the 
 Persian Government was, my insisting upon certain of the Mooshtehids coming 
 in person to apologise at the Mission, I have been induced to modify my terms, 
 as contained in the accompanying inclosure. I have no doubt that the Persian 
 Ministers will consider any alteration a concession ; but I think your Lordship 
 will agree with me, that a written apology, sealed by all the offending MooUahs 
 .and Mooshtehids, and delivered by their Chief, the Imaum-o'-Jooma, in 2)erson, 
 will prove as complete a satisfaction, if not more so, than the mode of apology 
 prescribed in the first instance. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY". 
 
 Inclosure 1 in 'No. 62. 
 Mr. Murray to the Me/imandar. 
 
 January 2, 1856. 
 
 AS you have expressed to me your belief that the Persian Government is 
 disposed towards a reconciliation with this Mission, and to accede to the demands 
 which I have made for reparation for the injuries and calumnies of which I have 
 liad reason to complain, 1 inclose, for your information, a copy of those 
 demands* as they were communicated to the Persian Government at Tehran, 
 and I now add one or two modifications which subsequent events have led me to 
 make. 
 
 With respect to demand No. 3, I have learnt, since I left Tehran, that a 
 third destkhet of the Shah, though not sent to me, was communicated to the 
 Russian, French, and Ottoman Missions, and that it contained expressions 
 concerning myself, in the highest degree offensive and unbecoming. As it 
 nivould be impossible for me ever to resume friendly relations with the Persian 
 Court while this destkhet remains unretracted, I must demand that the same 
 officer appointed by the Shah to retract the destkhet of which I before com- 
 plained, should also bring with him a letter sealed by the Sadr Azim, stating, 
 in the clearest terms, that His Majesty entirely withdrew and retracted all the 
 offensive expressions contained in the last destkliet, and wished me to consider 
 it as never having been written ; a copy of that letter to be sent by the Persian 
 Government to the three Missions to whom the destkhet itself had been 
 communicated. 
 
 With regard to the demand No. 4, you have explained to me that, on 
 religious grounds, some of the Mooshtehids and Moollahs might decline to 
 come in person to the British Mission, and that my insisting on that demand 
 might cause insuperable difficulties, such as might impede all measures of 
 
 * Enumerated in despatch of December 6, 1855. 
 
106 
 
 reconciliation. Although I have pointed out to you the obvious truth that if 
 Mooshtehids and Moollahs will, either of their own accord or at the instigation 
 of others, put their seals to calumnies aud falsehoods, they must also, like other 
 men, be compelled to make apology and retractation ; nevertheless, in order 
 to show you that I personally have no wish to throw obstacles in the way of a 
 fair and proper reconciliation, 1 am willing so far to modify my demand No. 4, 
 as to agree that if the Imaum-o'-Jooma, accompanied by one or two of the 
 Moollahs or Mooshtehids selected by the Persian Government, calls in person at 
 the Mission and destroys, in my presence, the istishhad nameh of which I 
 complain, and leaves in the Mission a paper expressing the matter contained 
 in my Inclosure No. 2, bearing the seals of all the Mooshtehids and Moollahs 
 who had signed the istishhad nameh, I am content to accept this arrangement 
 in lieu of my demand No. 4, as it originally stood. 
 
 I remain, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 62. 
 
 Draft of Document to he given in to the Mission on the part of the Mooshtehids 
 
 and Moollahs. 
 
 WE, the Mooshtehids and Moollahs whose seals are hereunto appended, 
 and who, in the month of Rebiul-evvel, 1272, signed at Tehran an istishhad 
 nameh containing various charges and accusations against Her Britannic 
 Majesty's Minister and Mission, hereby declare that the above-named charges 
 and accusations were made under error and false information, and we are con- 
 vinced that they were entirely without truth or foundation, for which reason we 
 have requested the Imaum-o'-Jooma to visit the British Minister, at the 
 Mission-house, and there, in his Excellency's presence, to destroy the above- 
 named istishhad nameh, and to express our regret that it was written ; also to 
 leave with his Excellency this document, to which we have affixed our seals. 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 No. 63. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — [Received Fehruarxj 15.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tabreez, January 8, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship, that according to the most 
 recent intelligence from Tehran, the Persian Government is making active 
 preparations lor repelling any attack which the British or Indian Government 
 may make on the Southern Provinces. 
 
 If I am rightly informed, while the Shah was at Jajrood (whither His 
 Majesty had gone for the ostensible purpose of hunting), circulars were 
 addressed to the Governors of Ears, Kcrman, Yezd, Kermanshah, and Ara- 
 bistan, ordering them to keep up a constant interchange of communication, and 
 to be ready to assist each other in case of need. 
 
 The latest advices from Khorassan state that Prince Mahomed Youssuf, 
 present Ruler of Herat, had requested the Persian authorities at Meshed to delay 
 for a fortnight any force which they might be about to send to his assistance, 
 as he hoped to be able to arrange matters amicably with Dost Mahomed Khan, 
 This request arrived very opportunely, as I am told that at the time of its 
 reaching Meshed, the Persian troops there were clamorous for their pay, and 
 not disposed to march till they received it. The Commander of the expedi- 
 
107 
 
 tion, however, Sultan Moorad Meerza. had orders from Tehran to push forward 
 with all speed ; notwithstanding these instructions, I am of opinion that the 
 fate of Herat will be decided by a compromise or a battle long before a single 
 Persian regiment arriA'cs in sight of the town. 
 
 No. 04. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received February 15.) 
 
 My Lord, Tabreez, January 8, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a 
 despatch which I have addressed to Mr. Consul Stevens, in consequence of the 
 Kaimakam having stated that the Persian Government were in possession of a 
 letter from Her Majesty's Mission to Dost Mahomed Khan, which had been 
 intercepted by Prince Mahomed Youssuf, the Euler of Herat, and which proved 
 that the Britisli Mission had broken faith with the Persian Government in 
 respect to Herat. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 64. 
 Mr. Murray to Consul Stevens. 
 
 (Extract.) Tabreez, December 31, 1855. 
 
 IN a despatch addressed to me by Mr. Consul Abbott on the 22nd instant, 
 relating to a conversation which he had just held with the Kaimakam, in which 
 the latter had expressed a hope and expectation that the differences now 
 existing between the Persian Government and Her Britannic Majesty's Mission 
 might be amicably arranged, there occurs the following passage: — 
 
 "He (the Kaimakam) added afterwards, that since sending me the above 
 message, he had learnt that affairs had recently become more complicated and 
 difficult in consequence of what had occurred regarding Herat ; that letters from 
 Her Majesty's Mission to Dost Mahomed Khan had been intercepted by 
 Mahomed Youssuf Meerza, Governor of Herat, in which it was apparent that 
 the British Mission had broken its faitli with the Persian Government, in respect 
 of an arrangement made four years since respecting Herat ; that the Sadr Azira 
 had appealed to the French Minister on the subject, who had sided with him." 
 
 With reference to the statement contained in this passage, I have to 
 instruct you to inform the Minister for Foreign Affairs that, like all the other 
 charges which the Persian Government has lately adduced against Her 
 Britannic Majesty's Mission, it has not even a shadow of foundation in 
 truth : neither have I, nor has my predecessor, Mr. Thomson, as he himself 
 assures me, ever written one single note or letter, private or official, to 
 Dost Mahomed Khan; and so far from encouraging or inviting him to 
 march against Herat, I have, for the last two or three months, beheved 
 him to be dead, according to a report which reached me from Meshed, 
 which I transmitted to Her Majesty's Government. You are entitled to 
 demand that the Minister for Foreign Affairs should show you this pretended 
 intercepted letter, in order that you may, if possible, discover the author of the 
 forgery. If he declines to do so, I can only believe that the whole story has 
 been fabricated by the Persian Government in order to vilify and calumniate 
 the British Mission, and to endeavour to produce a misunderstanding between 
 
 P2 
 
Ids 
 
 it and the French Mission. It will not be amiss that you convey a Avarning to 
 the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that if the Persian Government endeavour to 
 make this forged letter, or this groundless falsehood, a pretext for moving 
 troops on Herat, or interfering in tlie aflPairs of Affghanistan, in a manner 
 contrary to the agreement entered into with Her Majesty's Government, they 
 will seriously aggravate the difficulties that have already arisen from their late 
 conduct towards this Mission, and will oblige the British Government to 
 have recourse to measures calculated to enforce a respect for diplomatic 
 engagements. 
 
 You will communicate the purport of this despatch to the Foreign 
 Minister. 
 
 No. Gr>. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received February 15, 1850.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, December 31, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose for your Lordship's information copies of 
 the following despatches recently addressed by me, viz : — 
 
 1. December 21. — To the Indian Government, inclosing translation of a 
 Persian manifesto, announcing a military expedition to Herat. 
 
 2. December 29. — To Mr. Murray, with remarks on the above document. 
 
 3. December 23. — To the Indian Government, announcing the departure 
 of Sultan Moorad Meerza for Herat, and conveying information on the military 
 forces in Khorassan and Fars. 
 
 4. December 29. — To Mr. Murray, reporting a communication made by 
 the Persian Government to the Foreign Ministers in Tehran, of the pretended 
 discovery of a secret correspondence between Mr. Thomson and Syed Mahomed 
 Khan, late Ruler of Herat. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in iS'o. 65. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, December 21, 1855. 
 
 IN transmitting herewith, for the information of the Eight Honourable 
 the Governor-General of India, the "Tehran Gazette" of yesterday's date, 
 containing a manifesto (translation inclosed) of the Persian Government, 
 declaring its intention to occupy Herat on the ground of that place being 
 menaced by Dost Mahomed Khan, I have the honour to draw his Lordship's 
 notice to the passages conveying offensive insinuations against the British 
 Government, for nobody in Tehran entertains the least doubt about the British 
 Government being the "neighbour" alluded to as "instigating and supporting"^ 
 Dost Mahomed Khan. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 66. , 
 Manifesto. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 ACCORDING to authentic intelligence which has reached the Persian 
 Government from Khorassan, the Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan has dared, at> 
 the instigation and with the support of his neighbours, to send troops to. 
 
109 
 
 Candahar and to occupy it : he intends from that place to march upon Herat, 
 The Persian Government, desiring to prevent Herat from falling- into the hands 
 of the Governments of Cabul, Candahar, or others, and also to preserve the 
 province of Khorassau, considers it necessary to take Herat and retain it. 
 
 The movement of Dost Mahomed Khan, who is the aggressor, has come 
 to the knowledge of the Persian Goverinnent ; undoubtedly it is not on his 
 own impulse that he is acting contrary to the wishes of this Government, and 
 that he has undertaken such a ste]), he who has invariably shown good intentions 
 and submission (to the Persian Government). Ostensibly he wants to seize 
 Herat, but in reality it is to introduce disturbances into Khorassan, even 
 Belooohistan, Kirman, and the provinces.* 
 
 The Persian Govei'nraent cannot tolerate such disoniers on its territory. 
 It is, therefore, necessary, for the purpase of securing tranquillity in its 
 provinces, and on its frontiers, to dispatcli well-equipped troops to Herat to 
 save the place from falling into the hands of Dost Mahomed Khan ; to maintain 
 tranquillity in that country, maintain the integrity of its Government (Herat), 
 and prevent it from falling into other hands. When this result shall be olatained, 
 the Persian Government will consider in what further manner it should act. 
 However, this decision on the part of the Persian Government will in no way 
 change its previous determination of remaining neutral, and has no connection 
 witli the circumstances existing between the belligerent Powers (the Western 
 Powers and Russia). The Persian Government desire, as they have hitherto 
 done, to observe neutrality. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in Xo. Gn. 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, December 29, 1855. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Excellency's information, copies 
 of three despatches, addressed by me to the Indian Government, and to inform ' 
 you, with reference to the Inclosure No. 2, that there exists a curious diversity 
 of opinion here on the precise meaning of the Persian Manifesto regarding the 
 expedition to Herat, as it was published in the •* Tehran Gazette." 
 
 My own imperfect knowledge of the language disables me from oifering 
 any opinion on the subject. All agree in one point, that it is couched in 
 ambiguous terms. According to some, the Government distinctly declares its 
 intention to occupy and retain Herat ; others, that this can only be inferred by 
 the positive announcement of the dispatch of troops to Herat. 
 
 Perhaps the intentions of the Persian Government may be best understood 
 from a remark made by the Prime Minister, that if Sultan Moorad Meerza got 
 within the walls of Herat before Dost ^lahomed Khan, his, the Sadr's, quarrel 
 with the English would be easily arranged, as they would be too glad to make 
 advances to the Persian Government, with a view of obtaining the withdrawal of 
 the Persian troops from that fortress. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No, Q5. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Secretary/ to the Government of India. 
 
 /Extract.) Tehran, December 23, 1855, 
 
 IN continuation of the intelligence contained in my despatches of 
 ihe 12th and ITth instant, addressed to Mr. Murray, I have the honour to 
 
 * This is not clear in the ori^'inal, , 
 
no 
 
 report, for the information of the Right Honourable the Governor-General 
 of India, that Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza left Tehran yesterday for the 
 Shah's camp at Jajrood, six liours from the capital, -where His Majesty is 
 just now on a hunting expedition. The Prince will proceed direct from the 
 camp to Khorassan and Herat. He has been furnished with 20,000 tomauns, 
 half in cash and half in shawls, and other articles for " khalauts." 
 
 The Persian Ministers hope that the appearance of a Persian army on the 
 borders of Affghanistan will produce disturbances in British India. 
 
 The Persian Regular Infantry now in the Province of 
 
 Khorassan amounts to . . . . . . 4,G00 Men 
 
 Those now on the way, or preparing for the same direction 4,000 „ 
 
 And Artillerymen, about . . . . . . . . 400 „ 
 
 Inall .. ... .. .. 9,000 „ 
 
 Fully half this number will be required for garrison duty ; and casualties 
 inevitable in moving troops in this season will certainly reduce the other half to 
 about 3,500 ill paid, dissatisfied, and badly equipped men, which I consider will 
 be the maximum number of regular forces that may, if they meet with no 
 opposition, reach Herat. 
 
 Two thousand men and some artillerymen are also under orders for Pars, 
 where the troops, with this addition, will amount to. *3,G00 men, and are, it is said, 
 to be placed under the command of Prince Hamza Meerza, the present Governor 
 of Ispahan. His Government considers him a good general. I have known him 
 very intimately for five years, but cannot confirm this opinion. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. G5. 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murray, 
 
 Sir, Tehran, Decemher 29, 1855. 
 
 THE Persian Government has, I understand, communicated to the 
 foreign Missions in Tehran, the copies of a pretended correspondence between 
 Mr, Thomson and Syed Mahomed Khan, found among the latter's papers after 
 his murder, and in which Mr. Thomson places a crore, or half crore, of tomauns 
 at the chief's disposal, for purposes injurious to the interests of the Persian 
 Government. 
 
 Both M. BouiTe and Hyder EtFendi mentioned this circumstance to me ; 
 and I did not hesitate to declare to them that, if any such documents existed, 
 they were probably forged by the Persians to justify their recent manifesto 
 against Herat. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 66. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffie to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received Fehruari/ 24.) 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, February 18, 1856. 
 
 INTELLIGENCE having reached me from Tehran that a document 
 prepared by the Persian Government, signed by numerous Ulemah, and 
 containing a number of false and calumnious charges against the members of 
 Her Majesty's Legation in Persia, had been forwarded to Constantinople, I have 
 
Ill 
 
 been requested by Mr. Murray to procure a copy of this paper, which he had 
 not himself been able to obtain in Persia, and to transmit it to your Lordship's 
 office without loss of time. 
 
 The document, of Avhich I have the honour to inclose a translation here- 
 with, although it contains no direct and specific charges against that gentleman 
 or the members of his Mission, and although, judging from the period of its 
 communication to myself, it must have been written before Mr. Murray had left 
 Tehran, appears, nevertheless, to correspond sufficiently with the paper indicated 
 by that gentleman to warrant its immediate transmission, on my part, for your 
 Lordship's information. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 66. 
 Letter from Hajee AH Keene, Mooshtehid or Chief Pried of Tehran. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 I BEG to trouble you with the representation of three necessary subjects. 
 The first is this, that such a disturbance took place last night at the back of 
 your petitioner's house, that had it not occurred towards the close of the night, 
 when the people were asleep, a considerable riot might have happened. One of 
 the foreign residents of this city occupies a house in your petitioner's neigh- 
 bourhood : the name of his service was assumed by a party of rabble who had 
 collected about him, reckless fellows in speech and action. In short, about 
 midnight they seized a woman and were carrying her off', either for them- 
 selves or for their authorities in office. The woman cried and screamed, and 
 two well-known respectable merchants went out themselves to rescue her. 
 These rascals, together with a party of official people (" sahib-mansab'') and 
 instructors ("muallim"), fell on the merchants, beat them, and were dragging 
 them home, when one Thaddeus, an Armenian, interfered and obtained their 
 release — one of their men having brought up the watch of the quarter, who gave 
 the fellows a sound thrashing, and drove them away. 
 
 My petition, then, is this : How can such disturbances and irregularities 
 (perpetrated against the respectable people of the city, and especially against 
 the honour of Mussulmans) be tolerated ? It is clear to all that such people 
 will stop at nothing after this tumultuous conduct. I often hear that their 
 officials are in the habit of carrying off Mussulman women ; and my request is, 
 that a remedy for all this be found, especially as regards last night's disturbance, 
 for I can no longer endure or control such irregularities : otherwise I must 
 resign my post, and perhaps quit the city. 
 
 No. 67. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (^Received at Paris, March 2.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tahreez, January 18, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that, a short time ago, a 
 messenger or agent from Herat called upon Mr. Stevens at Tehran, and 
 finding that I had already withdrawn the Mission from that capital, delivered to 
 him three letters addressed to me by several Chiefs of the principal Heratee 
 tribes and factions, translations of which I have the honour to inclose 
 herewith. 
 
 There are some remarkable and suspicious circumstances attached to these 
 letters, deserving your Lordship's notice. . They bear no date, and although 
 
112 
 
 stated bj the messenger to be addressed to me, tliej bore no superscription 
 whatever ; in endeavouring to form an opinion as to their genuineness, I had 
 the fortuitous advantage of the assistance of our second Meerza, who is himself 
 an Aftghan, and who is well accpiainted with the names, position, and seals of 
 the parties. The genuineness of some of the seals is, in his opinion, questionable, 
 but the last of the series seems to be genuine. If, as I strongly suspect, these 
 letters are either forged or written at the secret instigation of the Persian 
 Government, then it is only a clumsy attempt on their part to entangle me in 
 some correspondence or negotiation with the Affghan Chiefs, by the intercep- 
 tion and disclosure of which they might justify their own march upon Herat, 
 and also the falsehoods >vhich they have spread, and are spreading, far and 
 wide, to the effect that Her ^Majesty's Government and this Mission have violated 
 the agreement entered into with Persia, in respect to the non-interference in 
 the internal affairs of Affghanistan. 
 
 Whatever may be tlie real history of these letters, the only reply that I 
 have given to them is the inclosed letter to Mr. Stevens, of which I send him a 
 Persian translation, which I authorize him to give to the Affghan messenger. 
 
 Inclosiu-e 1 in No. 67. 
 Khan and Khun to Mr. Murray. 
 
 j(Translation.) 
 
 IN the first place, I pray for your welfare ; and secondly, I beg to represent 
 to you that I, your devoted servant, am exceedingly desirous to serve jaur 
 Government with heart and soul. In this country we have a multitude of 
 followers : thanks be to God, and, by the kindness of your Government, we 
 can command about 10,000 men, horse and foot ; and as we knew that your 
 Government desired this country, we seized Syed Mahomed Khan (late Ruler of 
 Herat), and now our eyes are open in expectation, we being ready to serve in 
 any way you may point out. As we had no chief, we brought Prince Mahomed 
 Youssuf and set him over us, but now his intentions are changed, and this is 
 the reason we have sent tlie bearer to you ; so that in any way you aie pleased 
 to command we may serve. 
 
 Khan is the bearer, and whatever he says may be depended upon. 
 
 -Khan and Khan to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 MAY God always preserve you perfect health. I beg to state that I, your 
 servant, am one of the tribes,* but am at present residing in the city, praying 
 for the prosperity of your Government. Being ourselves in difficulty, and 
 having created for ourselves our present position, if your Government has any 
 favour for us, and will give us any instructions, we are quite able to face them 
 all here. We are in expectation, and if you will silence them there (at Tehran), 
 we are a match for them here. There was a person here who said he was 
 connected with your Government, but we did not feel confident of the truth of 
 
 what he said. In short, we have sent to you, and whatever he says, 
 
 you may consider as said by us ; and let the Government be informed of the 
 matter, for if they desire it, let them show ns favour and feel quite confidertt in 
 us, for affairs have now taken a very serious turn. 
 
 * Eeliat tribes. 
 
113 
 
 to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 *After Compliments. 
 
 I BEG to inform your Excellency that we have taken certain steps, 
 relying upon your assurances that it was for our good; but some persons 
 have now changed their manner of behaving (meaning Prince Mahomed 
 Youssuf), and our affairs do not prosper here. Some of your people are here, 
 but we have not ventured to speak to them about our business. We have, 
 therefore, sent these letters to you to explain the matter. We have been 
 the cause of these proceedings, being the Chiefs of the different tribes : we did 
 it in accordance with the desire of your Government. Now affairs are in con- 
 fusion here, and if it be the wish of your Government, we can command about 
 10,000 men; if you show us favour, we can get the better of them all here. 
 One is on his side (Prince Mahomed Youssuf, apparently) and all the others 
 are with us. Be good enough to let us know if you have any request. Every 
 one is devoted to you and your Government, and considering you as thoii- 
 friend, they have sent a messenger to you, so that they may receive answers to 
 tlieir commup.ications, and feel confidence in you, when they will serve your 
 Government. You can determine as you please. As it was"^ requisite, I have 
 written this letter. The bearer will mention to you verbally all other matters, 
 and his word is deserving of credit. 
 
 Inclosm-e 2 in No. 67. 
 Mr. Murray to Consul Stevens. 
 
 (Extract.) Tabreez, January 17, 1856. 
 
 1 HAVE received and read the three letters which were placed in your 
 hands, and which you forwarded to me. They bear the seals of Heratee Chiefs 
 of high rank. You may, therefore, convey to them the following reply to their 
 communication : — 
 
 In the first place I must observe, that the letters contain several serious 
 misstatements, which require correction : such, for instance, as " We know your 
 Government desired this country;" also that, "We have taken certain steps 
 relying upon your assurances that it was for our good." Now, it should be 
 known to the Chiefs who sent these letters that 1 never gave them any assurances, 
 neither have I recommended them to take any steps whatsoever. It is equally 
 incorrect to state that the British Government desires their country. These 
 Chiefs should know that the British Government, some time ago, made an 
 agi-eement with the Persian Government that neither party should meddle in 
 the internal affairs of AfFghanistan. So long as there is peace between Great 
 Britain and Peisia, the British Government cannot, and will not, break this 
 agreement ; neither will we pei'mit the Persian Government to break it on their 
 side. If they do, they must take the consequences that may follow. What the 
 British Government desires is to see AfFghanistan prosperous and independent ; 
 we wish to have sincere friendship and extended mutual relations of commerce 
 with the Affghans, and that they should arrange their own affairs of internal 
 government without any interference either on the part of Great Britain or of 
 Persia. 
 
 As to the tale of there being now in Herat an English subject connected 
 with our Government, it must be a mere fable ; at least I know of no such 
 person. 
 
 After I heard that the government of Herat had fallen into the hands of 
 Prince Mahomed Youssuf, who bore the character of courage and ability, I 
 hoped that the affairs of that city and country would improve and prosper in his 
 hands. It seems from these letters that I have been disappointed in this liope, 
 and that all is again intrigue and dissension. I regret this on account of the 
 Affghans themselves ; for all history shows that a country, however brave and 
 warlike may be its population, which is divided by internal broils and dissensions, 
 and solicits foreign intervention, is sure to be ruined in the end. 
 
 * Autograph of the author. 
 
114 
 
 I repeat what I have before stated, that so long as we are at peace with 
 Persia, we cannot interfere in the internal affairs of Affghanistan ; neither will 
 we permit the Persians to do so with impunity. 
 
 1 send you a translation of this letter. 
 
 Translated into Persian by 
 
 (Signed) Wm. J. Dickson. 
 
 No. 68. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received at Paris, March 2.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tabreez, January 22, 18,56. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith a translation of a paper lately 
 drawn up by the Persian Government, and sent, or about to be sent, to Europe 
 for publication. As the lalselioods and calumnies aj^ainst Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment and this Mission which it contains are too gross and palpable to be owned 
 or defended, the Persian Government has adopted the clumsy contrivance of 
 circulating this manifesto in the anonymous form of a letter from " Our Own 
 Coirespondent," and 1 am informed that it is to be printed in Constantinople. 
 However the Persian Government may be hereafter induced, by shame or lear, 
 to disclaim the authorship of this scurrilous libel, the evidence, both circumstan- 
 tial and internal, is so clear as to leave no doubt on the subject. A fortnight 
 before I received it, Mr. Stevens wrote to me from Tehran that the Persian 
 Govei-nment was occupied in drawing up such a paper, and thai he would endea- 
 vour to get me a copy of it. He succeeded in doing so, and, on perusing it, I 
 recognised at once the same falsehoods, the same pretexts, and, in many instances, 
 the very same words that the Sadr Azim has used in his discussions with myself, 
 so as to leave not a shadow of doubt that the paper has been drawn up under 
 his direction. I have divided the translation into paragraphs (which division 
 does not exist in the original), in order that I might add a lew marginal notes 
 where they might seem necessary. I have not thought it requisite lo call your 
 Lordship's attention to the calumnies alleged against my predecessors — such, 
 for instance, as those concerning Bokhara, Herat, &c., because they refer to 
 matters already familiar to your Lordship, whereas some of the calumnies 
 adduced against myself are an improvement on those which have already 
 been sent to your l.,ordship in an official form, and emanating from the same 
 quarter. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 68. 
 Papei- drawn up by the Persian Ministers for publication in Europe. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 1 . FROM intelligence received from Tehran, the capital of Persia, it appears 
 that Mr. Murray, lately accredited to Persia as Minister Plenipotentiary, has 
 broken off relations with the Persian Government, and has struck the British 
 flag, which was the emblem of goodwill. This is the same flag which, from 
 the first day, was hoisted in token of friendship and unanimity ; and this is the 
 same friendship on the maintenance of which the English always laid such 
 stress in any matter of great importance which they had to transact. Our corre- 
 spondent, after carefully examining the information which reached him, and 
 ■weighing the different points in the various reports at Tehran, has arrived at the 
 conviction that the true state of the case is as described in the following state- 
 ment :— 
 
115 
 
 2. There can be no doubt that the British Government attached great xhu paragraph « 
 value to the friendship of Persia, and it is equally clear that they had succeeded Ji^^fi^stTnstance' sen- 
 in making the Persian Government their sincere well-wishers. Our coirespondent timents of friendsi'ip 
 is of opinion that these sentiments are still entertained. But all the English *J^''^^jf,*„,,'i\° are'sliii 
 authorities in Persia have been actuated in their conduct by personal feelings, entcrta.nLd by the 
 and they have not only irritated the people and Government of Persia to such f,^ Xe" i.!tte7'p'art "of 
 a degi'eo that language cannot be found to express their dislike of the English tiio paragraph,^^ they 
 Government, but they have caused a change in the feelings of the Persian jj"'tter"eiiemre^' 
 nation. If the Persians considered the English their friends in former days, 
 
 now, on the contrarj-, they look upon them as their bitter enemies, and believe 
 
 that the English have sinister designs upon Persia, and wish to treat her as they 
 
 would one of the Rajahs of Hindostan, and that all the irregularities which The phrase about 
 
 British officers commit in Persia are undertaken under instructions fiom the the Rajahs of Hin- 
 
 T» • / • 1 n /I • • i dostaii is a favourite 
 
 British Ministers. one of the Sadr-s, and 
 
 3. Although we are of opinion that the British Government could never '"^ 1'^™."'"'^^!'/^'''," 
 sanction such proceedings on the part of their officers, still tliat Government has, convettation. 
 
 on several occasions, treated the Persian Government in such a manner as to 
 support the idea formed by the Persians. For instance, when " McNeill " broke 
 off relations on the Herat question, although he was in the wrong, and the first 
 improper step, which was at variance with the friendship existing between the 
 two States, was taken by him, and he removed the Bi'itish Mission from the 
 Persian territory to that of Turkey, the British Government, instead of con- 
 demning the proceedings of McNeill, refused to receive in London Hussein 
 Khan, the Adjutant-General, who was dispatched on a mission to England from 
 tiie Persian Court. Hussein Khan was sent by the Persian Ministers to England 
 for the purpose of proving to the British Ministers the justice of the course 
 pursued by Persia. Why, then, should the British Ministers refuse admission 
 to its dominions to the Ambassador of an ancient kingdom ? Could they have 
 put this disgrace on any other country, we ask, or made the resumption of 
 friendly relations dependent upon the pleasure of their Ambassador, Mc Neill, 
 without listening to the defence and just arguments adduced by the Persian 
 Government ? From that day the Persian people lost all faith in the friendship 
 of the British Government ; and, up to this time, whatever proceedings were 
 undertaken in Persia by the English authorities, however unjust, the Persian 
 Ministers, although they knew that they were degrading to their country, still 
 gave the preference to the maintenance of friendly relations with England, and 
 reluctantly submitted, knowing how difficult it was, nay, almost impossible, for 
 the Persian Ministers to succeed in showing up the conduct of the English 
 officers to their Government. If they sent an Envoy, the English Government 
 would not receive him, and if they sent letters, no answers would be vouchsafed; 
 what, then, was the necessity for adding to their own humiliation ? 
 
 4. Secondly, whenever the Persian Ministers found themselves compelled 
 to report the unjust proceedings of the British authorities to the English Govern- 
 ment through the medium of a direct communication in writing, no answer was 
 given ; or, if a reply was occasionally transmitted, they communicated it to their 
 own Kepresentatives, to be verbally conveyed to the Persian Ministers. We 
 are perfectly amazed to find how much, under such circumstances, the Persian 
 Ministers prized English friendship, for no Government would submit to the 
 discourtesy of being referred for an answer to the verbal communication of the 
 English Representatives, when they had written a direct appeal to the British 
 Ministers in an official form. But a short time has elapsed since the Ameer of 
 Bokhara refused to submit to an affront of this description, and the fate of 
 Stoddart was the result. 
 
 .5. Thirdly, whenever the British authorities commit an irregular act, and 
 persist in it, they write a garbled account of the matter to their Government, 
 and, after a short period, they come and inform the Persian Ministers verbally 
 that the British Government have approved of their proceedings. This also 
 shows how annoyed the Persian Government must be with that of England. 
 
 6. Now we come to the irregular acts of the British authorities. As for 
 McNeill, he made a pretext of the Herat question, and withdrew the British 
 Mission to the Turkish territory ; and the British Government, so renowned 
 j throughout the world lor its justice and for its equity, although undeservedlv so 
 in our opinion, siding with its Representative, and approving of his actions, 
 adopted such harsh measures towards Persia, that she was compelled to reUn- 
 
 Q 2 
 
116 
 
 quish Herat, a portion of her ancient possessions, and to deprive herself of the 
 means of protecting Persia against the inroads of the Affghans and Toorkoinans, 
 bv whom she is greatly harassed. 
 
 7. Colonel Sheil, too, what harshness he employed during his residence in 
 Persia, for very little matter ; every kind of discourtesy and trouble were con- 
 sidered by him as permissible for the Persian Governniout. The fi!>t British 
 Envoy who made the Mission a sanctuary and house of reJhge lor discontented 
 persons, and mischief-makers, and dangerous characters, was Colonel Sheil. In 
 his time, no one ever saw the Mission without a refugee. His people and scribes 
 used to invite persons to come and take sanctuary, and they instigated others 
 ■ I,, enumerating the to disohediencc. For example, the Elkhanee of Pars and Koocheek Khan, 
 person's™ wiio h:ive Doombclee, the Serdar Abbas Koolee Khan, of Tarijan, Hussein Khan, Mizam- 
 tako,rte"r'u"e ed-Dowleh, Ferhad Meerza, and Khan Batta Khan, of Khonsar, although there 
 British Mission, it is ^r^s uo rcasou for it, and the Persian Ministers had no idea of harming them, 
 ti^.t''X°'sadTA'^im wcrc all luvlted, one after the other, to seek the asylum of the .Mission House; 
 Bhmiid omit his own m;,(j jj ^jjs only after a great deal of trouble that the Persian Ministers succeeded 
 fo','pten'litt"ileo«rs in pcrsuading these people to leave the Mission without the intervention of the 
 not" only his present Bntish authorities. 
 
 tTi'tt* i>rotect'u.n. *" '° 8. It was in the time of Colonel Sheil and Colonel Farrant that the Salar, 
 
 son of the Azef-ed-Dowleh, rebelled in Khorassan, and what protection and 
 support did not Colonel Sheil and Colonel Farrant afford in secret to tliese rebels 
 against the Shah's Government? It is the belief of our correspondent that 
 large sums of money were expended by them in the hope tliat the Persian 
 Government might be ruined through the Salar. Indeed, had it not been for the 
 protection given l)y these two English officers to the Salar, how could he have 
 resisted for such a length of time the Persian troops sent against him? Truly, 
 the Persian Government, notwithstanding that at the time we speak of it had 
 not yet acquired great stability, deserves great credit for the manner in which it 
 terminated that affair. 
 
 9. At all events, Yar Mahomed Khan, of Herat, came against the Salar 
 
 with a large body of Horse, and aided the Persians, performing every service to 
 
 the Persian Government in the siege of Meshed. He provided horsemen, 
 
 collected stores, and did everything in his power without hesitation. His 
 
 presents and letters to the Shah constantly reached Tehran ; and, in return, 
 
 firmans and dresses of honour were sent to him from the Shah, the same as to 
 
 former Governors of Herat. He coined the money in Herat in the name of the 
 
 Shah of Persia, and he considered Herat as a portion of the Persian dominions. 
 
 Our correspondent writes, that his having received and accepted the title of 
 
 " Zeheer-ood-Dowleh " from the Shah, and the fact that this is known to all the 
 
 world, are strong proofs that Yar Mahomed Khan considered himself a servant 
 
 of the Shah, and Governor of Herat on Ihe part of His Majesty. After Yah 
 
 Mahomed Khan died, his son Syed Mahomed Khan, having been named 
 
 Governor of Herat in the place of his father by the Shah, and having received 
 
 his dress of honour, continued to serve like his father, and never made the 
 
 slightest objection to send offerings to the Shah, to cause the " khootbch " 
 
 (prayer) to be made in the Shah's name, or to do all that was necessary as a 
 
 Governor and loyal servant. His brother, Mahomed Sedeek Khan, was sent by 
 
 him to Tehran to attend upon and serve the Shah. 
 
 ' 10. But Colonel Sheil, when he heard and learned all this, became 
 
 spiteful, and adopted harsh measures; and every day he had some occupation 
 
 and work for the Persian Ministers. Finding that his object could not be 
 
 attained by these means, he wrote something plausible to his Government, and 
 
 the British Ministers suspended all intercourse with Sheffee Khan, the Persian 
 
 Charge d'AtFaires in London, and distinctly informed that functionarv that until 
 
 the Persian Ministers settled the affair of Herat with Colonel Sheil, relations 
 
 would not be resumed with him. In Tehran, Colonel Sheil now " re-opened an 
 
 old account," and sought to embarrass the Persian Ministers, and at length an 
 
 agreement was made between them. Although our correspondent was not 
 
 perfectly acquainted with the terms of this agreement, this much he knew, and 
 
 it appears to be correct : that on the part of the English authorities, no 
 
 interference or intercourse whatever was to be held with Herat or the Heratees ; 
 
 that no Englishman was to enter the Herat territory, and the English authorities 
 
 were not to write one word to the Governor of Herat. But the Persian 
 
 Government was at Uberty to exercise the same amount of interference, and 
 
117 
 
 maintain the same intercourse with Herat which they did in the reign of Fatteh 
 AU Shah, Mahomed Shah, and, "the commencement of tlie Government." 
 Offerings to the Shah and letters and agents were to come to and go from 'Teliran 
 filways, and firmans and dresses of honour and agents might he sent to Herat. 
 any person from without marched with the design of taking Herat, the 
 jVrsian troops might go and disperse the (invading) force. In short, the 
 Persian Government was onlv not to talve actual territorial possession of Herat, 
 but that Principality was, with Cabul and Candahar, to remain in the hands of 
 their old Rulers, each separately, none molesting his neighbour. And if this 
 agreement was violated by the EngHsh Government or its authorities, the 
 agi-eement was to be null and void, and was to be considered as if it had never 
 been written. 
 
 10. After Colonel Shell left Persia, Mr. Thomson's turn arrived. He 
 soared higher than any of the others, and he acted in such a manner that the like 
 of it has never been seen in the world. For instance, he instigated the Persian 
 Minisiers for the purpose of creating confusion, so that the Iniaum of Muscat 
 began to produce disorder in an unsuitable manner, as we learned a short time 
 ago in the " Tehran Gazette," where we also read what befell the Imaum's troops 
 m Bender Abbas. On the other hand, he instigated the Khan of Khiva, who 
 came against Merve and Serekhs, in Khorassan, with horsemen and a large 
 force ; but his expedition was disastrous, and he lost his life, as was described 
 in a recent number of the " Tehran Gazette." Our correspondent is astonished 
 that a British otHcer should cause such serious disorders in the capital of Persia, 
 which endanger the very existence of the Persian Government. We have 
 never heard of any breach of friendship having been committed by Persia 
 against the English Government, that the latter should consider it suitable and 
 proper that their authorities should create such disorders in Persia. But the 
 most serious of all Mr. Thomson's proceedings was that he upset the Herat 
 engagement, and commenced dispatching people to and " scattering letters " 
 about Herat. He withdrew Syed Mahomed Khan, an obedient .servant of the 
 Persian Government, from his duty ; and not satisfied with this, he wrote for 
 an Englishman to come to Herat, who attached himself to Syed Mahomed 
 Klian, and every day stirred up mischief, until he threv/ tlie frontiers of 
 Khorassan into disorder, and that province was constantly harrassed by the 
 incursions of the Heratees and Toorkomans. Up to the day of Syed Mahomed 
 Khan's death, when Prince Mahomed Youssuf became Governor, that EngHsh- 
 man was in Herat, and in all likelihood is there yet. If, in reality, the terms of 
 the Herat engagement are such as have been stated to our correspondent, the 
 Persian Government is justified in taking whatever steps she deems advisable 
 with regard to Herat, and in looking upon the engagement as valueless and 
 cancelled ; and, in such an event, no objection can be taken that she has broken 
 her engagement. 
 
 Rf 12. Besides this, Mr. Thomson never relaxed the system of protection, 
 ut found hourly occupation for the Persian Ministers. He also protected 
 Ferhad Meerza, and invited him to take sanctuary in the Mission, and he 
 struggled and disputed with the Persian Ministers. In this manner, Hajee Abdul ^^"^^ Hae^"Abuu'i 
 Kerreem, a Candahar merchant, who has resided for thirty or forty years in Kerreemaiiudestothe 
 Persia as a Persian subject, and has a wife and family, having married the [f^^ ^'fei'^gi "e " il'^a 
 daughter of a Persian prince, was taken under protection on the plea that his paper to the Persian 
 father was a native of Shirkapore, and that place now belonged to the British .^^/BricTp^tecZ; 
 Empire ; aud on this question, he struck the English Hag and suspended diplo- and declaring- that he 
 matic rtlations. But the extraordinary part of it is, that our correspondent '"''"■*''"— 
 hears that Hajee Abdul Kerreem will not admit of his being a native of Shikar- 
 pore : he says he is not an English subject, but a native of Candahar, and that 
 he was and is a dependent of the Persian Government. 
 
 13. When Mr. Thomson's turn passed, and it came to Mr. Murray's, his 
 proceedings were more "spicy,"* than those of all the rest. We hear strange 
 news ; they write from Persia, that when it first became known that Mr. Muiray 
 was coming, the Persian Government, looking at the times and the position of 
 all the worid, conceived that Mr. Murray might be coming for some important 
 matters, which might be advantageous to the Persian Government as well as to 
 that of England, and they thought that his advent would prove a redress (salve 
 
 * " Ba raazaa." 
 
 is a Caudaliaree. 
 
us f 
 
 for all the troubles they had undergone with former Representatives. This was 
 the reason that they anxiously expected his arrival, and when he reached the 
 frontier, thev sent one of the principal servants of the Government, a man of 
 very high birth, to act as his Mehmandar from the boundary. He was escorted 
 with every honour to Tehran ; every endeavour was made to gratify him, and 
 never for a moment was it neglected to show him respect. Every day they 
 were in expectation as to when he would open the discussion. After a jieriod 
 of expectation, all at once they perceived that Mr. Murray, too, imitated his I 
 predecessors. The first arrow which left his quiver, was the affair of Fcrhad j 
 Meerza, whom he invited a second time to the Mission, and commenced a 
 correspondence about him in such a way, that every one gave the preference to- 
 the conduct of Mr. Thomson (although his proceedings were altogether unjustfj 
 and injudicious) compared to tliat of Mr. Murray. When he understood that 
 the affair of Ferhad Meerza was too unjust, and that he could not make an 
 uncle of the Shah a dependent of the British Government, and that no injustice 
 had been shown to the Prince to admit of his affording him protection, he then 
 abandoned this case, confessing that the Persian Ministers were in the right, 
 and he took in hand other unmeaning matters, such as the protection he gave 
 to one of his ferrashes wlio had been drinking, and was apprehended by the 
 watch. He demanded repeatedly, that the person who seized his servant should 
 receive the bastinado ; and all the messages sent to him to ask why* he 
 demanded that the sticks should be administered, seeing that he was residing in 
 Tehran on the part of a civilized Government, and ought, therefore, to point 
 mt to the people the road towards civilization, were of no avail. In the same 
 vay, many unsuitable matters were nndertaken by him during this short period, 
 which are unworthy of (publication in) this paper. Every day he was in search 
 of some matter to afford an occupation for himself, and to give embarrassment 
 to the Persian Ministers, until he found the case of Meerza Hashem Khan.| 
 'I'he story of this person, which our correspondent heard, is, fi'om first to last, asl 
 follows : — I 
 
 14. Meerza Hashem Khan, from what has become known, was first of all | 
 employed as a page in the late Shah's harem, and afterwards accompanied J 
 Nassir-oon-deen Shah, then heir apparent, when he went to Azerbijan. When^ 
 the Shah returned from that province to Tehran, and ascended the throne,! 
 Meerza Hashem Khan was appointed on a salary of 200 tomauns a-year, to be a 3 
 
 Meerza Hashem Gholam Pishkhidmct to His Majesty. After some time he was, at his own solici-i' 
 nam^d to"an7po8ri^ tation, named to a post in the army, and one day, he secretly, without rhyme or^ 
 the army. rcason, fled and took sanctuary in the British Mission. Mr. Thomson wished tol 
 
 appoint him first Persian Secretary to the Mission, and intimated his nomination! 
 to that post to the Persian Ministers ; but they silenced him by sound arguments,* 
 and he relinquished his first intention, when he dismissed him from the situation ( 
 and placed another in his stead, whose appointment he announced to the Persian* 
 Government. The Persian authorities desired to withdraw Meerza Hashem ' 
 Khan from the sanctuary of the Mission ; but he put off" from day to day, saying^ 
 that he feared he would be molested. Mr. Thomson proposed to send" him to( 
 the Persian Ministers, accompanied by one of his own people ; but the Persian ^ 
 Ministers declined, because several cases similar to this had occurred, and when- f 
 ever a person from the Mission came along with any one, he was considered by i 
 the Mission as one of their dependents and a British subject. Mr. Thomson j 
 was informed that if Meerza Hashem Khan left the Mission without the inter- \ 
 ference of the British authorities, he would be treated with perfect kindness, i 
 He, however, remained in the Mission until Mr. Murray arrived, and in the I 
 summer, when the Shah with his Court and the Mission all removed to their \ 
 summer quarters, Meerza Hashem Khan accompanied the Mission. 1 
 
 15. From what we have heard from Persia, whether true or false we cannot t 
 The Meerza took ^ssert, Mccrza Hashem Khan, who is married to the daughter of one of the •; 
 
 his wife with him princcs, and about whose wife there is a long story which cannot be inserted in ^ 
 thrMis9ion°tn™oimtry ^'"^ paper, took his wife with him to the summer residence, and gave her a placet 
 quarters; and as the near the garden in which Mr. Murray resided. This matter having acquired in ' 
 
 whole village does not xi -i. / rn i j_ • , • • i i i •, ,i . 
 
 contain more timn the City 01 Ichrau uotoriety in an improper and scandalous way, it appears that ^ 
 thirty houses, it is not the Pcrsiau Ministers, wishing to make (Mr.) " Murray" acquainted with this* 
 
 wonderful that their's ' o v / j i 7 
 
 should be near the ' 
 
 Murray resided^^ ^'' * '^^^ ^^""^ '* "^^'^ '° ^^^ second person singular, which is neyer done in the Persian language, i 
 
 ^ ' excepting to servants and inferiors. I 
 
! 119 
 
 circumstance, addressed an official letter to him and to the other foreign Throughout the rest 
 ?Jissions in Tehran: and under a disi^uise, explained the matter to them all ?, ."'f , p"''.'^''.'', ^5 
 
 • 1 • /■» J- ^ n I 1111 1 1 • Majesty s Minister 13 
 
 lin general terms, mtendmg that (Mr.) Murray should be warned, and alter his mentioned as "Mur- 
 
 conduct so that mischief should not be excited for himself and the Persian triielwhatever' ""^ 
 
 Ministers. (Mr.) Murray paid no attention to these hints, and \vhen he returned This Circular, ad- 
 
 10 Tehran, he again hired a house in the neighbourhood of the Mission for the M?8sT.ns ^ had *no 
 
 r. ife of Meerza Hashem Khan. The priesthood and people of Tclu'an, on learn- reference at aii to the 
 
 ing this, sent letters and wrote petitions on the score of religion, and expostu- waf an\eSu"'n date 
 
 lated with the Persian Ministers, and, as nearly as possible, they were having a *<> »" the discussions 
 
 sudden and general tumult. (Mr.) Murray seeing that the curtain was with- Hashe'mKhanand^iiis 
 
 drawn, began a discussion and correspondence with the Persian Ministers, under *"''«• 
 
 t lie pretext that he intended to employ Meerza Hashem Khan in the Mission, hood, "sill^'fived twi 
 
 and to send him to Fars. Notwithstanding all the remonstrances made by the her own husband, .ind 
 
 Persian Ministers, who demanded by what right or on what grounds he appointed and do"e8™^uoV eveu 
 
 a servant of the Shah, who had been brought up in the Royal Familv, to the ''""^^ '^''!=''<' *heir 
 
 Mission, he would not listen ; and, not satisfied with persisting in his demands, '""^'Tiir* ^Prksthood, 
 
 he alluded to the wife of Meerza Hashem Khan openly and publicly in an official *"^.'" that is, the Sadr 
 
 letter, and demanded and intended to compel the Persian Alinisters to lend a "aj>e'r"cmitaini"g "n 
 
 themselves to the disgrace and danger of sending Meei'za Hashem Khan's wife '"s own calumnies and 
 
 to the Mission. They, however, perceiving how dangerous the matter was, could i^ round ^'among The 
 
 not consent to his proposition, and (Mr.) Murray made this the pretext ibr i'''^'^^. '•"lu.hing them 
 
 striking the Mission flag, for suspending relations, and for withdrawing the it, ''which'^'nianV of 
 
 Mission towards the Turkish territory. Our correspondent writes that it is Jlis™^-, ("'" ^'""' "^ 
 
 extraordinary indeed that this affair in a Mahometan country did not lead to "'biiged''t^''*do!' T^e 
 
 a general outbreak and tumult ; and that the Persian Ministers must have taken o'-joomair''i^TT" 
 
 ^reat trouble in preventing things from going further. From what our corre- courage t« refuse to 
 
 ;spondent hears, if Mr. Thomson struck the Mission flag, still it was on account "iSt ilThadTo Sow! 
 
 'of a merchant, and was not so disgraceful ; but it is very disgraceful that the 'edge of the truth of 
 
 English flag should come down for the sake of a woman. We do not know in '"Another^' ross and 
 
 what way the British Government will remove this disgrace, or how they will absurd falsehood. Mr. 
 
 treat their Representative. o'tr^repeaterTtfd 
 
 16. Our correspondent has also learned that Dost Mahomed Khan, the transmitted to the 
 
 jRuler of Cabul, had marched, at the instigation of the English Government, and t^iaT'she sho'iSw'be'r^ 
 
 iwith their support, against Candahar, and had captured that place ; and that '''''^<'' "'"^ he re- 
 he intended to take Herat also. Although our correspondent was not certain of *' tL «%' w.-!'s"hau°ed 
 
 the truth of this intelligence, if such should really prove to be the case, it is down, and the Mission 
 
 : evident that the withdrawal of the English Mission from the capital of Persia bXrr thr^news^of 
 
 ;has been planned on that account ; otherwise, a matter of so little importance as i5°«tMaiionied Khan's 
 
 !that reported to us, and which is the ostensible reason for the removal of the thatVity. '" 
 iMission from Tehran as stated above, could hardly have caused a rupture in 
 ithe relations of that friendship which has for so many years existed between the 
 Government of England and that of Persia. This is a rumour which has 
 reached our correspondent ; but the truth or inaccuracy of it has not yet been 
 ascertained. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald ¥. Thomson. 
 
 No. 69. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received March 3.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, January 8, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE been informed, on reliable authority, that the Persian Government 
 are sending proposals to Dost Mahomed Khan of a nature hostile to the British 
 Government. It is probably more in the belief that this will delay the Affghan 
 Chiefs march upon Herat, and thus give the Persians time to reach the place, 
 than from any real hope of drawing him into an alliance against British India. 
 
 II 
 
I2d 
 
 No. 70. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received at Paris, March 27.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tabreez, Fehruary 15, 1856. 
 
 IF I am not much mistaken, the intelligence most interesting to Her 
 Majesty's Government, which can be transmitted from Persia at this moment, 
 is that wliich would throw light on the present state of affairs in Herat, and as 
 the letters which reach me from India must doubtless have been, long ere this, 
 delivered in London, it is not improbable that their contents may have caused 
 considerable anxiety to Her Majesty's Government. I believe the sum and sub- 
 stance of the truth to be, as I have before represented it to your Lordship, namLly, 
 that Prince Mahomed Youssuf seized, or rather recovered, the throne of 
 Herat, not only without the aid, but also without the knowledge, of the Persian 
 Government ; and that he has no predeliction whatever for the Persians, but 
 wished and hoped to rule as an independent Prince. Nevertheless, as a 
 drowning man will catch at a straw, so the Prince, threatened by a powerful 
 hostile party within the walls of Herat, and at the same time by an attack from 
 Dost Mahomed Khan, has in all proijability soHcited the aid of the Persian 
 Govei-nment ; that aid has hitherto been limited to fair promises, and to the 
 dispatch of 6,000 or 8,000 men towards the frontier, but the instructions issued 
 to their Commander have not transpired. In a country like this, where all 
 political transactions are carried on by intrigue and treachery, it is scarcely 
 possible to predicate what is the real intention of the Government; one thing, 
 however, is certain, that they are endeavouring, and will endeavour, to the utmost 
 of their power, to excite trouble in AfFghanistan, so as to direct to that quarter 
 a great portion of the attention and resources of the Indian Government. Our 
 correspondent writes to Mr. Stevens to the effect that Sam Khan, a powerful 
 Chief in Khorassan, and who has much influence among the Affglian tribes, 
 has received 10,000 tomauns from the Persian Government, to be used in 
 securing the co-operation of the influential inhabitants of Plerat, and if he 
 succeeds in doing so, he is instructed to seize the person of Prince Mahomed 
 Youssuf, and to take possession of the place in the name of the Shah. 
 
 Another circumstance worthy of notice is, that a Ghilzie Chief, named 
 Gholaum Sadik Khan (who was Acting Governor of Candahar during the absence 
 of Kohendil Khan on his expedition against Herat), arrived some weeks ago at 
 Tehran, ostensibly on a pilgrimage to Mecca. He offered to the Persian 
 Government his services, on certain conditions, to direct an expedition against 
 Candahar from Beloochistan and Seistan. He was honourably received, a house 
 and presents were given to him, but it would seem that the terms which he had 
 demanded were such as it did not suit the Persian Government to grant, and he 
 was allowed to pursue his way towards Mecca. Soon after his departure, the 
 news of the probable cessation of hostilities between Great Britain and Russia 
 reached Tehran from Constantinople, a special messenger was immediately sent 
 after the Ghilzie Chief, who brought him back to Tehran, where he now is, in 
 the enjoyment of high honour, favour, and promises from the Sadr Azim. 
 
 \ 
 
 No. 71. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received April 26.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tabreez, February 22, 185(i. 
 
 HAVING at length obtained a copy of the original autograph letter 
 addressed by the Shah to his Ministers, just after my departure fiom Tehran, a 
 French translation of which was forwarded to your Lordship on the 26th 
 December, I now inclose for your Lordship's information a literal translation of 
 the said document in English. 
 
 It is much to be regretted that His Majesty should have permitted himself 
 to be induced, by the pernicious counsels of an unprincipled and intriguing 
 adviser, to put his name to such a paper, but it is evident to me that the Sadr 
 
121 
 
 Azim having himself insulted the Mission, -was resolved that the Shah should 
 be dragged into the quarrel : he accordingly filled his Sovereign's ear with a 
 multitude of slanders and falsehoods concerning me, and incensed the Shah to 
 such a degree that in a moment of passion His Majesty forgot what was due to 
 his own position and to mine. 
 
 The Sadr Azim is now endeavouring to deny the existence, or at least the 
 promulgation, of this document, which was, however, communicated to all the 
 Missions in Tehran excepting this. 
 
 With respect to the alleged impropriety of the despatches which I had 
 addressed to the Persian Government, as referred to in this autograph, I have 
 only to observe that every line written by me has been forwarded to your 
 Lordship. Her Majesty's Government is, therefore, in a condition to judge 
 whether my despatches have contained a single expression disrespectful to the 
 Shah, or unbecoming my character as British Minister. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 71. 
 The Shah to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 (Translation.) December \S^b. 
 
 LAST night we read the paper written by the English Minister Plenipo- 
 tentiary, and were much surprised at the rude, unmeaning, disgusting, and 
 insolent tone and purport. The letter whicli he before wrote was also imperti- 
 nent. We have also heard, that in his own house, he is constantly speaking 
 disrespectfully of us and of you, but we never believed ; now, however, he has 
 introduced it in an ofhcial letter. We are, therefore, convinced that this man. 
 Mister Murray, is stupid, ignorant, and insane, who has the audacity and impu- 
 dence to insult even Kings ! From the time of Shah Sultan H ossein (when 
 Persia was in its most disorganized state, and during the last fourteen years of 
 his life, when, by serious illness, he was incapacitated for business) up to the 
 present time, no disrespect towards the Sovereign has been tolerated, either 
 from the Government or its agent. What has happened now that this foolish 
 Minister Plenipotentiary acts with such temerity ? It appears that our friendly 
 Missions are not acquainted with the wording of that document ; give it now to 
 Mcerza Abbas and Meerza Malcum, that they may take and duly explain it to the 
 French Minister and Hyder Eft'endi, that they may see how improperly he has 
 written. Since last night till now, our time has been passed in vexation. We 
 now command you, in order that you may yourself know, and also acquaint 
 the Missions, that until the Queen* of England herself makes us a suitable 
 apology ibr the insolence of her Envoy, we will never receive back this her 
 foolish Minister, who is a simpleton, nor accept from her Government any other 
 Minister. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Robert Lewis Taylor, Major. 
 
 No. 72. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received April 1 9.) 
 
 (Extract.) Talreez, March 6, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that, although I had intended 
 remaining here until I received distinct intimation of the wishes of Her Majesty's 
 Government as to tlie movements of the Mission, circumstances have occurred 
 which have determined me to move nearer to the Turkish frontier. 
 
 A few days ago the Kaimakam (Governor of Azerbijan and nephew of the 
 Sadr Azim) wrote to our Mehmandar a note, which the latter was instructed to 
 communicate to me, stating that he wislied to go to Tehran for the approaching 
 Noorooz ; and as he did not like to leave Tabreez whilst I remained, in case 
 anything disagreeable should happen to me, he desired to know how long I 
 
 * The objectionable term " Malikeh" is used. 
 
122 
 
 proposed to stay here, and what was my object in remaining. To wliich I 
 wrote, in reply, that I was quite at a loss to imagine why his Excellency's 
 presence here could be necessary on ray account, as I supposed that here, as 
 elsewhere in Persia, a foreign Minister would be sure to meet with security and 
 respect ; but that, as I did not choose that my remaining here should subject 
 his Excellency to any inconvenience, or myself to questions which I considered 
 out of place, I requested the Mehmandar to procure the mules necessary for 
 our departure as soon as possible. 
 
 I am of opinion that the Kaimakam was cither exceeding or departing from 
 his instructions in writing this impertinent note, for lie has made great exertions 
 to get it back into his own hands, but I have declined to give it up, knowing 
 that, like his uncle and the higher powers at Tehran, he would shortly deny ever 
 having written it. 
 
 At present I shall proceed to Ooroominh, where I shall await another post ; 
 and if no contrary instructions arrive, I shall continue my route southward by 
 any route that I may find practicable. All are very bad at this season among 
 the mountains of Kurdistan, through which we must pass, owing to the snows, 
 which are just beginning to melt. 
 
 No. 73i 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received April 19.) 
 
 My Lord, Tabreez, March 7, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a 
 despatch which I have received from Mr. Stevens, inclosing copy of a letter 
 addressed by the Sadr Azim to the foreign Missions in Tehran, explaining the 
 intentions of the Persian Government with regard to Herat and Canduhar. 
 
 This document was accompanied by twelve inclosures, purpo;'ting to be 
 copies of letters addressed to the Shah by the brothers and sons of the late 
 Kohendil Khan ; but as their contents are embodied in Ihe Sadr Azini's letter, I 
 have not thought it necessary to trouble your Lordship with translations of them. 
 I have reason to believe that several of these letters are fictitious, and that the 
 Persian Government received communications fi'ora only a few of the members 
 of Kohendil Khan's family. 
 
 I liave, &c. 
 (Signed) Crf. A. MURRAY. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 73. 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murrai . 
 
 (Extract.) I'ehran, March 1, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE succeeded in obtaining, and inclose herewith, for your Excellency's 
 information, copy of a circular just addressed by the Persian Prime Minister to 
 the foreign Missions at this Court (together with copies of its twelve inclosures), 
 acquainting them with the reasons which compel Persia to adopt measures 
 against Dost Mahomed Khan. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 73. 
 
 Translated Substance of a Circular addressed by the Sadr Azim to the Foreign 
 
 Missions in Tehran. 
 
 20 Jumadee-oos-Sanee, 1272. (February 27, 1856.) 
 AFTER his Excellency Mr. Murray, the British Minister, left this Court, 
 as has already been made known to your Excellency, certain events happened 
 
123 
 
 in Affglianistan, which had no connection whatever with the question upon 
 which Mr. Murray broke off relations, but were sei)arate occurrences, directly 
 at variance with the A^;reement regarding Herat, and calculated to disturb the 
 internal affairs of Persia, besides causing serious dangers to the Persian frontier, 
 especially in Khorassan, and to the independence of that province. Therefore, 
 the Persian Ministers have found themselves obliged to adopt measures for the 
 removal of these dangers in accordance with the above Agreement and with 
 their former conduct — that is to say, to preserve order in the Governments o( 
 Herat and Candahar. But as these events and movements have occurred about 
 the same time that the English Mission quitted Tehran, uninformed persons 
 have been led to suppose that these circumstances probably have some connec- 
 tion with the removal of the Mission, and that a coolness has arisen between 
 the Governments of Persia and England, as appears from several articles which 
 have been published in the European journals. The Persian Ministers, however, 
 being firm and steadfast in their friendship for the English Government, and 
 believing that the conduct of Mr. Murray will not interfere with the mainte- 
 nance of friendship between the two States, but that his suspension of relations 
 with this Government was a personal matter, consider it necessary to communi- 
 cate the true state of the case to your Excellency in this letter, so that it may 
 become known that the object of the Persian Ministers is merely to repress 
 mischief and disturbance, and to establish order in the internal affairs of this 
 Government, not to adopt any new scheme or to oppose the British Government. 
 The ancient and present practice and agreement of the Persian Government for 
 the i)reservation of their frontiers in Khorassan, Seistan, Beloochistan, and 
 Kerman, for the tranquillity of these parts, and for the encouragement of com- 
 merce, has been, that the Sirdars and Governors of Herat, Candahar, and Cabul, 
 and indeed of all Affglianistan, should each one confine himself to the place of 
 his own governuient, and not interfere with his neighbours. Lately, when 
 Kohendil Khan of Candahar died, the Government and Sirdarship of that place 
 ought by inheritance, and in accordance with the former practice, to have 
 descended to one of his children ; and the Persian Ministers, in consideration of 
 the close connection which Kohendil Khan had with Persia, were on the point 
 of dispatching a person to Candahar to condole with the family of the late 
 Khan, and to reconcile them to each other, some misunderstanding having 
 arisen about the succesion, when Dost Mahomed Khan of Cabul, under the 
 pretext of coming to comfort the family, and to arrange their matters, an-ived 
 at Candahar, and took possession of it, with an army much larger than he had 
 the power or means to support of himself, or than he had ever maintained 
 before. The sons and brothers of Kohendil Khan, each one was forced to save 
 himself by flight. They have all of them — amongst others, Rehemdil Khan, 
 Meer Afzul Khan, Mahomed Sedeek Khan, Mahomed Omar Khan, Sultan 
 Alee Khan (Moozuffer ed-Dowleh, who, in the lifetime of Kohendil Khan, came 
 as a servant of the Shah to Tehran, and received (be above title, besides the 
 rank of Colonel), Gholam Mohei-ed-Deen Khan, Abdullah Khan, Khooshdil 
 Khan, Esan Khan, the Sahib Zadeh, Mahomed Alum Khan, and Fatteh 
 Mahomed Khan — v\ritten letters to His Majesty the Shah, complaining of 
 the injustice of Dost Mahomed Khan's seizure of their home. Copies of these 
 letters are inclosed herein for your information. They have implored the 
 Persian Ministers to prevent the above oppressive act, and to cause the country 
 to be left in its former position. Dost Mahomed Khan, not content witU 
 seizing Candahar, has determined to march on Herat, and Prince .Mahomed 
 Youssuf, the Ruler of Herat, and all the Chiefs and authorities in that Princi- 
 pality, have also written separate letters to the Persian Ministers, complaining of 
 the injustice of this. 
 
 On the other hand, Sirdar Alee Khan of Seistan has sent with great speed 
 a letter to this Government from Sehkoohee, which is Persian territory, stating 
 that Dost Mahomed Khan has sent one of his sons to plunder Seistan and 
 Beloochistan. As the Persian Ministers perceive that, from the imjiroper and 
 dangerous policy of Dost Mahomed Khan, these countries, as well as the 
 Province of Khorassan, are on the point of being plunged into extreme disorder, 
 9nd in consideration of the letter which I wrote to your Excellency on the 5th 
 instant, they are compelled to dispatch an army to Herat to repress this 
 disturbance, and to preserve that Principality and the Province of Khorassan, and 
 
 R 2 
 
124 
 
 to maintain troops between these two countries, so that Dost Mahomed Khan 
 may not interfere beyond his own Government, and give rise to disturbances. 
 The Persian Ministers are obliged to protect the sons of Kohendil Khan, and to 
 maintain order in that Government. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 No. 74. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Reeeived April 19.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tahreez, March 7, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a 
 despatch received this day from Mr. Stevens. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 74. 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, February 29, 1856. 
 
 RUMOURS have for some days past been current here of an intention on 
 the part of the Persian Government to send a large army into Atfghanistan, for 
 the purpose of wresting Candahar from the hands of Dost Mahomed Khan. I 
 think I can confidently state that the step has been positively decided upon, and 
 that the force will comprise 12,000 or 15,000 Regular, and 5,000 Irregular 
 troops, and twenty pieces of artillery, the whole to be commanded by Meerza 
 Mahomed Khan, Serkeshikchebashee, assisted by the most experienced native 
 officers, who have been ordered to be ready for leaving Tehran about the latter 
 end of March. 
 
 The Government to-day received a messenger announcing the entry into 
 Herat of Sam Khan, who had subsequently summoned Sultan Moorad Meerza 
 to join him with all possible dispatch. His Royal Highness accordingly quitted 
 Toorook for that place on the 1 5th instant, and it is now supposed here, that 
 he has ere this quietly occupied it in the name of the Shah. This, however, is 
 only a surmise ; but in a very few days we may expect to hear what has really 
 occurred. 
 
 I continue without any inteUigence from Meshed. 
 
 No. 75. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received April 20.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tahreez, March 7, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a 
 despatch addressed to me by Mr. Consul Stevens, containing translation of a 
 letter which the Persian Government has exhibited to the foreign Missions in 
 Tehran, as having been addressed by Mr. Thomson to the Ruler of Herat. The 
 absurdity of the letter itself would be sufficient to mark it as a fabrication ; but 
 I thought it right, for form's sake, to communicate it to Mr. Thomson, of whose 
 reply I inclose herewith a copy. It will not be a matter of surprise to your 
 Lordship that the Persian Government, which has lately thought fit to propa- 
 gate so many slanders and calumnies against Her Britannic Majesty's Mission and 
 Government, should, in this instance, have had recourse to forgery, for the 
 purpose of giving a colour of justice to their own act of aggression on Herat and 
 Affghanistan. 
 
125 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 75. 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murray, 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, March 1, 1856."?7 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose a copy of the letter which the Persian 
 Government pretends was written by Mr. Secretary Thomson to Syed Mahomed 
 Khan of Herat. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 75. 
 Letter said to have been addressed to the Ruler of Herat by Mr, Thomson. 
 
 (Translation.) 7 Shaaban, 1270. (May 5, 1554.) 
 
 THE kindly letter which your Excellency dispatched in charge of Mustoofee 
 MooUa Akvam Khan and Hassan Beg, became collyrium to my eyes at the time 
 when they were anxiously directed along the road of expectation. 
 
 Now that the Mustoofee is about to return, I have considered it necessary 
 to bring myself to your recollection by writing and forwarding this friendly letter. 
 Your Excellency, as the Mustoofee is an intelligent and sensible man, I have 
 told him three things : — First, let an Englishman be placed in Herat, and what- 
 ever ammunition and muskets, and other wailike stores, may be required by you 
 will not be refused ; and of ready money for expenditure, he will be authorized 
 to give as much as two crores (500,000/ ). 
 
 But as the Mustoofee did not approve of this, I told him to have one of the 
 sons of Zeheer-ood-Dowleh (Ruler of Herat) sent to the Governor-General. la 
 this case whatever he desired would be granted without delay ; any part of 
 Affghanistan which the Zeheer-ood-Dowleh might take possession of must be 
 open to the interference of t!ie Bvitish authorities, however. Afghanistan, that 
 is, all those who are Affghans in the country, will belong to tlie Zeheer-ood- 
 Dowleh. This also did not please the Mustoofee. He said that these twd 
 propositions depended entirely on a reference to the Zeheer-ood-Dowleh. 
 
 The third matter is that if you do not agree and still continue your inter- 
 course with the Persian Government, very good ; the friendship of the British 
 Government will not be withheld from you. You must also not neglect to send 
 persons occasionally to the British (authorities), and do not act contrary to 
 custom in your dealings with Persia. Refrain from plundering in Khorassan, 
 Affghanistan, and Seistan, so that the British Government may not be liable to 
 complaints being made by any foreign Government. You can choose for your- 
 self in these two or three propositions. From the friendship of certain persons, 
 about whom you have been deceived, you can expect nothing. At any time, 
 when you feel disposed towards these propositions, you will not be disappointed 
 in the reply, even after ten years. No one will know the substance of ihis letter 
 excepting ourselves. This paper is a voucher in your hands. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ron.\ld F. Tho.mson. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 75. 
 Mr. Thomson to Mr. Murray. 
 
 Sir, Tabreez, March 7, 1856. 
 
 IN returning to you the copy of the letter said to have been written by 
 me to some person in Herat, I have only to say that it is from first to last an 
 entire forgery, and that no such letter was ever written by me, or with my 
 cognizance, either to the then Ruler of Herat or to any other person in that 
 place. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) WM. TAYLOUR THOMSON. 
 
126 
 
 No. 76. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received April 22.) 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, April 10, 185G. 
 
 I HAVE seen the Persian Charge d'Affaires, and listened to his official 
 communication. 
 
 He began by repeating, on the part of his Government, the same professions 
 of friendship, as before, for England, and the same complaints of Mr. Murray. 
 I told him that such repetitions were thrown away upon me, as it was no part 
 of my duty to enter into the merits of the questions which they involved. 
 
 He next informed me that if Her Majesty's Government thought proper to 
 recall Mr. Murray, the Court of Persia -would be ready to receive another 
 British Minister in his place, not doubting that he would be directed to abstain 
 from giving offence, and interfering with the internal affairs of the country. 
 
 I asked him in what manner he thought such a proposition would be 
 received by Her Majesty's Government. lie answered that he could not pretend 
 to say. 
 
 I begged that he would put me in possession of whatever else he had to 
 propose. He replied that he wished first to have an answer to what he had 
 ah-eady stated. I rejoined that he might continue, or stop short, as he pleased, 
 but that I was not prepared to give him the answer he re(|uiied. 
 
 He then proceeded to say that the Shah would even receive Mr. Murray 
 again if reason were given to believe that he would be more careful not to 
 raise questions productive of bitterness, and abstain from interfering with the 
 internal administration of Persia. 
 
 On my expressing curiosity as to the manner in which Mr. Murray would 
 be received after all that had taken place, the Persian Charge d'Affaires 
 explained that the Shah might send a Chamberlain to take back the objection- 
 able letter ; that Mr. Murray nnght have an audience of His Majesty on the 
 following day ; that His Majesty's language would be such as to prove agreeable 
 on learning from him that the questions in dispute would be no longer thought 
 of; that the Sadr Azim would visit Mr. Murray the next day, and that Mr. Murray 
 would return the visit a day later, receiving on both occasions an expression of 
 ifriendly sentiments from the Persian Minister. 
 
 It was intended, moreover, that Meerza Hashem, whose proposed appoint- 
 ment as British Assent at Shiraz had been ihe ori<rinal cause of disauireement, 
 should enjoy a situation elsc^where in the employment of the Siiah, witb an 
 addition of 200 tomauns a-year to his salary, which would thus be doubled, and 
 that his wife should be restored to him. 
 
 On my inquiring whether the objections to the appointment made by 
 Mr. Murray lay against the individual appointed, or altogether against the 
 establishment of an agency at Shiraz, the Persian Charge d'Affaires informed me 
 that his Government objected to both. Pie added with respect toCandahar, that 
 Dost Mahommed had attacked that place, and that the measures since taken by 
 the Persian Government were solely directed to the defence of Hei'at against his 
 invasion. 
 
 I undertook to convey the preceding communications to Her Majesty's 
 Government and the Persian Charge d'Affaires withdrew. 
 
 I have to add that with reference to the letter qualified above as '' objec- 
 tionable," the Persian Charge d"Affaires spoke of a letter addressed by the Shah 
 to his Prime Minister before Mr. Murray's departure irom Trebizond. 
 
 No. 77. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 {Extract.) Foreign Office, May 15, 1856. 
 
 HI'lR Majesty's Government have had under their consideration the com- 
 munication made to you by the Persian Charge d'Affaires, as reported in your 
 dee|)atch of the 10th of April, with a view to bring about the return of Her 
 Majesty's Mission to Tekraa. 
 
127 
 
 Her Majesty's Government have no wish to prolong, unnecessarily, an 
 estrangement which was created hy the acts of the Persian Government ; but 
 they cannot consent to accept an inadequate reparation from that Government. 
 They require that it should be made by the Persian Minister, who was the 
 author of the wrong ; that it should be ample in its character, and brought 
 publicly to the knowledge of the inhabitants of the capital. 
 
 In the next place, although, if any well-founded objections of the Persian 
 Government to the employment of Meerza Hashem as Agent, at Shiraz, of the 
 British Mission, had been duly brought before them by that Government, Her 
 Majesty's Government might have refrained from sanctioning his appointment, 
 yet as no sufficient explanation has been given of the reasons on account of 
 which the Persian Government made their objection, and as the Persian Prime 
 Minister has thought fit to impugn the motives of Her Majesty's Minister for 
 insisting upon the employment of the Meerza at Shiraz, Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment must now requiie that Meerza Hashem should proceed to Shiraz as Agent 
 of the British Mission, his wife being at once restored to him. 
 
 If the course which the Persian Government may determine to take on this 
 matter should admit of the return of Her Majesty's ]\linister to Tehran, Her 
 Majesty's Government will consent that the whole of the correspondence between 
 Her Maje-ity's Mission and the Persian Government, in regard to the appoint- 
 ment of Meerza Hashem, should be mutually withdrawn and be cancelled ; but 
 Her Majesty's Government will expect and require that when the British flag is 
 again hoisted over the residence of the British Mission, the reconciliation which 
 will have been effected between the two Governments shall he made known to 
 the inhabitants of Tehran by a salute of twenty-one guns, to be fired in honour 
 of the British flag. The Sadr Azim must also immediately afterwards pay a 
 visit of ceremony to Her Majesty's Minister, who would return that visit the 
 next day. 
 
 Your Excellency will communicate to the Persian Charge d'Affaires, for 
 the information of his Government, the observations contained in this despatch. 
 
 • No. 78. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Rcdcliffe. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, May \o, 1856. 
 
 IT is right that I should state to your Excellency what amount of satis- 
 faction Her Majesty's Government would consider to be sufficient to admit of 
 their allowing Mr. Murray to return to Tehran. Her Majesty's Government 
 are, upon the whole, of opinion that they might, without improprietv, accept, as 
 regards the Prime Minister's conduct, a proposal embodying the following 
 conditions : — That the Sadr Azim should write a letter to Mr. Murray, express- 
 ing his regret at having uttered and given currency to the offensive iniputation 
 upon the honour of Her Majesty's Minister, and requesting to withdraw his own 
 letter of the 1 9th of November, and the two letters of the Minister of Foreign 
 Affairs of the 26th of November, one of which contains a rescript from the Shah, 
 repeating the imputation upon Mr. Murray, That in the same letter the Sadr 
 Azim should declare that no such further rescript from the Shah as that of which 
 I inclose a copy,* was communicated, directly or indirectly, to any of the other 
 foreign Missions at Tehran; and that a copy of the Sadr Azim's letter, containing 
 this apology and declaration, should be officially communicated by the Sadr Azim 
 to each of the Foreign Misdons at Tehran ; that the original letter should be 
 transmitted to Mr. Murray, at Bagdad, by the hands of some high Persian 
 officer, and should be accompanied by an invitation to Mr. Murray, in the name 
 of the Shah, to return with the Mission to Tehran, another person of suitable 
 rank being appointed to conduct him as Mehmandar on his journey through 
 Persia. That Mr. Muiray, on approaching the Persian capital, should be 
 received by persons of high rank deputed to escort him into the town and to his. 
 residence ; and that, immediately on his arrival, or, at all events, at noon on the 
 following day, the Sadr Azim should go in state to the residence of the British 
 Missicn, and personally renew friendly relations, and should then accompany 
 him to the presence of ^he Shah. 
 
 * lucloburj in No. 71. 
 
128, 
 
 No. 79. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Murray. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, May 15, 1856. 
 
 HER Majesty's Persian Mission should proceed to Bagdad, and there 
 await further orders, abstainin.s: in the meanwhile from all communication, direct 
 or indirect, with the Persian Government. 
 
 Her Majesty's Consuls will remain respectively at Tabreez and at Tehran ; 
 but Mr. Consul Stevens, at the latter place, will I)e enjoined to have no com- 
 munication whatever, direct or indirect, with the Persian Government, on 
 political matters ; to hold himself aloof from Court solemnities or public 
 representations ; and to confine himself, in the strictest manner, within the 
 limits of his Consular functions, laying before the Persian Government any 
 cases in which British subjects may be aggrieved in their commercial pursuits, 
 but not entering into any further discussion if the alleged grievance is not at 
 once redressed ; but in such case merely transmitting to the Persian Minister 
 a formal protest against the wrong which may have been committed. 
 
 On your departure from the Persian territory, you will dismiss the 
 Mehmandar who was appointed by the Persian Government to attend you. 
 
 No. 80. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Consul Stevens. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, May 15, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE to state to you that Her Majesty's Persian Mission has been 
 directed to proceed to Bagdad, and there await further orders, abstaining in the 
 meanwhile from all communication, direct or indirect, with the Persian 
 Government. 
 
 You will, nevertheless, yourself remain at Tehran ; but you will have no 
 communication whatever, direct or indirect, with the Persian Government on 
 political matters ; and you will hold yourself aloof from Court solemnities or 
 public representations, and confine yourself in the strictest manner within the 
 limits of your Consular functions, laying before the Persian Government any 
 cases in which British subjects may be aggrieved in their commercial pursuits, 
 but not entering into any further discussion if the alleged grievance is not at 
 once redressed ; but in such case merely transmitting to the Persian Minister 
 a formal protest against the wrong which may have been committed. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 81. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received May 16.) 
 
 My Lord, Ooroomiah, March 22, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copies of 
 two despatches which I have received from Mi\ Consul Stevens regarding 
 Herat and the Persian movements in that quarter. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
129 
 
 Tnclosure 1 in No. 81. 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murray. 
 
 Sir, Tehran, March 9, 1856. 
 
 PREPARATIONS for the expedition against Candahar are continued 
 here, but the Serkeshikcheebashee* has asked for and obtained permission to 
 defer his departure until fifteen days after the Noorooz, that is, about the 
 5th April. He is to be invested with the title of Mookhtar-ood-Dowleh, will be 
 furnished with 100,000 tomauns from the money recently seized by the King at 
 the house of his uncle, Essan Khan, and orders have been issued for preparing 
 1,000 mcdaJs and decorations which the Serkeshikcheebashee is to carry for 
 distribution among the AfFghans. 
 
 Gholaum Sedeek Khan is to accompany the expedition, and has received 
 3,000 tomans for outfit. 
 
 I inclose the last Tehran " Gazette," containing an article which, under the 
 guise of a declaration of religious toleration, is really meant to be a propitiatory 
 address to the Soonnees of Affghanistan. 
 
 No late intelhgence has been received from the East, but it cannot be 
 long in reaching the capital, for according to the Sadr Azim's calculation, Sultan 
 Moorad Meerza was to reach Herat twelve days ago. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 81. 
 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murray. 
 
 Sir, Tehran, March 11, 1856. 
 
 .JUST as the post is lea\ang, I receive the following information from a 
 well-informed quarter. 
 
 Abbas Koolee Khan, Gerroossee, arrived yesterday from Herat ; he travelled 
 by ordinary stages, and therefore brings no recent intelligence, but what he does 
 report to the Government is not uninteresting. 
 
 The garrison of Herat consists of 6,000 men, and is commanded by Essan 
 Khan, who is decidedly anti-Persian. Provisions were at high prices ; wheat 
 six tomauns (3/.), barley five tomauns {21. lOs.) the hurwer. 
 
 Sultan ]Moorad Meerza's force amounts to 15,000 men, two thirds of which 
 are Irregular Foot and Horse. If the Prince should have encountered any oppo- 
 sition, he will be in a difficult and dangerous position from the scarcity and 
 dearness of provisions. Abbas Koolee Khan is of opinion that Essan Khan will 
 not admit the Persians. On the other hand, I am told that merchants' -letters 
 from Herat mention that the latter has been seized ; and this Government is so 
 certain of the Prince's success, that it is to-day sending off a Tofangdarf with 
 thirty dresses of honour, some decorations, and jewelled daggers, for distribution 
 among the higher classes of that town. 
 
 Yesterday a grand selam was held for the purpose of pubHcly reading the 
 letters and receiving the presents of which he was the bearer. The letters were 
 full of assurances of devotion and submission to the King of Persia ; one 
 contained a passage alluding to the British Government ; this was not read. 
 The presents consisted of a few Cashmere shawls, and five horses for the King, 
 and others for the Prime Minister and his son. 
 
 The Herat Envoy has a guard of honour placed at the door of his residence 
 with orders to prevent him from holding communication with anybody not 
 connected with the Sadr Azim. 
 
 I have &c. 
 (Signed) ' RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 Commander of the Body-Guard. + Body Guardsman. 
 
130 
 
 No. 82. . 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received May 16.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, March 20, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to forward, for your Lordship's information, a French 
 translation of an article recently published in the Tehran " Gazette," by the 
 Persian Government, purporting to be a true statement of the causes which led 
 to Mr. Murray's withdrawal from this Court. 
 
 I have subjoined some remarks to enable your Lordship to judge of the 
 degree of veracity to which the document is entitled. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. SfEVENS. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 82. 
 
 TYaduction d'un Article de la " Gazette 
 de Tehran," 6 Rezzeb, 1272 {March 
 13, 1856). 
 
 LE "Journal de Constantinople," 
 des 7 et 13 Djemadi-ul-evvel, d'apr^s 
 diverses nouvelles qu'on lui avait fait 
 parvenir, a rapporte I'affaire de Mr. 
 Murray assez longuement. Comme les 
 nouvelles sont contraires a la v^rite, et 
 rdellement loin de la reality, tant dans 
 les noms des personnes que dans les 
 pourparlers qui ont eu lieu, enfin 
 comme il n'y a rien de vrai, on pent 
 supposer que ces nouvelles lui sont 
 parvenues par I'entremise des personnes 
 raal-informees, ou hostiles k notre Gou- 
 vernement ; done il est necessaire que 
 la verite d& cette affaire, telle qu'elle 
 est arriv^e, soit imprimee dans cette 
 Gazette, et que les erreurs qui ont 
 ete commises par le " Journal de Con- 
 stantinople " soient redressees ; ainsi 
 nous renseignerons le public sur cet 
 evenement sans le moiiidre atome de 
 difference, de manifere quil n'y aura 
 plus ni doute ni Equivoque. 
 
 D'abord, il fut question d'un appele 
 Mirza Hachim Khan, qui depuis son 
 enfance jusqu'k aujourd'hui a ete au 
 service du Gouvernement Persan, et 
 pave par lui, sans qu'il lui fut fait 
 jamais ni tort, ni injustice, ni aucune 
 imposition forcee. Son emploi etait 
 en rapport avec son rang; il fut 
 d'abord page du harem Royal, puis 
 Gentilhomme de la Chambre, et enfin 
 place comme ^leve au College Militaire 
 de Teheran. Avant I'arrivde de son 
 Excellence Mr. Murray, Mr. Thomson, 
 Charge d'Affaires d'Angleterre, voulut 
 le faire entrer au service de la Mission. 
 Le Gouvernement Persan de son c6te 
 n'y consentit point, et repondit qu'il 
 etait employe du Gouvernement Persan 
 (jusqu'^ aujourd'hui mfime il a son 
 
 Remarks by Mr. Stevens. 
 
 Meerza Hashem Khan was never in 
 the Mihtary College or in the military 
 service. 
 
 Meerza Hashem has not received a 
 farthing from the Persian Government 
 for the last two years. 
 
131 
 
 traitement), et qu'une telle chose ne 
 pouvait etre accordee. Mr. Thomson, 
 en ayant ecrit k son Gouvernement, 
 reyut une reponse conforme au vceu de 
 notre Gouvernement, et en conse- 
 quence ne I'admit point au service. 
 Une ou deux annees apres, lorsque 
 Mr. Murray vint en ambassade, et qu'il 
 fut arrive h Teheran, il commen^a k 
 faire de nouvelles demarches pour 
 I'affaire de Mirza Hachim Khan, et 
 demanda pour lui une augmentation de 
 traitement. Le Gouvernement Persan, 
 considerant que ses appointements 
 dtaient suffisants pour lui, et que plu- 
 sieurs fois il avait accorde anterieure- 
 ment de telles demandes pour difF^- 
 rentes personnes, pensa que les choses 
 doivent avoir des certaines bornes, et 
 ne voulut point consentir a cette de- 
 mande-ci. 
 
 Le susdit Ambassadeur posa alors de 
 nouvelles demandes ; il voulut le faire 
 entrer au service Anglais corame Agent 
 k Chiraz, et en ecrivit ofRciellement k 
 notre Gouvernement, mais comme 
 d'apres les Traites, le Gouvernement 
 Anglais ne peut tenir d'Agent dans 
 d'autres villes que Tabreez, Teheran, et 
 Bender Bushire, le Gouvernement Per- 
 san n'y consentit point. Le susdit 
 Ambassadeur fit pour cette aiFaire beau- 
 coup de demarches, tant qu'enfin il fit 
 venir dans le voisinage de I'Ambassade 
 Anglaise la famille de Mirza Hachim 
 Khan, qui demeurait dans le quartier 
 de Sengaletch ; mais comme sa ferame 
 est de la famille Royale, et que cette 
 mani^re d'agir etait contre le decorum 
 du k son rang, et contre la religion 
 Musulmane, et que cela pouvait fo- 
 menter une sedition, le Gouvernement 
 Persan fit en consequence sortir cette 
 femme de la et I'envoya dans la maison 
 de son pere. Fan Ahmet Aly Mirza. 
 C'est alors que le dit Ambassadeur 
 commen^a a agir avec vehemence, et 
 Ecrivit officiellement ce qui suit : — 
 
 1. Qii'on ferait venir la femme de 
 Mirza Hacliim Khan de la maison de 
 p^re dans I'environ de I'Ambassade 
 Anglaise, et qu'on la remettrait a son 
 mari. 
 
 2. Que Mirza Hachim Khan serait 
 fait Agent de Chiraz. 
 
 3. Que son Altesse le- Premier Mi- 
 nistre viendrait k I'Ambassade faire des 
 excuses. 
 
 Les grands du Gouvernement Per- 
 san ne voulant point exposer I'honneur 
 d'une femme de la famille Royale, et 
 voulant conserver I'amitie du Gouver- 
 nement Anglais, decid^rer.t qu'on con- 
 fierait a Mirza Hachim Khan sa femn:e, 
 
 I know not to whom this alludes, but 
 I can affirm that Mr. Murray never 
 asked or obtained any such favours from 
 the Persian Government. 
 
 The British Mission has native 
 agents at Shiraz, Ispahan, Meshed, and 
 Asterabad, who are known as such to 
 the Persian authorities. Moreover, on 
 one occasion the present Prime Mi- 
 nister sent one of his own employes all 
 the way to Shiraz to be punished in the 
 presence of the British Agent, whom 
 he had insulted. 
 
 Meerza Hashem Khan's family left 
 the quarter called Sengaletch in the 
 month of June, in consequence of a 
 misunderstanding between his wife and 
 his mother : to the latter belonged the 
 house they there inhabited. 
 
 The house they occupied in the 
 Mission quarter was hired by the Meerza 
 in the middle of October, whereas Mr. 
 Murray's announcement of the appoint- 
 ment to Shiraz was about a month 
 later. 
 
 Mr. Murray simply demanded her 
 
 rehtoration to her husband. 
 
132 
 
 et qu'il iiait deraeurer ou il voudrait, 
 excepte dans le voisinage de I'Am- 
 bassade Anglaise. Pour le deuxieme 
 article, qui etait contraire aux Conven- 
 tions et surtout a la justice, et en consi- 
 deration du susdit Ambassadeur, qui 
 pensait que les emoluments de Mirza 
 Hachini Kban n'etaient pas sufSsants, 
 le Gouvernement voulut de son propre 
 gi'e lui accorder une ceitaine somme 
 comme augmentation de ses appointe- 
 ments. Quant au troisieme Article, il 
 et:ut par trop contre le Gouvernement 
 Persan ; il n'j' avait jamais eu un tel 
 precedent, et jamais chose aussi extra- 
 ordinaire n'etait arrivee de faire une 
 demande tellement rebutante ; on ne 
 pouvait J- consentir. Neanmoins le 
 Gouvernement Persan, afin de con- 
 server I'amitie et la bonne entente qui 
 existaient depuis plusicurs anne'es entre 
 les Gouvernements, decida que le 
 Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres irait 
 donner cette satisfaction. Mr. Murray 
 n'ayant ete content sur aucun de ces 
 points, le 9 Rebbi-ul-evvcl (le 20 No- 
 vembre, 1855), baissa son pavilion, et 
 apr^s quelques jours demanda un Meh- 
 mandar et partit pour Tabrez. Get 
 ^ve'nement, dans toute sa verite, est tel 
 que nous venons de le rapporter dans 
 cette " Gazette," et toute personne qui 
 a de la justice ou qui a el6 temoin des 
 faits, attestera que cette affaire ne 
 meritait pas tous ces demeles. Le sus- 
 dit Ambassadeur s'est trop presse et n'a 
 pas eu assfz de patience ; comme il 
 etait nouvellement amve, et qu'il ne 
 comprenait point les coutumes du pays, 
 ses ennemis, dans le d^guisement de 
 I'amitie, en ont ete les instigateurs, et 
 ont saisi I'opportunite de cette petite 
 afl^aire pour servir a leurs desseins, et a 
 I'aide de ce pretexte ont fait parvenir 
 I'affaire a un degre aussi serieux. 
 R^ellement le Gouvernement Persan a 
 toujours use de prevenances ; il a tou- 
 jours observe, en tout point, avec les 
 Gouverne m en ts les Conventions ctablies, 
 et n'a jamais et6 en aniere avec aucun 
 Gouvernement sous cc rapport. Encore 
 dans notre livre saint (le Goran), ainsi 
 que dans les traditions du Proph^te 
 (que la benediction, &c.), il est ordonne 
 d'observer les Conventions, ulors nous 
 Savons done bien qu'il le faut ; du reste, 
 beaucoup d'etrangcrs a ce sujet, I'ont 
 eprouve. II est ^crit : "Tenez les 
 promesses que vous avez fait, exe'cutez- 
 les, parcequc une promcsse est sainte, et 
 le signc de la toi est dc tenir sa pro- 
 messe;. ainsi il est indispensable d'exe- 
 cuter sa promcsse, et ceUii qui ne 
 I'cxecute pas est un impie." 
 
 This is untrue : the present Prime 
 Minister's predecessor in office, the 
 Ameer Nizam, called upon Sir J. Shell 
 to apologise for an insult offered by the 
 local authorities to the British Consul 
 at Tabreez. 
 
 Mr. Murray remained in Tehran 
 sixteen days after striking his flag. 
 
133 
 
 On a ecrit avssi dans le " Journal dc 
 Constantinople" du 13 Djemadi-ul- 
 evvel, qu'apres le depart de Mr. Murray 
 on avait renvoye' le Consul Anglais, et 
 aussi que Mirza Hachim Khan est 
 dune des families marquantes de la 
 Perse, et que par des raisons d'inimitie 
 on lui avait enlev^ son emploi, on 
 I'avait mis ^ I'amende, on avait saisi ses 
 biens, et que beaucoup d'avances lui 
 avait ete faites — ces clioses sont tout- 
 a-fait controuvees etfausses ; le Consul 
 du susdit Gouvernement reside ;\ 
 Teheran, jouissant dc toutc la conside- 
 ration possible, et dans I'excrcice de ses 
 propres fonctions, et il n'a jamais ete 
 commis envers lui le moindre manque 
 de respect. Mirza Hachim Khan aussi 
 a conserve son rang et ses biens; Ic 
 tout est tel que nous I'avons men- 
 tionne, et aucun prejudice ne pent lui 
 Stre cause ; du reste il y en a beaucoup 
 comme lui en Perse, parmi les grands, 
 qui n'ont aucune consideration ; mais 
 il ne lui a ete fait aucun tort, et jouis- 
 sant la protection Royale il avait de 
 quoi pourvoir h son entrctien. On n'a 
 pas emprisonne nou plus sa femme, 
 mais il etait de I'honncur du Gouverne- 
 ment de conserver I'honneur de cette 
 femme ; c'est pour cette raison qu'on 
 lui fit quitter le voisinage de I'Ambas- 
 sade Anglaise, et qu'on I'envoya k la 
 maison de son pere actucllement 
 meme ; elle jouit de toutes les preroga- 
 tives dues a son rang, et elle est dans 
 les bonnes graces du Koi. On a ^crit 
 aussi qu'il etait convenu entre les 
 Gouvernements Persan et Anglais, que 
 les pcrsonnes employes a I'i^mbassade 
 seraient, ainsi que leurs families, sous 
 la protection Anglaise. Lc Gouverne- 
 ment Persan repond il cela, que cette 
 condition n'a ete faite a aucune epoque 
 et avec aucun Gouvernement, et dc 
 plus elle est regardee par lui connne 
 arbitraire. 
 
 Malgre tout cela le Gouvernement 
 Persan eprouve beaucoup dc regret 
 pour ce qui est arrive, et il fait tout son 
 possible pour respecter les Conventions, 
 et pour conserver les bonnes relations 
 qui existent depuis plusieurs annees. 
 
 II ne reculera pas un instant, tant 
 qu'il pouri'a le faire pour contenter 
 et satisfaire le Gouvernement Anglais, 
 et il espere que le Gouvernement 
 Anglais, sur les demarches non com- 
 prises et prematurees de son Excellence 
 I'Ambassadeur, qui a agi d'apres les 
 paroles de pcrsonnes hostiles, ne se 
 fera pas I'instrument de ieur inimitie, 
 et considerera la chose sous le point de 
 vue dc la JHstice. 
 
 Persians of respectability are prohi- 
 bited from visiting Mr. Stevens, or 
 receiving him at their houses. 
 
 She was and still remains imprisoned, 
 althougli in the house of her brother ; 
 and at one time a watch was placed 
 over her, to prevent her communicating 
 with any person. 
 
 The King 
 
 on two occasions ordered 
 the woman's brother to destroy her, 
 which he evaded by pleading her 
 pregnancy ; the act would, under such 
 circumstances, have been a gross viola- 
 tion of the Mussulman law. 
 
 The most simple reply to this 
 unfounded assertion will be aflbrded 
 by the following extract of Article VI 
 of the Russo- Persian Treaty of 10th 
 February, 1828:— 
 
 " Les sujets Persans faisant de la 
 suite du Ministre, ou du Charge 
 d'Aftaires et des Consuls, et necessaires 
 pour Ieur service, jouiront, tant qu'ils 
 se trouveront pres d'eux, de Ieur pro- 
 tection a I'egal des sujets Russes." 
 
 Her Majesty's Government are in 
 possession of ample documentary evi- 
 dence to test the sincerity of the 
 friendly sentiments here expressed. 
 
134 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 Translation of an Article in the " Tehran 
 Gazette" of the 6th Rezzeb, 1272 
 {March 13, 1856). 
 
 THE " Journal de Constantinople " 
 of the 7th and 13th Djeinadi-ul-evvel 
 has a somewhat lengthy report of the 
 afi'air of Mr. Murray, from various 
 information which it had received. As 
 this information is contrary to the 
 truth, and really far from the reality, 
 both witli respect to the names of the 
 persons and the conferences which have 
 taken place, and as in short there is 
 no truth in the report, one must sup- 
 pose that the information has been 
 furnished by persons ill-informed or 
 hostile to our Government ; it is, 
 therefore, necessary that tlie truth of 
 this affair, as it really took place, 
 should be printed in this " Gazette," 
 and that the mistakes which have been 
 committed by the "Journal de Con- 
 stantinople" should be set right. We 
 will therefore enlighten the public 
 upon this matter, without the least 
 atom of difference, so that there may 
 no longer be either doubt or ambiguity 
 about it. 
 
 In the first place, a question arose 
 respecting a person of the name of 
 Meerza Hashem Khan, who from his 
 childhood to the present day has been 
 in the service and pay of the Persian 
 Government, without having suffered 
 either wrong or injustice, or any com- 
 pulsory imposition. His employment 
 was suitable to his rank ; he was at 
 iirst page of the Royal Harem, then 
 Gentleman of the Chamber, and at last 
 placed as a student in the Military 
 College at Tehran. Before the arrival 
 of his Excellency Mr. Murray, Mr. 
 Thomson, the British Charg^ d'Affaires, 
 wished to take him into the service of 
 the Mission. The Persian Govern- 
 ment, on its part, would in no way 
 consent to this, and replied that he was 
 in their own employ (he receives his 
 salary up to this present time), and that 
 such a thing could not be granted. 
 Mr. Thomson, having written to his 
 Government, received an answer in 
 conformity with the wish of our 
 Government, and consequently did not 
 take him into the service. One or two 
 years afterwards, when Mr. Murray 
 came as Ambassador, and had arrived 
 at Tehran, he commenced fresh pro- 
 ceedings in the affair of Meerza 
 Hashe=ni Khan, and solicited for him 
 
 Remark by Mr. Stevens. 
 
 Meerza Hashem Khan was never in 
 the Military College, or in the military 
 sei*vice. 
 
 Meerza Hashem has not received a 
 farthing from the Persian Government 
 for the last two years. 
 
135 
 
 an increase of salary. The Persian 
 Government considering his emolu- 
 ments sufficient, and reflecting that 
 they had on several previous occasions 
 granted similar requests for different 
 persons, thought that there should be 
 some hmits to this sort of thing, and 
 would notj therefore, accede to the 
 application. 
 
 The above-mentioned Ambassador 
 then made some new demands ; he 
 wished to take him into the British 
 service, as Agent at Shiraz, and wrote 
 officially to our Government on the 
 subject ; but as^ according to the 
 Treaties, the British Government could 
 only have Agents in the towns of 
 Tabreez, Tehran, and Bender Bushire, 
 the Persian Government would not 
 consent to it. The Ambassador tried 
 in many ways to accomplish this matter, 
 and actually brought the family of 
 Meerza Hashem Khan, who lived in 
 the Sengaletch quarter, to the neigh- 
 bourhood of the British Embassy ; but 
 as Meerza Hashem's wife is a member 
 of the Royal Family, and as such a 
 proceeding was contrary to the decorum 
 due to her rank, and to the Mussulman 
 religion, and as it might have excited a 
 tumult, the Persian Government forced 
 her to quit that place, and sent her to 
 the house of her father, Fan Ahmet 
 Aly Meerza. The Ambassador then 
 began to act with impetuosity, and he 
 wrote officially to make the following 
 demands : — 
 
 1. That Meerza Hashem Khan's wife 
 should be brought from her father's 
 house to the vicinity of the British 
 Embassy, and restored to her husband. 
 
 2. That Meerza Hashem Khan 
 should be made Agent at Shiraz, 
 
 3. That his Highness the Prime 
 Minister should come to the Embassy 
 to make apologies. 
 
 The principal members of the Persian 
 Government, not wishing to dishonour 
 a lady of the Royal Family, and wishing 
 to preserve the friendship of the 
 British Government, decided upon 
 giving Meerza Hashem Khan the care 
 of his wife, and that he should live 
 where he pleased, except in the vicinity 
 of the British Embassy. As for the 
 second article, which was contrary to 
 the Conventions, and, above all, to 
 justice, and out of consideration for 
 the Ambassador, who considered that 
 the emoluments of Meerza Hashem 
 Khan were insufficient, the Persian 
 Government were willing, of their own 
 accord, to grant him a certain sum 
 as an increase of his salary. With 
 
 I know not to whom this alludes, but 
 I can affirm that Mr. Murray never 
 asked or obtained any such favours 
 from the Persian Government. 
 
 The British Mission has native 
 agents at Shiraz, Ispahan, Meshed, and 
 Asterabad, who are known as such to the 
 Persian authorities. Moreover, on one 
 occasion, the present Prime Minister 
 sent one of his own employes all the 
 way to Shiraz to be punished in the 
 presence of the British Agent, whom he 
 had insulted. 
 
 Meerza Hashem Khan's family left 
 the quarter called Sengaletch in the 
 month of June, in consequence of a 
 misunderstanding between his wife and 
 his mother : to the latter belonged the 
 house they there inhabited. 
 
 The house they occupied in the 
 Mission quarter was hired by the Meerza 
 in the middle of October, whereas 
 Mr. Murray's announcement of the 
 appointment to Shiraz was about a 
 month later. 
 
 Mr. Muiray simply demanded her 
 restoration to her husband. 
 
136 
 
 respect to the third article, it was too 
 adverse to the Persian Government ; 
 there was no precedent for such a pro- 
 ceeding, and it was an unheard-of 
 thing, to make so repulsive a demand ; 
 it was imposible to consent to it. 
 Nevertheless the Persian Government, 
 in order to preserve the friendship and 
 good imdcrstanding Avhich had existed 
 for many years between the two 
 Governments, decided that the Minister 
 for Foreign Affairs should go. in order 
 to give the desired satisfaction. 
 
 Mr. Murray not having being satisfied 
 upon any of these points, struck his 
 flag on the Oth Rebbi-id-evvel (No- 
 vember 20, 1855), and, after some 
 days, demanded a Mehmandar, and left 
 for Tabreez. The account we have 
 given in this " Gazette" is the true 
 statement of this occurrence, and 
 everybody who has any sense of justice, 
 or has been a witness of the facts, will 
 affirm that this affair was not Avorth all 
 these disputes. The Ambassador was 
 in too gTeat a hurry, and too impatient; 
 having but recently arrived, and not 
 understanding the customs of the 
 country, his enemies, under the guise 
 of friendship, have been the instigators 
 of this paltry affair, and have seized 
 the opportunity for promoting their 
 own designs, and, by means of this 
 pretext, have brought the matter to its 
 present serious state. In fact, the 
 Persian Government has always acted 
 with consideration. It has always and 
 on every point observed the Conven- 
 tions estabhshed with foreign Govern- 
 ments, and in this respect has never 
 been behindhand with any Govern- 
 ment. Again, in our Holy Book (the 
 Koran), as well as in the traditions of 
 the Prophet (may the blessings, &c.), 
 it is commanded to observe Con- 
 ventions ; we, therefore, are sure that 
 it should be done. Many strangers, 
 moreover, have found this to be the 
 case. It is WTitten : " Keep the pro- 
 mises which you have made, and perform 
 them, for a promise is holy, and the 
 keeping of promises is a sign of the 
 faith ; it is therefore indispensable that 
 promises should be kept, and he that 
 performs them not is an ungodly 
 man." 
 
 It has also been stated in the 
 " Journal de Constantinople"' of the 
 13th Djemadi-ul-evvel, that, after the 
 departure of Mr. Murray, the EngUsh 
 Consul was sent away, and also that 
 Meerza Hashem Khan is a member of 
 one of the chief famihes of Persia, and 
 that, from ill-will, he had been deprived 
 
 This is untrue : the present Prime 
 Minister's predecessor in office, the 
 Ameer Nizam, called upon Sir .1. Shell 
 to apologise for an insult offered by the 
 local authorities to the British Consul 
 at Tabreez. 
 
 Mr. Muri'ay remained in Tehran 
 sixteen days after striking his flag. 
 
137 
 
 of his office, fined, deprived of his 
 property, and that many advances had 
 been made to him. These things are 
 entirely false and trumped up. The 
 British Consul resides at Tehran in the 
 enjoyment of all possible consideration, 
 and in the exercise of his proper 
 functions, without the slightest .dis- 
 respect being shown him. Meerza 
 Hashem Khan, moreover, retains both 
 his rank and his property ; all this is 
 as we have stated it, and no harm can 
 possibly come to him. Besides this, 
 there are in Persia, among the nobility, 
 many like him, who are held in but 
 slight estimation ; but he has suffered 
 no wrong, and, being under Royal 
 protection, he had enough to live upon. 
 Nor has his wife been imprisoned, but 
 it was incumbent upon the Govei*nment 
 to preserve her i-eputation. This was 
 the reason why she was obliged to 
 leave the neighbourhood of the British 
 Embassy, and sent to her own father's 
 house. She enjoys all the privileges 
 due to her rank, and is in favour with 
 the King. It has also been stated that 
 there was an agreement between the 
 Persian and British Governments that 
 the persons employed at the Embassy, 
 as well as their famihes, should be 
 under British protection. To this the 
 Persian Government replies, that this 
 condition has never been made at any 
 time, or with any Government, and is, 
 moreover, considered bv them as an 
 arbitrary one. 
 
 In spite of all this, the Persian 
 Government regrets deeply what has 
 taken place, and are doing everything in 
 their power to respect the Conventions, 
 and to preserve the friendly relations 
 which have existed for many years. 
 
 They will not hesitate for a moment, 
 as far as rests with them, in doing their 
 utmost to satisfy and please the British 
 Government, and they hope that that 
 Government will not act upon the 
 premature and unintelligible measures 
 of his Excellency the Ambassador, who 
 was actuated bj' the suggestions of 
 unfriendly persons, thus making them- 
 selves the tools of these persons' malice, 
 but will consider the atfair in its just 
 light. 
 
 Persians of respectability are prohi 
 bited from visiting Mr. Stevens 
 receiving him at their houses. 
 
 or 
 
 She was, and still remains imprisoned, 
 altliough in the house of her brother ; 
 and at one time a watch was placed 
 over her, to prevent her communicating 
 with any person. 
 
 The King on two occasions ordered 
 the woman's brother to destroy her, 
 which he evaded by pleading her 
 pregnancy ; the act would, under such 
 circumstances, have been a gross viola- 
 tion of the Mussulman law. 
 
 The most simple reply to this 
 unfounded assertion will be afforded 
 by the following extract of Article VI 
 of the Russo-Persian Treaty of 10th 
 February, 1 828 :— 
 
 '• Persian subjects belonging to the 
 suite of the Minister, or of the Charge 
 d'Affaires and Consuls, and who are 
 necessary for their service, shall enjoy, 
 whilst with them, the same protection 
 as Russian subjects." 
 
 Her Majesty's Government are in 
 possession of ample documentary evi- 
 dence to test the sincerity of the 
 friendly sentiments here expressed. 
 
 No. 83. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received May 16.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, March 21 , 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose for your Lordship's information, copy of a 
 letter which I vesterdav addressed to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, 
 
138 
 
 acquainting him with my inabihty to accept the presents of sweetmeats which 
 were sent to me by the King and Prime Minister on the occasion of the Persian 
 
 New Year. . . . , . 
 
 Setting aside what I considered the im-propriety, under existing circum- 
 stances, of receiving the attention, I felt that had I acted differently, it would 
 have been supporting the belief which the Persian Government is anxious to 
 inculcate in the capital, that its quarrel is entirely of a personal nature with 
 Mr. Murray, quite unconnected with Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 83. 
 Consul Stevens to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 Tehran, March 20, 1856. 
 
 AN employ^ of the Persian Government has just brought to me some trays 
 of sweetmeats on the part of His Majesty the Shah, and another person a similar 
 present from his Highness the Prime Minister. 
 
 In the actual state of relations between our respective Governments, it 
 would be unbecoming in ine to accept of any mark of favour from the Persian 
 Government. I regret, therefore, that it should have placed me under the 
 disagreeable necessity of returning the sweetmeats, and, consequently, doing 
 what has proved most painful to my feelings. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 84. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received May 16.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, March 31, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose for your Lordship's information, the 
 substance of intelligence just received from Meshed, the latter part of which 
 confirms the report mentioned in my former despatch, of the departure from 
 Toorbet-e-Jam of the Persian army, under Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza. The 
 Persian Government has received news to a later date, announcing the amval, 
 under the walls of Herat, of the advanced guard, consisting of 4,650 men, 
 under Pasha Khan Serteep, and that Sultan Moorad Meerza, with 5,200 men, 
 had reached the neighbourhood of Ghorian. 
 
 A further sum of 20,000 tomauns has just been dispatched to the Prince 
 from the capital, 'with orders to occupy Herat at any cost or hazard. The 
 Government calculates on the inhabitants being starved into submission, 
 provisions being both dear and scarce. If the Prince succeeds in obtaining 
 suppUes for his own troops, while he cuts off the Heratees from communication 
 with the surrounding villages, it is not unlikely the place will fall into his hands 
 without any, or at all events without much, fighting. 
 
 In a letter from the Prime Minister to Sultan Moorad Meerza, carried by 
 the messenger who was bearer of the money above-mentioned, the following 
 passage occurred : — 
 
 " You engaged, with 10,000 troops and 10,000 tomauns, to occupy Herat. 
 I have sent you 80,000 tomauns, and you have 15,000 troops, and what have 
 you yet done ? We will now admit of no further excuses : Herat must be 
 taken." 
 
139 
 
 Inclosure in No. 84. 
 Substance of News from Meshed. 
 
 A PERSON arrived to-day from the Persian camp at Toorbet-e-Jam, 
 reports the arrival there of the Mufti of Herat, as Envoy from the Ruler of 
 that place, to Prince Sultan Jtloorad Meerza, to whom he brought some horses 
 and shawls. The precise object of the mission is unknown ; but this much has; 
 transpired : the Mufti requested the Prince either to retire from Jam, or at least 
 not to advance beyond it, while he, the Mufti, proceeded to Tehran to take the 
 King's pleasure on the subject. 
 
 Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza has demanded that the Heratees should 
 receive three Persian regiments into the citadel ; that the coin be struck in the 
 name of the King of Persia, and that the Friday prayer be read in the mosques 
 for His Majesty. In return, the Prince offered to secure to the Chief of Herat 
 (Mahomed Youssuf Meerza) an annual pension of 60,000 tomauns from the 
 Persian Government, to secure the regular succession to the throne to the heirs 
 of that Chief, and to defend Herat from enemies who might threaten it. 
 
 The Chief replied, that he himself was the devoted servant of the Shah,_ 
 but he had no power to compel the people of Herat to accept the demands ot 
 Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza. That they possessed followers, both horsemen 
 and foot ; that all parties, including the clergy, are determined rather to lose 
 their lives than allow the Kajjars to hold Herat. 
 
 It is impossible to admit a single soldier, they (the inhabitants) say : '' We 
 ai-e all servants of the Shah, and Herat belongs to him ; but we cannot allow 
 Persian soldiers to come and reside amongst us : we will sooner first destroy our 
 wives and children, and then ourselves —after that let happen what may." 
 
 Two of the town gates have been walled up. and guards are placed round 
 the tov/n walls at night. 
 
 A person from camp reports that Sultan Moorad Meerza is instructed, if 
 the Heratees do not submit, to proceed thither, and entrench his army under 
 the walls. Each entrenchment to hold 2,000 Infantry and 1,000 Horse; if 
 sorties are made, they are to be repelled, if not, the troops are to remain quietly 
 in their entrenchments. 
 
 The Prince's array consists of nine regiments of Infantry, 2,000 Horse, and 
 some Artillery ; four guns, and a mortar from Tehran, have reached Meshed, 
 and will be sent to the Prince if he requires them. 
 
 Sam Khan is quartered in a garden outside of Herat, and occasionally enters 
 the town to confer with the Chief and with Essan Khan. 
 
 March 14, 1856. — To-day a man arrived from camp ; orders have been 
 issued by Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza, prohibiting people from carrying grain 
 and provisions into Herat, and the Ruler of Herat is compelling the villagei's, 
 within a circuit of forty miles, to remove into the town with all their stocks ; he 
 is evidently preparing for resistance. 
 
 March 15, 1856. — News arrived tliat the Prince has broken ground, and 
 proceeded to Herat. A regiment of Infantry has left Meshed to-day to reinforce 
 the army. 
 
 Letters have been received from Sirdar AH Khan, of Seistan, stating that 
 Dost Mahomed Khan is at Candahar, with, apparently, no intention of moving 
 in any direction whatsoever. 
 
 No. 85. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received May 16.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, April 2, 1856. 
 
 A PERSON has just informed me that the Persian Government has 
 received letters from Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza, announcing his having 
 regularly besieged the town of Herat. 
 
140 
 
 From another equally good source, I learn tliat previous to the approach 
 of the Persian army, the Heratees sent a force to Ghorian and entirely destroyed 
 the place after removing the inhabitants. 
 
 No. 86. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Consul StevenH. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, May 16, 1856. 
 
 IN reply to your despatch of the 21st of March, I have to inform you 
 that Her Majesty's Government approve of the letter which you addressed on 
 the 20th of that month to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, declining to 
 accept the presents of sweetmeats which were sent to you by the Shah of Persia 
 and his Prime Minister, on the Persian New Year's Day. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 87. 
 
 Lord Stratford de RedcUffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received May 23.) 
 
 (Extract) Constantinople, May 12, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith a translation of the Sadr Azim's 
 letter presented to me by Malcum Khan. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 87. 
 The Sadr Azim to Lord Stratford de Redclife. 
 
 After Compliments. 20 Redjeb, 1272. {March 27, 1856.) 
 
 A LEITER was written to that Excellency, the abode of grandeur, under 
 date (left vacant in the original), and various matters were included in the folds 
 thereof. Although that Excellency has not as yet occupied himself with writing 
 an answer, still, the high in dignity, the approacher to the Royal presence, 
 Meerza Ahmed Khan, the Pilgrim, Agent of the Most High State (Persia), resident 
 at Constantionople, has written a detailed report of the various kindly feelings 
 of that Excellency, and has thereby confirmed the good opmion of the Ministers 
 of this Kingdom, which has been formed concerning that Excellency without 
 their personally knowing hhn. 
 
 Now, then, under the consideration tliat it is not unUkely that the matters 
 which have occurred at the seat of the Caliphate (Tehran) with the Legation 
 of the English Government, have not reached the knowledge of the mind of that 
 Excellency iw full detail, and as they really took place ; and that, by reason of 
 the spreading of false reports and of words mingled with uncertainty by 
 interested persons, the truth of the matter may have remained behind the 
 veil of concealment ; therefore, the high in dignity, the fellow-traveller of 
 grandeur and sagacity, ]\feerza Malcum Khan, a Major on the Staff, the Special 
 Interpreter of the Most High State, avIio, by his own eye-sight and witnessing, 
 is aware of the details of this matter from the commenc^ement to the conclusion, 
 is sent to Constantinople, so that, concurrently with the high in dignity, the 
 Agent of this Kingdom, he may now i-elate the actual occurrences to that 
 Excellency, the abode of gi-andeur. 
 
 From the perfect upiightness of character and purity of intentions of that 
 Excellency, which are admitted by every one, complete confidence is felt that, 
 after the arrival of the aforementioned high in dignity, and the obtention in 
 respect of him, from that Excellcncv, of the reception which is hoped and 
 expected by (me) your friend, the secret thoughts of the minds of the Ministers 
 of the Kingdom, which arc entirely (composed) of friendship towards the 
 Kingdom of England, will be known to that Excellency, and will be a means of 
 doing away with the said false rumours from people's mouths and tongues ; 
 
141 
 
 aad also, that that Excellency, having acquired a thorough conviction of the 
 permanency of friendship between the two Kingdoms, will exert himself with 
 the intent that he may make the foundations of the same stronger and firmer 
 even than before, and that he will not refuse or withhold his various kindnesses 
 (in endeavouring) to do away with this unpleasantness in a manner conformable 
 to the dignity of the two Kingdoms. 
 
 He (the Prime Minister) further requests that Excellency to esteem as 
 truth-speaking the high in dignity, Meerza Malcum Khan, in that which he may 
 say respecting the secret thoughts of the minds of the Ministers of the Kingdom, 
 and to attach consideration to his words. 
 
 No. 88. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received May 23.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp at Ooroomiah, April 2, 1856. 
 
 A FEW days ago, the Sadr Azim sent me, through the Mehmandar, a 
 formal apology on the part of the Shah and the Government, for the impolite 
 behaviour of the Kaimakam to me at Tabreez (reported to your Lordship in 
 despatch of 6th March), and assuring me that it was entirely unauthorized and 
 reprobated by the Government. 
 
 c 
 
 No. 89. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clnrendon.^{Received May 23.) 
 
 (Extract.) Ooroomiah, April 7, 1 856. 
 
 AFTER I had found it necessary to haul down the Mission flag, I remained 
 sixteen days in Tehran, in order to give the Persian Government full time for 
 reflection and repentance, and I warned them repeatedly during that period, 
 that if I once withdrew the Mission from Tehran, the reparation to be demanded 
 would rest with Her Majesty's Government. To that warning I have adhered, 
 and still adhere, so that it becomes obviously necessary that Her Majesty's 
 Government should signify its views and intentions clearly to the Persian Court 
 and to myself. 
 
 1 believe, my Lord, that when in 1838 Sir John McNeill demanded of the 
 Persian Court satisfaction for the seizure and maltreatment of one of his Persian 
 servants, he allowed three days for the acceptance or refusal of his demand, 
 at the expiration of which time he withdrew the Mission. Under provocations 
 which your Lordship will admit to have been no less serious, I accorded a 
 delay of a fortnight, not because I did not feel that I was entitled to immediate 
 compliance with my demand, but because I had not, like my above-named 
 able predecessor, the advantage of twenty years' experience in Persia, and I 
 was resolved that an undue precipitation should not be urged either against 
 Her Majesty's Government or its Representative. There are so many remark- 
 able points of resemblance between the two cases, that it is scarcely possible 
 that it should have escaped your Lordship's notice : the tone of correspond- 
 ence, the prevarication and i'alsehood of the Persian Minister, the profuse 
 professions of friendship for the British Government, accompanied by acts of 
 annoyance to the British Mission, all have been repeated so exactly, that in 
 referring to the despatches of that period, I could almost imagine that the 
 present Sadr Azim had copied and improved upon the subterfuges of his 
 predecessor. 
 
 Permit me to refer your Lordship to a sentence in one of Sir John McNeill's 
 despatches to Lord Auckland, dated the 25th June, 1838: — "Persia has 
 systematically pursued a course which has continually tended to depress the 
 British Misssion, and to destroy British influence, not only in the Court, but in 
 the country. From these petty acts of annoyance, she has proceeded to an 
 invasion of AfFghanistan, in opposition to the views of England, and disregarding 
 the formal intimation that such a course, if adopted, might diminish the 
 cordiality between the States. Not content with this, she seizes the first oppor* 
 
142 
 
 tunity to offer a public insult to the Britip^: Mission and Government, by the 
 treatment which was inflicted on the messenger," &c. 
 
 Substituting the word "Meerza" for "Messenger," every word of the 
 above sentence is applicable to the present rupture. There is, however, this 
 remarkable difference, that whereas Mahomed Shah and his Minister always 
 wrote to Sir John McNeill in the highest tone of courtesy, I have received 
 official letters written by the present Shah and his Minister, more indecorous 
 and offensive than were ever addressed, even by this Court, to any foreign 
 Representative. 
 
 The whole of Sir John McNeill's despatch to Lord Palmerston, dated the 
 25th June, 1838, is so singularly descriptive of my own position in relation to 
 the Persian Court, previous to the rupture, that I can scarcely believe it to 
 have been written eighteen years ago. Nevertheless, as I have before observed 
 to your Lordship, though the policy of the Persian Court may then have been 
 as false and treacherous to England as it has been this last year, there was 
 then at least a show of courtesy and respect for the British Minister. It is true 
 they seized and maltreated his messenger, and the Sadr argued that the Persian 
 Government had the right to seize, at pleasure, any Persians in the employ of 
 the British Mission (a doctrine which Sir John McNeill indignantly repudiated), 
 but they released the messenger immediately on demand. They did not on 
 this occasion imprison a member of his family for successive months, in spite of 
 reiterated reclamations, neither did tliey venture upon a threat, such as the 
 present Sadr Azim uttered against the Mission on the day that I left Tehran, 
 and officially notified to the French and Ottoman' Missions, namely, that if 
 Meerza Hashem Khan was among my suite when I left the town, the Govern- 
 ment servants should drag him from his horse, secure and imprison him. Your 
 Lordship already knows that it was from a desire to avoid an unseemly street 
 brawl, and the possibility of bloodshed, that I prevented the execution of this 
 threat by ordering the Meerza not to accompany me on that occasion. 
 
 No. 90. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received May 23.) 
 
 (Extract.) Ooroomiah, April 7, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, translated 
 substance of a letter which I have received from Meshed, containing several 
 items of news regarding Herat, and the proceedings of the Persian authorities 
 with reference to that Principality. 
 
 I have learned from another source, that the Prince Governor of Khorassan, 
 who had halted for some time at Toorbet-e-Sheikh-Jani, had marched from that 
 place in the direction of Herat, after hearing that Sam Khan had been refused 
 admittance into the city. My informant also states that Dost Mahomed Khan 
 had not advanced from Candahar. 
 
 From the Province of Asterabad, the Agent reports that since the arrival of 
 Jaffer Koolee Khan, the newly appointed Governor, the greatest tranquillity 
 prevailed, and the incursions of the Toorkomans, from which the inhabitants 
 have lately suffered so severely, have, under his administration, been entirely 
 repressed. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 90. 
 Substance of a Report from Meshed, dated February 20, 1856. 
 
 (Translation). 
 
 THE Prince Governor of Khorassan has sent one of his people to the 
 Sirdar of Seistan, Ali Khan, to inform him that troops consisting of the 
 Affshar Regiment, with two guns, had been ordered to proceed to Berjen, in 
 Kain, to repel any attack which might be made by Dost Mahomed Khan from 
 Candahar, and requesting him to afford all the assistance in his power to Governor 
 
143 
 
 of Kain, for the defence of his district ; money has been promised to him fortliis 
 purpose. 
 
 Pasha Khan, Colonel, has proceeded towards Herat as far as Toorbet-e- 
 Sheikh-Jam, where he was joined by Sam Khan with 400 horsemen. Pasha 
 Khan afterwards moved on to a place near the Herat frontier, and Sam Khau 
 advanced to Herat, where he encamped outside the town, the AfFghans in the 
 city having refused to allow his people to enter the town. The Prince Governor 
 himself has advanced to Toorbet-e-Sheikh-Jam with two regiments of Infantry and 
 all the Khorassan horsemen, with five guns, and he intends to await in that place 
 intelligence from Sam Khan. 
 
 Meer Afzul Khan, a nephew of Dost Mahomed Khan, had arrived at Ferrah, 
 with 5,000 horsemen, and had brought with him a large quantity of grain ; other 
 supplies of provisions were on the road to that place. 
 
 Three regiments have since arrived in Meshed from Tehran. It is said that 
 after a few days they will follow the Prince Governor to Sheikh-Jam ; and 
 140 camel-loads of ammunition have been forwarded to his Royal Highness. A 
 great scarcity of provisions prevailed in Pasha Khan's camp. 
 
 One of Dost Mahomed Khan's sons had also come with a large force to 
 Ferrah ; and it is rumoured that another of his sons had been dispatched against 
 Herat by the Meimana road, in order to attack Herat simultaneously with Dost 
 Mahomed Khan. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 No. 91. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received May 23.) 
 
 (Extract.; Ooroomiah, April 7, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, a transla- 
 tion of a letter addressed to Mr. Stevens by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I 
 understand that the allusion in the first sentence is to the circumstance of 
 Mr. Stevens having referred lo the King as His Majesty the Shah, and nOt 
 having used the word Shahen-Shah, or King of Kings ; but it has not been the 
 custom of this or other European Missions to use the latter phrase when speaking 
 of the Persian Sovereign. 
 
 The attempt of the Foreign Minister to represent the rupture now existing 
 as entirely personal, and not compromising the relations of the two countries, is 
 a stale subterfuge in the history of Persian diplomacy ; and a reference to the 
 archives will show, that never at any period was the Persian Government more 
 profuse in its expressions of regard and friendship for that of England than at 
 the time when they were besieging Herat, and, by the maltreatment of one of 
 Sir John McNeill's messengers, had compelled him to haul down the flag and 
 withdraw the British Mission from the Persian Court. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 91. 
 The Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to Consul Stevens. 
 
 (Translation.) March 22, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your letter, some expressions in which are not suitable 
 to the Royal dignity ; but I attribute them to the incapacity of the (Persian) 
 writer. 
 
 With regard to your statement that you returned the sweetmeats which, 
 according to custom, were sent to the Mission on the part of His Majesty the 
 Shah, and his Highness the Sadr Azim, although it has not been (the practice) 
 for the Agents of allied Governments to return Royal presents, still, since you 
 have acted thus, of course you have done what you thought proper, and you have 
 justified such conduct on the misunderstanding between the Persian and British 
 Governments. This, (however), the Persian Ministers will never admit, for the 
 personal interruption of relations by his Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary 
 
144 
 
 of your Government, as has repeatedly, and in various ways, been stated on the 
 part of the Persian Government, and is in this letter again distinctly repeated, 
 has not injured the friendship existing between the two Governments : and the 
 Persian Ministers consider that this friendship continues as formerly, and docs 
 not depend upon his Excellency's personal conduct. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Wm. J. Dickson. 
 
 No. 92. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (^Received May 23.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, April 9, 1856. 
 
 I HA"\^E the honour to inform your Lordship that orders were yesterday 
 issued by the Persian Government for the dispatch to Herat of six regiments of 
 Infantry, 1 ,000 Irregular Horse, and thirty pieces of Artillery, in the following 
 order : — 
 
 On the 11th instant Agha Khan, Meer Sing (General de Division), will 
 leave Tehran with 1,000 Cavalry and 2,000 Infantry. On the 16th, Abdul Alee 
 Khan, Serteep (Brigadier), will leave with 3,000 Infantry and thirty pieces of 
 Artillery ; and on the 2 1st instant, INIehmed Reza Khan, Serteep, will leave with 
 the remaining 1 ,000 Infantry. 
 
 These regiments form part of the army intended to be sent against Dost 
 Mahomed Khan at Candahar, but they will not go beyond Herat until the latter 
 is in possession of the Persians. 
 
 The Government has learned that the Hcratees succeeded in collecting a 
 considerable quantity of grain and provisions before the Persian army reached 
 that place, and it may therefore hold out longer than was recently supposed. 
 
 The Mufti of Herat, whose arrival in the Persian camp I reported in the 
 inclosure of my despatch of March 31, has been seized and sent a yjrisoner to 
 Meshed, his entry into that town being attended with every possible insult. He 
 was mounted on a common baggage-horse, having his hands tied behind his back. 
 Such an indignity to a man of his rank will not fail to increase the opposition on 
 the part of the Heratees to anything like submission to the Persians. 
 
 The Prime Minister has again declared his opinion, that by occupying Herat 
 he will secure a means of easily arranging his quan-el with the British Mission, 
 since it would enable him, if necessary, to offer the withdrawal of the Persian 
 army from that place, as a set-off against any demand for redress connected with 
 Mr. Murray's departure from Tehran. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 93. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redclife. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, May 2A:, 1856. 
 
 YOUR Excellency will tell the Persian Charge d'Affaires that if Persia 
 occupies Herat, it will be another and distinct cause of quarrel with England, 
 and that negotiations for settling existing differences will be useless. 
 
 No. 94. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received May 30.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, April 20, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to report, for your Lordship's information, that 
 according to authentic inteUigence lately received here, it would appear that the 
 Persian army, under Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza, did not reach the vicinity of 
 Herat without encountering some opposition. 
 
145 
 
 A battle was fouglit near Gliorian, which ended in the entire defeat of the 
 Heratees, their commander, Ahmed Khan, with several hundred men, remaining 
 prisoners in the hands of the Persians, whose loss, on the occasion, if their 
 returns are to be believed, only amounted to four men kdled, and twenty or 
 twenly-five wounded. 
 
 The Prince reports that 1,400 men, from the garrison of Herat, had 
 deserted and joined his forces. 
 
 Ghorian has been garrisoned by the Persians. 
 
 The Sadr Azim has led the Shah to expect the receipt of news announcing 
 the fall of Herat, by the 10th proximo. He calculates more on the dissension 
 which is said to prevail among the Heratees themselves, than on the prowess of 
 Sultan Moorad Meerza's army. 
 
 On the other hand the Envoy from Herat now in Tehran ridicules the idea 
 of the place being so easily captured. 
 
 At a Durbar held a few days ago the Shah publicly spoke of extending his 
 conquests beyond Herat so soon as it is occupied by his troops. 
 
 Reported disturbances in Candahar, where, it is said, a strong party has 
 risen against Dost Mahomed Khan, doubtless encourage the Persians in their 
 designs against Affghanistan. 
 
 Some of the regiments mentioned in my despatoh to your Lordship 
 of the 9th instant, have proceeded to their destination, and the others are to 
 follow immediately. Nearly all these troops have been supplied with new 
 muskets of English manufacture, obtained by the Persian Government a few 
 years since. 
 
 No. 95. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcl'ffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received June 7.) 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, May 26, 18o6. 
 
 HAVING to answer two letters addressed to me by the Persian Sadr Azim 
 and already transmitted in copy to your Lordship, I make my reply the vehicle 
 of communication to that Minister. A copy of my let'.er is inclosed herewith, 
 •as well as a copy of the letter by which I have requested Mr. Stevens to deliver 
 it, accompanied with a Persian translation. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 95. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Sadr Azirti. 
 
 Sir, Constantinople, May 25, 1856, 
 
 I HAVE received at different times the two letters which your Highness 
 did me the honour of addressing to rne. I should not have failed to reply to 
 them sooner, had not circumstances, which I was bound to consider, restrained 
 me from yielding to my personal inclination. I am not, however, insensible to 
 the reliance which your Highness has placed in my goodwill, nor have I neglected 
 to. make known to my Government the friendly assurances given by the Court 
 of Persia, and its earnest desire, as expressed by your Highness, to remove every 
 cause of misunderstanding and dissatisfaction between the two countries. I had 
 no authority to treat. I could only iacilitate the return of confidence by 
 listening to the words of your agents, and transmitting them faithfully to 
 London. I am now in daily expectation of receiving the necessary instructions, 
 and I shall hold myself honoured in being an instrument of reconciliation. 
 "Whether I shall be a successful one must chiefly depend on your Highness, the 
 Minister and confidential adviser of His Majesty the Shah. Two conditions are 
 manifestly indispensable ; first, that the existing differences should be frankly 
 and satisfactorily settled ; secondly, that the negotiations for settling them should 
 not be made useless by the Siiah's occupation of Herat, which would occasion 
 another and distinct cause of quarrel with England. I cannot afford a better 
 proof of my sincerity than by hastening to bring these essential matters under 
 
 U 
 
146 
 
 your Highness's consideration, in order that fuller instructions and powers, if 
 necessary, may be given to the Persian Charge d'Affaires at this Court, and that 
 every intention of occupying Herat by the forces of Persia may be relinquished. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. 
 
 Inelosure 2 in No. 95. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Consul Stevens. 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, May 25, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE to request that you will do me the honour of delivering the letter 
 inclosed herewith, to his Highness the Persian Sadr Azim. Though the letter 
 is sealed, an exact copy of it is forwarded for your information, and as it is 
 written in English, I have further to request that you will accompany it with a 
 literal translation in the Persian language. You will render the obligation 
 complete by sending me a copy of the translation. 
 
 No. 96. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received June 12.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, April 30, 1856. 
 
 NO important news has reached me from Khorassan since the date of my 
 last despatches to your Lordship. 
 
 I am told that several influential persons, known to favour the Persian cause, 
 have been seized and imprisoned, and one of them put to death by Mahomed 
 Youssuf Meerza, the Chief of Herat. This intelligence has caused some disap- 
 pointment to the Persian Government, which now apprehends increased resistance 
 on the part of the besieged, although it entertains no doubt about the eventual 
 fall of the place. 
 
 All the troops reported in my recent despatches as being destined to rein- 
 force the army of Herat, have left Tehran. Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza has 
 been ordered, when those regiments join him, to detach 2,000 men and four 
 field-pieces in the direction of Candahar, by the road through Seistan. 
 
 The force will be joined en route by the Irregular Horse and Foot of Ghyne, 
 and its command entrusted to a person named Meerza Rezah Khan, a native of 
 Persia, who, as Meerza Rezah, was employed before the death of Kohendil Khan 
 in drilling some regular troops in Candahar. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 97. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received June 12.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, April 30, 1856. 
 
 MR. MURRAY forwarded to your Lordship, in the month of January last, 
 the translation of a long document, riost offensive to Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment, which the Persian Government had drawn up for publication in foreign 
 countries, and a copy of which 1 obtained soon after it was written. 
 
 I liave now the honour to inform your Lordship that this Government has 
 just circulated, in Tehran, several numbers of a newspaper published in the 
 Persian language, in Bombay, the " Ahsan ul Ikhbar," of the 22nd of February, 
 containing the article in question, word for word as I sent it to Mr. Murray; 
 and the Sadr Azim, yesterday, issued orders for its reprint in the " Tehran 
 Government Gazette." 
 
147 
 
 No. 98. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — [Received June 12.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, May 1, 18.5G. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that a letter has just reached 
 me from Meshed, dated the 21st Apiil, from which I extract, for your Lordship's 
 information, the most important items of its contents : — 
 
 " Yesterday afternoon a horseman of the Hczareh tribe arrived here from 
 Sultan Moorad Moerza's camp ; lie reported that Mahommcd Reza Meerza, 
 brother of Mahomed Youssui" Meerza, acconi})anicd by Naib Essan Khan, 
 Vizier, and fifty horsemen, rode out from Herat and waited upon Sultan Moorad 
 Meerza, with whom they passed the night ; and it was rumoured that they had 
 come to an-ange the terms of surrender. 
 
 " People have arrived at Meshed from Candahar, passing through Herat, 
 where, they say, provisions arc dear and ammunition scarce. 
 
 " Letters from Birzan mention the arrival there of Mahomed Sedeek Khan, 
 with eight battalions,* which are to be joined by some troops of Ghyne, and then 
 proceeded to Ferrah and Candahar. Grain, in the Prince's camp, is selling at 
 1 kerran per Tabreez maun ^about Is. sterling per 6^ lbs.) ; every villager has 
 been ordered to convey ."lO mauns (200 lbs. of grain) to the camp, but mules 
 and camels for its transport are scarce." 
 
 I may add, that con-esponding intelligence has reached the Persian Govern- 
 ment, and the Sadr Azim still leads the King to expect the news of the occu- 
 pation of Herat by the 10th instant. 
 
 Essan Khan was the leader and most influential of the anti-Persian party 
 in Herat ; if the report of his arrival in the Prince's camp be true, the place has 
 ere this surrendered. 
 
 No. 99. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, June 15, 1856. 
 
 ON condition that Herat is immediately evacuated by the Persians, your 
 Excellency need not insist upon sending Meerza Hashem to Shiraz. 
 
 No. 100. 
 Consul Stevens to Mr. Murray. — {Received June 16.) 
 
 Sir, Tehran, February 20, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that Prince Sultan Moorad 
 Meerza loft Meshed on the 1st or 2nd instant, for the Herat frontier, and that 
 the Persian Government lias just forwarded to him a further sum of 10,000 
 tomauns. 
 
 Tiie Bahodooran regiment from Tabreez, 500 strong, was reviewed yesterday, 
 by the King, and is to proeeefl immediately to Khorassan.' 
 
 This Government is looking with intense anxiety for intelligence from the 
 East. It hopes that Sam Khan may have succeeded in the object of his mission. 
 Scarcely any well-informed Persians, however, will behevc that Mahomed 
 Youssuf JVleerza can admit the smallest Persian force into Herat without 
 endangering his own position there. 
 
 Gholaum Sedeek Khan, whose recall to Tehran I have reported to your 
 Excellency, is employed here in raising horsemen for service in Seistan. 
 
 I inclose, for your Excellency's information, copy of a despatch to me from 
 Her Majesty's Consul General at Bagdad, regarding "the Persian military move- 
 ments from Kermanshah. 1 am inclined to "consider the number of troops as 
 
 This is an exaggeration ; there were only two battalions. — R. W. S. 
 
 U 2 
 
146 
 
 mentioned by that gentleman exaggerated, unless they are chiefly composed of 
 Irregulars, of which I can obtain no correct information. 1 have a letler from 
 the agent at Kcrmanshah, dated the 1 7th instant, when the Prince Governor 
 had not yet quitted that place. 
 
 The regiment of the Guards, 800 or 900 strong, left Tehran two days ago 
 for Bushire. 
 
 I bave &c. 
 (Signed) 'rich. W. STEVENS. - 
 
 Inclosure in No. 100. 
 Captain Kemhall to Consul Stevens. 
 
 Sir, British Consulate-General, Bagdad, February 8, 1856. 
 
 1 HAVE been informed by the Agent at Kermanshah, and intelligence 
 which I believe to be authentic has likewise reached me from Mohamrah. to the 
 effect that the Persian Government has dispatched considerable reinforcements 
 to those places, and collected there large quantities of munitions and warlike, 
 stores. 
 
 At Kermanshah the ag2;regate force is estimated at 12,000 men, which 
 would, it was said, march into Zohab, under the command of the Prince Governor 
 in person, about the present date. 
 
 These movements, though not uncommonly ascribed, especially at 
 Mohamrah, to the fears entertained by the Persian Government of an invasion 
 from the English operating from Turkish territory, are regarded with consider- 
 able uneasiness by Reshid Pasha, the Governor-General of Bagdad, who 
 mistrusts the assurances given by the Shah's Ministers to Hyder Effeudi, the 
 Ottoman Charge d'AfFaires at Tehran, and who dispatches this day a special 
 messenger to the capital to call for more full and satisfactory explanations. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) A. B. KEMBALL. 
 
 No. 101. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received June 26.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, May 19, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose a translation taken by myself from an 
 original letter, from which your Lordship will perceive tliat the Ruler of Herat, 
 Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf, had been sent a prisoner to the Persian camp by 
 his Vizier, Essan Khan, who is represented as having sold himself to the Persians, 
 and submitted, with other Heratee Chief's, to all the obligations constituting an 
 allegiance to the Shah of Persia, barring, however, the admission of His Majesty's. 
 troops into Herat. 
 
 From what I learn in Tehran, I am inclined to believe that p]ssan Khan has 
 duped the Persians ; that, pretending to espouse their cause, he induced the 
 Prince Commander-in-chief to withdraw his army to Bernabad, about twenty-five 
 miles this side of Herat. He probably took the money offered to him as a 
 bribe, and then set the Persians at defiance, after getting rid of his master, 
 Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf, who was supposed to be in secret coiTCspond- 
 ence with the enemy. I am told the King and Sadr Azim are greatly incensed 
 at a letter addressed by Essan Khan to the Persian Commander, stating tli&t 
 the Shahzadeh being of no utility in Herat, he was sent to the Persian camp, 
 where, perhaps, he might be turned to account. 
 
 The Persian losses in attempting to storm Herat were considerably greater 
 than was stated in my last despatch, one regiment alone, the " Nishapooree," 
 having had, it was said, 700 men put hors de combat. 
 
 Three days ago, a further reinforcement of two battalions of Infantry, with, 
 a few pieces of siege artillery, were dispatched in great haste to Khorassan ; ten 
 more battalions, now on furlough, were ordered to assemble in Tehran by the' 
 middle of next month, and the Sadr Azim has also authorised Prince Sultan 
 
149 
 
 Moorad M eerza to confirm Essan Khan in the Government of Herat, provided 
 he will allow it to be garrisoned by Persian troops. • 
 
 A\l this would indicate that the Persians are not now so sanguine'^of 
 capturing the place with the military means at their disposal, notwithstanding 
 the Sadr Azim pretends that Sam Khan is in possession of the citadel. 
 
 I have been informed, on the authority of the Prime Minister, that the 
 forts of Laush, Jeven, and Kohak, have been occupied by I'ersian troops from 
 Ghyne. These forts were dependencies of Candahar at the time of Kohendil 
 Khan's death. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 101. 
 
 Extract from a Letter dated Bernabad, 23 Shaban, 1272 {April 29, 1856). 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 TO-DAY, which is the 23rd of Shaban, was brought prisoner into our camp, 
 the Prince Mahomed Youssuf, the same who had proclaimed himself King of 
 Herat, that is to say, our rival, together with three other individuals, one of 
 whom wounded : after having thrown the npple of discord between him and his 
 Vizier, and brought over this latter and other chiefs of the town, they kept him 
 in play until a dispute arose among them, of which they immediately took' 
 advantage, arrested him, and sent him as already mentioned : there now remain 
 the arrangements between us and the Vizier about permitting some battalions of' 
 our troops to remain inside the town, a tiling which they have not yet accepted, 
 but I hope they will soon do so, since the Heratees agree to all the conditions, 
 as subjects of His Persian Majesty, but for the permanent occupation they 
 answer in the following manner. Vizier Essan Khan, chief: — " I myself will go 
 to Tehran to the presence of His Majesty; he will point out a Governor for 
 Herat, and me as Vizier, and then if he thinks proper, on our return, he may 
 send his battalions. During this absence of the Vizier, I agree, moreover, that 
 our fiiend the Elkhanee* will remain with 200 men of his Cavalry in temporary 
 possession of the citadel of Herat, which commands all the town." This is what 
 has passed until this day. I may tell you also that if the entrance of the 
 battalions into the town is not permitted, hostilities will recommence. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Rich. W. Stevens. 
 
 No. 102. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received July 9.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, May 31, \856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith, for your Lordship's information, 
 the translation of a recent report received from Meshed, containing intelligence 
 about affairs at Herat. 
 
 Most of the intelligence is already in your Lordship's possession, but I 
 nevertheless send the document, as it explains the belief that the Heratees had 
 surrendered to the Persians. It also confirms my suspicion that in retiring 
 from before Herat, the Persian Commander-in-chief had been duped by Essan . 
 Khan. 
 
 The Persian Government has received no information of a later date. i 
 
 The Shah intends proceeding to Dernawend next week ; and I am told, that.; 
 should His Majesty not hear of the fall of Herat by the 15th proximo, it is his 
 intention to extend the excursion to Damghaun, in the hope that His Majesty's • 
 appearance on the borders of Khorassan may alarm the Heratees into 
 submission. 
 
 * Sam Khan. 
 
150 
 
 Inclosure in No. 102. 
 Report from Meshed. 
 
 (Translation.) 27th Shaban, 1272. (May 1, 1856.) 
 
 SEVERAL horsemen arrived to-day from Sultan Moorad Meerza's camp. 
 They report that a few days ago Prince Mahomed Rezah (Prince Mahomed 
 Youssuf's brother), together with the son of Essan Khan, and the son of Naib 
 Abbas Khan, and their attendants, waited upon Sultan Moorad Meerza, with 
 whom they remained the night. The sons of Essan Khan and Abbas Khan were 
 made over to the Prince as hostages, and Mahomed Rezah Meerza, after 
 receiving a dress of honour, returned to Herat. Two days afterwards, 
 Mahomed Rezah Meerza again came to the camp : Essan Khan and .'Vbbas 
 Khan communicated secretly with Sultan Moorad Meerza ; they requested him 
 to withdraw the Persian army from the immediate neighbourliood, in order that 
 the people might feel reassured, and believe that, having received hostages, he 
 had altogether retired: "We will," they added, "seize Mahomed Youssuf 
 Meerza, and send him to you a prisoner; an officer with three regiments may 
 then approach, and will deliver the town and citadel into their hands : we 
 will, moreover, cause the coin to be struck, and the Friday prayer to be read, ia 
 the name of the Shah." 
 
 Sultan Moorad Meerza thereupon struck his camp, and withdrew the army 
 to Bernabad, which is seven fursukhs from Herat. Essan Khan and Abbas Khan 
 collected their forces in the citadel : they picked a quarrel with Hagee Gbolaura 
 Khan, who discharged a pistol at the face of Essan Klian, but missed him; 
 Essan Khan then ordered him to be arrested, which was done after he received 
 two or three wounds. Abbas Khan after this entered the anteroom of Mahomed 
 Youssuf Meerza, seized him, and brought nim outside. 
 
 The Prince was treated with much indignity, having his beard and curls 
 plucked, and together with Pir Mahomed Khan, Foofiaranee, Hagee Abdul 
 Waheb Khan, Hagee Gholaum Khan, and two or three others, was on the same 
 night brought to the Persian camp by Abbas Khan. On their arrival, 
 Mahomed Rezah Meerza was seized and placed in charge of a guard. Abbas 
 Khan received a dress of honour, and returned to town. Sultan Moorad Meerza 
 again moved forward with the army, and encamped at Seng-e-Best, two fursukhs 
 from Bernabad. 
 
 On the 1st Ramazan (May 5th) a person arrived from camp with news, that 
 from Seng-e-Best, Sultan Moorad Meerza sent a message to Essan Khan — " Every 
 promise made should be fulfilled " (alluding to the surrender of Herat). " Come to 
 my camp that I may invest you with a robe of honour, and also give you a 
 reward. 1 will send you back with an officer and three regiments, so that you 
 may put them in possession of the town and citadel." 
 
 Essan Klian replied : Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf was my enemy, and 
 as he also behaved treacherously towards you, I seized and sent him to you. 
 But for this, I would have disposed of him otherwise, or killed him. Remain 
 where you arc, and send Sam Khan to inform us what you require of us. I will 
 forward a representation to the Shah of Persia ; let the answer arrive, and in 
 the meanwhile I will try to persuade (gain over) the Doorannees, the clergy, and 
 nobles, and then consider what is to be done. To come to you just now, or to 
 deliver over to you the town, is impossible." 
 
 When this reply readied Sultan Moorad Meerza, Pir Mahomed Khan, 
 Hagee Abdul Waheb Khan, and Hagee Gholaum Khan, were released from 
 confinement, and dresses of honour given to them. Mahomed Youssuf 
 Meerza, and his brotlier, Mahomed Rezah Meerza, are lodged in a separate tent, 
 and their meals are regularly sent to them. 
 
 On the 2nd Ramazan (May 6th) I heard that Sam Khan and Pasha Khan, 
 with three battalions and three guns, advanced to within eight miles of Herat. 
 Other persons deny this, and pretend that Sam Khan declined to go, as invited 
 by Essan Khan, fearing Essan Khan may retain him as security for the safety of 
 his son, who is a hostage with Prince Sultan Mooi'ad Meerza. 
 
 Persons arrived from Candahar report, that some time before his seizure 
 
151 
 
 Mahomed Youssuf Meerza had sent one Mollah Ismael Djedeed (i. e., a 
 conveited Mahomedan) on a mission to the British authorities on the Indian 
 frontier; but Dost Mahomed Khan caused him to be murdered on the road. 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Rich. W. Stevens. 
 
 No. 103. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received July 9.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, May 31, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship, that Ferokh Khan, a native 
 of Cashan, and holding the office of" Keeper of the Shah's Pocket-Money, is to 
 leave Tehran early next month as Ambassador to Paris. 
 
 No. 104. 
 Lord Stratford de Eedcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 9.) 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, June 23, 1856. 
 
 WHILST I was engaged in carrying out the instructions relating to Persia, 
 and in trying to overcome the difficulties occasioned by Mr. Smythe's indispo- 
 sition, I received your Lordship's instruction authorizing me to desist from 
 urging the establishment of Meerza Hashem Khan at Shiraz, if the Shall would 
 consent to withdraw his troops from Herat. Soon after I learnt, by advices of 
 later date from Mr. Stevens, that the surrender of Herat to the Persian army 
 had been prematurely reported ; but also that the Shah's forces were still in the 
 neighbourhood of that city. It seems, moreover, according to the latest 
 intelligence, that reinforcements were ordered to move on Tehran, with the 
 ulterior intention, it m.ay be presumed, of giving more effect to the plan of 
 attack. 
 
 Under these circumstances I thought it desirable to communicate afresh 
 ■with the Persian Charge d'Affaires and his Armenian colleague, before I placed 
 in their hands a copy of your Lordship's instructions. Mr. Alison having, in 
 consequence, seen them by my direction, I collected from his report of the 
 interview that, although they had no power to accept definitively any terms of 
 agreement, they were able to form a pretty accurate judgment of such as would 
 not be accepted at Tehran. In general, it was evident that, in their opinion, a 
 modification of your Loidship's demands respecting Meerza Hashem would go 
 far to obtain the" satisfaction required from their Government ; that the evacua- 
 tion of Herat by the Shah's forces might be conceded without much hesitation ; 
 and that the removal of those two obstacles would smooth the way to an 
 immediate, and even to a cordial, reconciliation. 
 
 These impressions have been since confirmed. The two negotiators met 
 me again in conference on the 20th instant, and we parted on an understanding 
 that I would send them a kind of ultimatum, which should comprise the demands 
 of Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 104. 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 THE Sadr Azim to write in the Shah's name a letter to Mr. Murray, 
 expressing his regret at having uttered and given currency to the offensive 
 imputations upon the honour of Her Majesty's Minister, requesting to withdraw 
 his own letter of the 1 9th November, and the two letters of the Minister for 
 Foreign Affairs of the 26th November, one of which contains a rescript from the 
 Shah respecting the imputation upon Mr. Murraj% and declaring in the same 
 letter that no such further rescript from the Shah as that inclosed herewith in 
 
152 
 
 copy was communicated, directly or indirectly, to any of the foreign Missions at 
 Tehran. 
 
 A copy of this letter to be communicated officially by the Sadr Azini to 
 each of the foreign Missions at Tehran, and the substance of it to be made 
 public in that capital. 
 
 The original letter to be conveyed to Mr.' Murray at Bagdad by the 
 hands of some high Persian officer, and to be accompanied by an invitation to 
 Mr. Murray, in the Shah's name, to return with the Mission to Tehran, on His 
 Majesty's assurance that he shall be received with all the honours and considera- 
 tion due to the Representative of the British Government, another person of 
 suitable rank being sent to conduct him, as Mehmandar, on his journey through 
 Persia. 
 
 Mr. Mun-ay, on approaching the capital, to be received by persons of high 
 rank, deputed to escort him to his residence in the town. 
 
 Immediately on his arrival there, the Sadr Azini to go in state to the 
 British Mission, and renew friendly relations with Mr. Murray, leaving the 
 Secretary of State for Foreign Atliiirs to accompany him to the Royal Palace, 
 the Sadr Azim receiving Mr. Murray, and conducting him to the presence of 
 the Shah. 
 
 At noon on the following day the British flag to be hoisted under a salute 
 of twenty-one guns, and the Sadr Azim to visit the Mission immediately after- 
 wards, which visit Mr. Murray will return, at latest, on the following day before 
 noon. 
 
 Satisfaction being thus given, and friendly relations restored, the settlement 
 of the questions of Herat, of Meerza Hashera and of his wife, remains to be 
 stated. 
 
 Should Herat be occupied by the Shah's troops. His Majesty to engage to 
 withdraw them without delay. Should that city be in any way menaced, though 
 not occupied, by the Shah's troops. His Majesty to engage not to allow them to 
 occupy it on any account. In either case, the engagement being solemnly 
 given, the British Mission to defer to His Majesty's wish, if renewed, respecting 
 Meerza Hashem, by not insisting on his appointment at Shiraz ; the Meerza's 
 wife, however, to be restored to him, and himselt to enjoy the security, emolu- 
 ments, and position offered by the Persian Government in a former stage of the 
 question. 
 
 The whole of the correspondence respecting Meerza Hashem may then be 
 mutually withdrawn and cancelled, it being to be understood that no objections 
 will be made by the Persian Government to the appointment, as heretofore, of a 
 British correspondent at Shiraz, till that and other matters can be finally 
 arranged by a suitable Convention. 
 
 No. 105. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 10.) 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, June 2S, \%56. 
 
 I HAD another meeting yesterday with the Persian Charge d'Affaires and 
 Malcum Khan. I placed in their hands the memorandum of terms. A Persian 
 translation was added. 
 
 No. 106. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Murray. 
 
 -Sr, Foreign Office, July 11, 1856. 
 
 I THINK it right to furnish you with copies of a letter which \ have 
 addressed to the Sadr Azim respecting Herat, and of an instruction in regard to 
 the delivery of that letter, which 1 have given to Mr. Consul Stevens.* 
 
 • Nos. 107 and 108. 
 
153 
 
 I send you these papers, however, cn!y for your own information* and not 
 that you should take any steps whatever with reference to tlietn. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 107. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to ihe Sadr Azim. 
 
 Foreign Office, July 11, 18.56. 
 
 THE Undersigned, &c., has the lionour to recall to tlit> recollection of the 
 Sadr Azim the Articles of Agreement respecting Herat, which were concluded in 
 the month of January 1853, between his Excellency and Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Sheil, then Her Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at 
 the Court of the Shah. 
 
 By those Articles the Persian Government engaged not to send on any 
 account troops to Herat, unless when foreign troops invaded Herat, that is 
 (troops) from the direction of Cabul or Candahar, or other foreign country. In 
 the event, too, of troops being sent in that case, the Persian Government 
 engaged that the said troops were not to enter the city of Herat ; and whenever 
 the foreign troops returned towards their own territory, the Persian troops were 
 immediately and without delay to return to the Persian soil. The Persian 
 Government also engaged not to interfere in any way whatsoever in the internal 
 affairs of Herat, such as in taking possession, or occupying, or assuming the 
 sovereignty, or in governing, unless in so far as it interfered during the liletime 
 of Yar Mahomed Khan. The Persian Government also engaged to abandon the 
 pretension and demand for the coinage and the " khootbeh," or any other mark 
 whatsoever of the people of Herat being subjects or under the Government of 
 Persia. 
 
 The British Government have been informed that since the beginning of 
 the present year Persian troops have not only invaded the territory of Herat, 
 but have laid siege to the city of Heiat, and have interfered in the internal 
 affairs of Herat, and that the movements of troops in different parts of Persia 
 indicate a determination on the part of the Persian Government to persist in its 
 aggression on Herat, and in its disregard of solemn engagements contracted with 
 the British Government. 
 
 Such conduct on the part of Persia is considered by the British Govern- 
 ment to constitute an act of open hostility against Great Britain ; and the object 
 of the Undersigned in now addressing the Sadr Azim is to make known to the 
 Pei'sian Government that unless re|)aratiou is promptly made by it for this 
 breach of engagement and for this act of hostility, and unless the Persian troops 
 are forthwith withdrawn from the city and territory of Herat, the British 
 Government will adopt such measures as a regard for its own honour and its 
 own interests may prescribe, and will hold itself absolved from any responsibility 
 for the consequences of those measures, however disastrous to Persia they may 
 prove. 
 
 The Undersigned, &c. (Signed) -CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 108. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Consul Stevens. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, Jul)/ \\, \35Q. 
 
 I INCLOSE a sealed letter to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 I also inclose a copy of that lettei-,* from which you will cause an accurate 
 translation to be made, and you will deliver such translation, together with the 
 sealed letter, to the Sadr Azim as soon as possible. 
 
 You will hold no further communication, direct or indirect, or of any kind 
 whatever, with the Sadr Azim, or any person whatever at Tehran, on the subject 
 of that letter; but you may state verbally, on delivering the letter, that the 
 
 * No. 107. 
 
154 
 
 messenger who brought it to Tehran will return to Constantinople when he has 
 had time to rest from the fatigues of his outward journey ; and you may specify 
 the day on which he will set out, and to which you will adhere. 
 
 Except as regards the execution of this instruction, the restiiction placed 
 by my despatch of the 1 5th of May on your intercourse with the Persian Govern- 
 ment remains in full force. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 109. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Vernon Smith. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, July 19, 1856. 
 
 HER Majesty's Government are of opinion that the Shah has clearly shown 
 that he is determined to persevere in the policy on which he has rashly entered 
 as regards Herat ; and as the success of that policy would be opposed to the 
 interests of Great Britain, it appears necessary to lose no time in providing 
 means for compelling the Shah, by coercive measures, to desist from his present 
 schemes of aggrandizement. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government, therefore, consider that instructions should at 
 once be sent to the Governor- General of India to collect at Bombay an adequate 
 force of all arms, and provided with the necessary means of transport, for occu- 
 pying the Island of Karrack and the city and district of Bushire ; and to hold 
 such force in readiness to depart from Bombay at the shortest notice. But the 
 Governor-General should be informed that the expedition is not actually to set 
 out until the receipt of further orders from Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 No. 110. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 22.) 
 
 (Extract.) . Camp near Tehran, June 4, 1856. 
 
 I REGRET having to report to your Lordship the particulars of a gross 
 outrage committed upon Meerza Mootallib, the Persian writer of Her Majesty's 
 Consulate, by a person holding a high position, named Syed Morteza, brother of 
 the late, and uncle, as well as locum tenens, of the present, Imaum-o'-Jooma 
 (Chief Priest) of Tehran. 
 
 On the 23rd ultimo I received the information. 
 
 I repaired to town early on the 24th, and learnt that, in the night of the 
 22nd, while visiting Syed Morteza, as is customary during the fast month, the 
 Meerza was invited to partake of dinner. A conversation took place between 
 the Syed and some other Persians on the impropriety of Mahomedans serving 
 Europeans. Syed Morteza, throwing some meat to a cat, remarked that feeding 
 cats and dogs was far more meritorious than giving food to Mahomedans who 
 degraded themselves and their religion by taking service with Christians. Upon 
 this the Meerza inquired whether Syed Morteza had invited him to the repast to 
 insult him, or to reproach him for earning his bread with the English ; which 
 bread, he observed, was as good as any other. The Syed threw a book at his 
 head, and ordered the attendants to beat him ; whereupon the Meerza withdrew 
 from the house, and went to his lodgings in the Consulate. The outrage which 
 followed is detailed in an inclosure, to which I shall presently refer. 
 
 A sincere desire to avoid increasing the difhculties already existing between 
 the two Governments induced me, before giving the matter an official character, 
 to afford the Persian Ministers an opportunity of spontaneously granting some 
 sort of reparation, and thus render an appeal to your Lordship unnecessary. 
 With this view, I sent the Mission Treasurer, MoUah Sauleeh, with a verbal 
 message to the Sadr Azim, acquainting him with what had occurred, and 
 expressing a hope that he would do what was needful to prevent a repetition of 
 such disgraceful proceedings. His Highness sent me an assurance, through the 
 Treasurer, that proper satisfaction should be given to me. 
 
155 
 
 Seven days having elapsed without my hearing furthei- from the Sadr Azim, 
 I desired Mollah Sauleeh to write and remind him of his promise. 
 
 I have the honour to transmit herewith a translation of his reply, and of its 
 inclosnre, an original letter, written to his Highness by Syed Morteza. 
 
 The Prime Minister, in his note, affects to treat the whole matter lightly, 
 and declares the Government has no control over the Ulemahs. He advises 
 hushing up the affair, and winds up (as he invariably does when Persians in the 
 British service do not act in accordance with his own views) by attributing 
 improper conduct to Meerza Mootallib. 
 
 The letter from the Syed accuses Meerza Mootallib of publicly reviling the 
 Mahomedan religion, a thing perfectly incredible, when it is considered that the 
 pretended offence was given at a religious meeting held in the sacred month of 
 Ramazan ; and highly improbable as regards the Meerza, a Syed himself, and 
 a remarkably quiet, inoffensive, and timid man. Syed Morteza's letter, after 
 admitting quite enough to warrant our believing Meerza Mootallib's statement, 
 terminates with an allusion to popular disturbances « hich may arise if I do not 
 drop the affair, and the danger to which I, consequently, might be exposed. 
 
 This threat is written in a different hand to the rest of the letter, and was 
 evidently an afterthought. 
 
 I would here beg leave to remark, that, had Meerza Mootallib been really 
 guilty of any improper conduct, custom required that it should be refen'ed to me 
 through the Persian Foreign Office. 
 
 On the 31st ultimo I addressed a letter (copy inclosed) to the Minister for 
 Foreign Affairs, containing an outline of the outrage committed on the 22nd, 
 and adding that, as the Prime Minister had distinctly asserted his inability to 
 grant it, my making any demand for reparation would be a useless waste of time ; 
 that I should, therefore, submit the case for the consideration of Her Majesty's 
 Government, and, at the same time, report it to the British authorities in the 
 Persian Gulf. 
 
 The amount of reparation which it was my intention to propose, had I been 
 consulted, would have been the public punishment of the parties actually engaged 
 in violating the Consular premises, and removing and ill-treating the Meerza, 
 the restitution of the money and property taken from him, a formal apology 
 from Syed Morteza, and some expression of regret at what had occurred from 
 the Persian Government itself. 
 
 I trust your Lordship will allow that in this very disagreeable affair 1 have 
 shown forbearance and moderation under no ordinary provocation ; nor can it, I 
 am sure, be denied that I have been met in a far different spirit by the Sadr 
 Azim. 
 
 The day after Meerza Mootallib was treated in the manner described. 
 Colonel Materrazzo, a British subject, while on his way, in full uniform, to visit 
 me on the Queen's birthday, was pelted with stones in the immediate vicinity of 
 the Mission-house by the son of the Sadr Azim's Ferrash Bashee. The Colonel 
 having carried his complaint to the Persian Commander-in-chief, my interference 
 was in no manner called for. 
 
 Whether we are to look upon these two incidents as tokens of a fixed 
 determination on the part of the Persians to insult us, the future will show. In 
 the meanwhile, it may not be out of place to inform your Lordship that rumours 
 are in circulation that Mr. Murray's departure from Tehran was a mere excuse 
 on the part of the British Government to create an opportunity for interfering 
 with the Mussulman religion in Persia, as that Government is accused here of 
 having recently interfered in Turkey. 
 
 Putting aside the Prime Minister's relatives, there are very few Persians 
 in the capital who do not blame the Government in its controversy with Her 
 Majesty's Mission. The most respectable among the clergy, too, declare against 
 the Prime Minister. He feels that their support and countenance will fail him 
 whenever the pending discussion may approach a crisis, and it is by dissemi- 
 nating reports such as that mentioned above, that he hopes to turn the;i de of 
 public opinion. 
 
 A copy of this despatch will of course be foi-warded to Mr. Murray. 
 
156 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 110. 
 Consul Stevens to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 Goolahek, May 31, 1856. 
 
 THE Undersigned, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul in Tehran, has already- 
 acquainted his Highness the Sadr Azim with the details of a most unheard-of 
 outrage committed during tiie night of the 22nd instant, on the premises of the 
 British Consulate, and on the person of its Moonshee, Meerza Mootallib. 
 
 Having brought the circumstance in a friendly manner under the notice of 
 the Persian Minister, the Undersigned expected that a proper consideration of 
 what is due to the British Government would have induced the Persian Govern, 
 rnent to adopt spontaneously, and without delay, measures which would have 
 rendered a recourse to official correspondence unnecessary. 
 
 Disappointed in this hope, the Undersigned considers it to be his duty to 
 place before the Persian Ministers in an official form the main points of the 
 case, of which, he feels, he has just reason for serious complaint. 
 
 In the middle of the night before mentioned, a person knocked at the door 
 of the British Consulate in Tehran, demanding Meerza Mootallib, saying that 
 his Excellency Syed Morteza desired to see him. The Meerza l^.ad scarcely 
 appeared at the door when he found himself surrounded by a party of twenty or 
 thirty persons, who forcibly dragged him away from the Consulate, severely beat 
 him, rifled bis pockets of thirty-two tomauns in cash, and of a ijacket of papers; 
 some of the clothes he wore were taken from him ; violence was employed to 
 make him swallow a'quantity of opium ; and finally, he was conveyed in almost 
 an insensible state to the house of Syed Morteza, whence he escaped on the 23rd 
 to the residence of his Excellency the French Envoy, who immediately gave the 
 Undersigned notice of what had happened. 
 
 Such is a brief narrative of what occurred, and such is the statement which, 
 on the 24th instant, ths Undersigned charged tlie Akhoond Mollah Sauleeh to 
 convey verbally to his Highness the Sadr Azim, who was pleased to promise that 
 the affair should be inquired into, and suitable redress granted. 
 
 After waiting eight days for the fulfilment of this promise, the Undersigned 
 has received a note addressed by his Highness the Sadr Azim to the Akhoond 
 Mollah Sauleeh, inclosing one written to his Highness by Syed Morteza, the 
 contents of which, especially the concluding lines, evidently added after Syed 
 Morteza had written his note, are intended to intimidate the Undersigned into 
 relinquishing his claim for reparation, by allusions to popular disturbances which 
 might occur if the demand be persisted in, and by the extraordinary admission 
 in the Sadr Azim's note that the Persian Government has no power over the 
 Ulemahs. 
 
 No person entertains a higher respect, and no person has, during a long 
 residence in Persia, shown a greater respect for the Ulemahs than the Under- 
 signed ; but when a member of that body, however high may be his rank, so far 
 forgets himself as to publicly commit an act, both insulting to the British 
 Government and contrary to the Treaties existing between the two Govern- 
 ments, the Undersigned cannot remain silent, nor will any threats deter him from 
 acting as he may think necessary for upholding the dignity of his Government. 
 He mav here be permitted to remark, for the information of Syed Morteza, and 
 of the Ulemahs generally, that if any foreign Government is entitled to their 
 respect, it is assuredly the British Government, which numbers among its 
 subjects in India millions of Sheeahs, enjoying, both temporarily and spintually, 
 a greater degree of freedom, protection, and consideration than are enjoyed by 
 their co-religionists in Persia. 
 
 The Sadr Azim having in his communication distinctly asserted the inability 
 of the Persian Government to grant adequate reparation for the insult in 
 question, it would be a useless waste of time for the Undersigned to demand 
 any. 
 
 It therefore only remains for the Undersigned to forward by couriers leaving 
 in a few days, a detailed statement of this affair to Her Britannic Majesty's 
 Government, and to the British authorities in the Persian Gulf; he will accom- 
 pany it by the Sadr Azim's written declaration that the Persian Government is 
 unable to prevent the violation of the British Consulate, or to save British 
 
157 
 
 subjects and dependents residing in the capital of Persia, the seat of royalty, from 
 being arbitrarily seized, ill-treated, robbed, and poisoned ; and it will be for the 
 British Government to consider what steps it may be necessary to adopt for 
 securins to its agents and dependents in Persia the respect and protection to 
 which they are entitled both by usage and by existing Treaties. 
 
 In requesting that this letter may be communicated to his Highness the 
 Prime Minister, the Undersigned, &c. 
 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 110. 
 
 The Sadr Azim to Akhoond Mollah Sauleeh. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 I HAVE perused the letter which you have written to me regarding the 
 atfair between the Very Exalted, &c., Syed Morteza, brother of the late Imauni- 
 o'-Jooma, and Meerza Mootallib. 
 
 You are yourself acquainted with the character and the conduct of the 
 Persian MoUahs towards our Government, and towards everybody else in Persia ; 
 and you know that we do not possess that power over them which we ought to 
 have ; at any rate, we are obliged to be cautious in dealing with them. 
 
 I have given myself a great deal of trouble about this affair, written strong 
 letters, and sent Meerza Abbas Khan two or three times to them (the Mollahs), 
 and the discussion is even now continued on both sides. 
 
 I send you the answer which they have written, in order that you may 
 show it to the high in rank, &c., the Consul. 
 
 I have not yet given up this matter, and will let you know what I may have 
 done, or may do ; but it is nevertheless necessary that you should not talve it so 
 seriously, and that you settle it in some way or other, because Meerza 
 Mootallib is a person having neither talent nor tact : several times he misbe- 
 haved himself towards his Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs. With 
 regard to the report that Syed Morteza held improper language about the 
 English Government, it is unfounded — all a falsehood. Meerza Mootallib 
 perhaps has done welL I ask you not to persist in this affair, but term in 
 it as soon as possible. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 110. 
 
 Seyd Morteza to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 IT is represented that you have addressed us a letter concerning the preten- 
 sion of Meerza Mootallib, the nephew of Agha Syed Hussein, and an employe 
 of the British Govertmient. 
 
 From time immemorial it has been the custom that, during the whole year, 
 religious meetings are held at our house every Thursday, which are attended by 
 the poor, and the clerical students and others. That night, after prayers, the 
 aforesaid presented himself, without being invited. Some of those who remained, 
 knowing him to be a Syed, desired to give him advice. Among other things it 
 was said that it was a pity that a Syed, and a descendant of the Imaum Moussa, 
 should lay aside his turban, wear long curls, and from morning to evening employ 
 himself in saying and hearing absurd words. 
 
 In withdrawing to another room, he replied by unbecoming remarks about 
 several who were present, and others of much higher rank. In consideration of 
 the friendship between the two Governments I took no notice; it vvas those 
 who were present who answered him. A second time, with a tongue of impu- 
 dence, and the mouth of irreligion, he used blasphemous language, which so 
 exasperated them that they could not contain themselves. 
 
 It was then I gave orders to strike and turn him out. This is what occurred 
 in my presence. When he was outside he used still worse language, and went 
 away. It being near the morning, and many devout persons arriving for prayers, 
 these circumstances became known ; the mob went to his lodging to drag him 
 
158 
 
 before the high judge, that sentence might be passed upon him, and then 
 referred to your Excellency (the Sadr Azim) for execution. When I learnt this 
 fact, I understood that a popular commotion might result, and I sent two or 
 three intelligent persons to prevent it, and to save him from ill-treatment. Very 
 probably their firm attachment to the true faith led them to other acts against 
 him : this is possible. They met him en route, and summoned him to the house 
 of the uncle,* when the mob was dispersed, hoping, with the aid of God, that 
 the affair would pass over by mid-day. 'i'he crowd once dispersed, I desired 
 him to go home and not leave the house, lest some disturbance should happen. 
 
 Everybody knows that in the time when Syed Hussein was in Tehran, I 
 was acquainted with the bad conduct of Meerza Mootallib, and dismissed him 
 from my house. 
 
 As you say that some of the people present spoke ill of the foreign 
 Missions, I swear to you it is a falsehood, invented to palliate his misconduct. 
 
 This is what passed, and I write it accordingly : for the rest, you are at 
 liberty to act as you think proper ; the affair and its judgment are in your 
 hands. 
 
 Salutation. 
 
 (Then follows, in a different handwriting) : — 
 
 I add that, considering our friendship for and union with the Government 
 (English), you will tell the Consul not to retain this seditious man in his service. 
 Let him dismiss him ; otherwise from this (the affair under discussion), great 
 disturbances may break out against his own person, disturbances which it will, 
 perhaps, be quite impossible to put down. You wrote to me that the man came 
 with an invitation, but he is not a person worthy of beins^; invited. 
 
 This affair occurred in the tenth hour of the night. Had it occurred 
 during the day there would undoubtedly have been a revolution, and matters 
 wouW not have passed off so quietly. 
 
 I have nothing further to add. 
 
 No. 111. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 22.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, June 7, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that the Persian Government 
 has received news of the destruction, by an accidental explosion, of all the 
 ammunition of the Persian array befoie Herat, most of which, amounting to 
 several hundred leads, had only just reached the army : 350 men were killed by 
 the explosion. Much discontent prevailed among the troops, and bread was with 
 difficulty attainable in the camp at the enormously high price of 3 kerrans per 
 maun — 3s. per 6 lbs. 
 
 Two hundred loads of gunpowder have just been dispatched from Tehran, 
 and 400 loads are to follow in a few days. 
 
 It is reported in town that, after the ammunition was destroyed, the 
 Heratces made a sortie, and committed great havoc among the Persians, who, it 
 is said, lost several superior officers on the occasion. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 112. 
 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 22.) 
 
 (Extract.) Bagdad, June 21, 1856. 
 
 I AM well aware that the Sadr Azim has endeavoured throughout to make 
 the world believe that the whole of the difference between the Persian Court and 
 this Mission was owing to the affair of Meerza Hashem Khan's wife. He well 
 knew that such a scandal, however unfounded, would find a certain amount of 
 
 • 
 
 Syed Morteza himself. 
 
159 
 
 credence, and provoke a certain amount of ridicule in Europe. He remembered 
 the Eastern proverb, "Throw mud upon the wall, some of it will stick." He 
 cared nothing for the scandal which he brought upon the Royal Harem, so long 
 as he could succeed in his main object, that of embroihng Her Majesty's Mission 
 with the Shah. It was for that jeason that he seized and imprisoned the 
 Meerza's wife, instead of seizing the Meerza himself, who was daily j)assing and 
 repassing from his own house to the Mission. Notwithstanding tiiat I entered 
 on the discharge of my duties with an earnest desire to be upon the best and 
 most friendly terms with the Shah and his Minister, I found my intentions 
 thwarted by the latter at the very threshold, by his forbidding Persians of rank 
 and in office from paying me those visits which they had habitually paid to my 
 predecessors. I was to see with his eyes and to hear with his ears, and thus to be 
 precluded from obtaining correct information as to what was going forward in the 
 social and pohtical world of Persia. 
 
 Scarcely can it be necessary for me to recall to your Lordship's recollection 
 the rc])eated slights and affronts, of greater and less importance, which the Sadr 
 * offered to the Mission, and which are related in my pubhc correspondence of 
 last year. My servants were maltreated ; the rights of Britis'n subjects invaded, 
 and reparation was always refused or evaded ; the Mission was, for the first time 
 this century, refused admission to the national festival of the Tazieh, which, 
 although justly designated in your Lordship's despatch as an " unmeaning 
 ceremony," is, nevertheless, looked upon in quite a diflerent light in Tehran, 
 where there was not a Persian, either of the higher or lower class, wlu) did not 
 view it as a shght offered to, or a triumph gained over, the British Mission. 
 
 Another step taken by the Sadr, was to rake up again the old affair of 
 Prince Ferhad Meerza, which had already, once before, interrupted the amicable 
 relations between the Persian Court and the British Mission. The Prince was 
 living in retirement ; I had not the shghtest wish nor motive to moot the 
 question of His Royal Highness's claims to our protection, and I only wished that 
 the Persian Government should leave him quiet and unmolested in his own house. 
 This did not suit the Sadr's views, who began to annoy and calumniate the 
 Prince because he paid me two or three visits, and at length carried his persecu- 
 tion so far as to compel me to interfere. The Sadr almost pushed that affair to 
 a rupture ; but the firm attitude which I assumed, supported by your Lordship's 
 despatches, compelled him to abandon that ground and wait for another oppor- 
 tunity, when he might hope to pick a quarrel on some question more advanta- 
 geous to his purpose. 
 
 My despatches, in the months of November and December of lust year, 
 reported to your Lordship in full all the proceedings of the Sadr in respect to 
 the affair of Meerza Hashem Khan, and it is not now necessary for me to reca- 
 pitulate their contents, further than to observe that I can confidently appeal to 
 your Lordship, and ask whether my despatches to the Sadr were not couched in 
 the usual language of diplomatic courtesy, and whether I ever mentioned the 
 Shah in other terms than those becoming His Majesty's station ? Your Lordship 
 will also bear witness that the calumnies propagated against me, and included in 
 official despatches addressed to me, both on the part of the Shah and his Minister, 
 were couched in terms of coarse vituperation, unexampled in diplomatic corre- 
 spondence ; it would seem that the Persian Court had lost all sense of propriety 
 and self-respect when the Shah could write with his own hand that, "until the 
 Queen of England had apologised to him, he would not receive either me or any 
 other British Minister." About the same time, a high command was given to a 
 Prince of the blood, who, at a dinner given by Meerza Moossa, the Deputy 
 Governor of Tehran, mentioned Her Majesty's name in language too indecorous 
 to be repeated. 
 
 Comparing the conduct of the Sadr with the animus by which he was 
 evidently actuated, I should have been ashamed of niyself had 1 consented 
 to remain in Tehran without obtaining the reparation due for such repeated 
 insults. 
 
 1 come now to consider the terms of reparation which I offered to the 
 acceptance of the Persian Government. 
 
 In demanding that the Meerza should be recognized as British Agent at 
 Shiraz, I merely upheld the right of the Mission to avail itself of the services 
 of any unenqiloyed Persian, without asking the permission of the Persian 
 Government — a right hitherto enjoyed undisputedly by the foreign Missions 
 
160 
 
 in Tehran ; a right too, which must be maintained unless Her Majesty's 
 Government are content that every Persian employe and servant of the Mission 
 is to be a paid spy of the Persian Ministers. I proved that the Sadr's 
 allegation of that individual being still in the Persian service and in the army 
 list, was entirely unfounded ; and I appointed hini accordingly, under your 
 Lordship's instructions. Then followed the seizure and imprisonment of the 
 Meerza's wife ; after he had vainly endeavoured to obtain her release, I applied 
 officially that she should be restored to her husband, which was refused. 
 
 It has been stated that the Mission was not justified in demanding the 
 restoration of the Meerza's wife to her husband, as, accordinc^ to the Moslem 
 law, the Shah, being not only the Sovereign, but also the head of the Sheeah 
 branch of Islam, could at his own pleasure separate man and wife without 
 rendering account in any quarter. 
 
 The Shah may, indeed, assume any power and silence any opposition by force 
 in his own dominion ; but without the consent of the parties he has no legal right 
 whatever to separate man and wife, unless in cases of proved adultery, and in 
 those it is always the sentence of the Mooshtehids (chiefs of religion), and not 
 that of the Shah, which dissolves the bond. At the very time that I demanded 
 the restitution of that lady to her husband, he had in his pocket, and produced 
 to those who detained her, a sentence signed by two of the chief Mooshtehids, 
 to the effect that her forcible detention from her husband, as well as all attempts 
 to divorce her without his consent, were illegal acts. 
 
 I come now to the demand which I made, that the Sadr Azim should 
 come in person to the Mission to retract and withdraw the offensive and 
 calunmious charges which he had brought against me. I believe it has been 
 represented to your Lordship that such a proceeding would be compromising 
 the dignity of the Vizirial office, and humiliating to the Persian Government. 
 Independently of the general proposition, which applies in this instance both to 
 the Shah and his Minister, that those who so far ibrget their own position as to 
 condescend to detraction and calumny, cannot expect others to be tender of a 
 dignity which they have themselves sacrificed, the reparation which I demanded 
 was strictly based upon precedent at the Persian Court. Your Lordship will 
 find on reference to Colonel Shed's despatch of the 24th of April, 1850, that the 
 late Ameer Nizam, the proudest and most powerful Vizier of modern times, 
 came in peison to the Mission to apologise to Her Majesty's Envoy for insults 
 offered to Her Majesty's Consul at Tabreez. If Her Majesty's Mission 
 demanded and received that reparation for affronts. offered to a fJritish Consul 
 by the local Persian authorities, I consider that I was, a fortiori, entitled to 
 demand it for insults offered directly to myself by the Prime Minister in person. 
 It is a curious coincidence, my Lord, that the present Sadr, then occupying' a 
 subordinate situation, was mainly instrumental in inducing the Ameer Nizam to 
 give the required satisfaction. 
 
 In respect to the expressions used respecting me in the Shah's autograph 
 letters, which were even more injurious and ofifensive than those used by the Sadr, 
 I simply demanded that an officer of rank should be sent on the part of the 
 Shah to withdraw the offensive documents and express regret that they should 
 have been written under misapprehension. I believe this demand has been 
 represented to your Lordship as compromising the Royal dignity. I cannot adopt 
 this view, nor do I see how the Representative of a foreign Power could have 
 demanded or accepted a smaller measure of reparation. Had I been disposed 
 to expose the Shah to humiliation, I might have demanded an apology such as 
 that made by His Majesty to Prince Dolgorouki in 1849, in full Divan, and in 
 the presence of the British Mission and of all the Persian officials ; and I 
 demanded the smallest amount of reparation consistent with the honour of 
 Her Majesty's Mission. 
 
 It remains only to consider my demand that the MoUahs should come to 
 the Mission and withdraw the calumnious and offensive paper to which their 
 seals were affixed. This has been represented by the Sadr as impossible, as 
 degrading to the sacred office they fill. We are told that no Mooshtehid can be 
 expected to come to a Christian house, and many similar phrases. My Lord, 
 the simple meaning of this tortuous and unsubstantial argument is that the 
 Prime Minister of Persia is to be at liberty at any time to use the religious 
 body as pohtical instruments or propagators of his own falsehoods ; through 
 them, and under the aegis of their sanctity, he may calumniate a foreign Power, 
 
161 
 
 traduce its Mission, and insult its representative ; when he wishes to use them 
 as a tool, he obliges them to put their seals to any paper which he presents for 
 their signature ; not one in twenty has the courage to refuse, or even to inquire 
 whether its contents are true or false. When reparation is demanded, the 
 sacredness of their office is ostentatiously paraded, and the Sadr informs us that 
 any apology or retractation on the part of that holy assemblage would be 
 subversive of religion and of the state. 
 
 Leaving this puerile subterfuge to be dealt with by your Lordship's dis- 
 crimination, I thus conclude my review of the reparation which I demanded, and 
 I fearlessly leave it to Her Majesty's Government to decide upon the justice of 
 . my demands. 
 
 Since I left Tehran the disposition of the Persian Government towards 
 England has been evinced in more ways than one: an expedition against 
 Herat and Candahar has been organised and put in execution under the orders 
 of the very Prince by whom Her Majesty's name was shamefully traduced ; all 
 the ports and provinces in the south of Persia have been placed in a posture of 
 defence ; France and the United States have both been invited to station a 
 maritime force in the Gulf; the Consul's residence in Tehran has been beset day 
 and night by spies, and no Persian is permitted to have any communication witlx 
 him ; pensions due to British subjects have been arbitrarily stopped ; an officer 
 in the Persian service, under British protection, going in full uniform to visit the 
 Consul on the Queen's birthday, has been pelted in the public streets by the son 
 of a Persian official of rank ;* and the Consul's Meerza has been dragged out 
 of the Consulate, beaten in the streets, and forcibly drugged with opium by the 
 servants of one of the chiefs of religion ; while, to crown the whole, the Persian 
 Government has published in the official " Gazette" of Tehran a long article 
 calumniating the British Government, and abusing every single British Envoy 
 who has had charge of the Mission for the last thirty years. 
 
 Such, my Lord, has been the conduct of a Minister who owes his life and 
 the post which he fills to that very Mission which he is endeavouring to vilify and 
 degrade, and who now has the assurance to send his Russo-Armenian Secretary 
 to Constantinople to assure Her Majesty's Ambassador of his constant friendship 
 for England, and to persuade his Lordship that the rupture with the Mission 
 was occasioned solely by a trifling misunderstanding about a Meerza and his 
 wife. 
 
 No. 113. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 24.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, June 15, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch 
 of the 15th May, informing me that Mr. Murray had been directed to proceed 
 to Bagdad, and there await further orders ; that I was nevertheless to remain at 
 Tehran, but to have no communication whatever with the Persian Government 
 on political matters, confining myself strictly to my Consular functions of 
 protecting the trading interests of British subjects. 
 
 I shall be careful to attend to this instruction, an unavoidable deviation 
 from which, however, arising probably from Lord Stratford's ignorance of the 
 instruction in question, occurred yesterday, as your Lordship will learn from 
 the inclosed copy of a despatch this day addressed by me to his Excellency, in 
 which I report what passed at an interview which I demanded of the Prime 
 Minister, for the purpose of delivering, as Lord Stratford directed me to do, a 
 letter to his Highness' address. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 • The Sadr Azim's Ferrash Bashee. 
 
162 
 
 loclosure in No. 113. 
 Consul Stevens to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, June 15, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt, on the 13th instant, of 
 your Excellency's despatch of the 25th ultimo,* inclosing a letter for the Persian 
 Prime Minister^ and directing me to dehver it to his Highness, with a translation 
 thereof in the Persian language. 
 
 I lost no time in preparing the latter document (copy of which is trans- 
 mitted herewith), nor in seeking an interview with his Highness for the purpose 
 directed in your Excellency's despatch, and an early hour yesterday having 
 been appointed, I waited upon him, and put both the letter and translation into 
 his hands, saying that the express messenger by whom the packet was brought 
 from Erzeroom would return with his Highness' answer whenever it might 
 reach me. 
 
 After reading the translation several times, the Ministar informed me that 
 he would write and send his answer to me in a few days ; adding, that Ferokh 
 Khan, the recently appointed Persian Envoy to Paris, who has not yet left 
 Tehran, has been fully empowered and instructed to enter upon the proposed 
 negotiations with your Lordship. 
 
 Her Majesty's Secretary of State having desired me to hold no direct 
 or indirect communication with the Persian Government on political matters, I 
 was anxious to take an early leave of the Sadr Azim, in order to avoid what I 
 felt sure would happen if I prolonged my visit, viz., a reference to the condi- 
 tions stated in your Excellency's despatch as being essential to the successful 
 issue of the negotiations at Constantinople. But before I could, consistently 
 with the customs of the country, decently quit his Highness, he entered on the 
 subject, and I could not then help listening to him without appearing to treat 
 him with rudeness. He said that, in regard to the first condition laid down by 
 ' your Excellency, the Persian Government could not well subscribe to it without 
 being previously made acquainted with the nature of the demands which Her 
 Majesty's Government contemplated bringing forward. That anything satis- 
 factory to the British Government, and, at the same time, not humiliating to the 
 Persian Government, would undoubtedly be frankly accepted. On the second 
 condition, the rehnquishment of all intention to occupy Herat, the Prime 
 Minister was more explicit. He declared that the Shah cannot and will not 
 submit to the wishes of the British Government, unless the latter formally 
 engages to guarantee His Persian Majesty from any territorial aggressions on 
 the part of Dost Mahomed Khan, besides compelling that Affghan Chief to 
 restore Candahar to the family of Kohendil Khan. His Highness went on 
 to observe, that if the Persian Government has acted in opposition to the 
 Anglo-Persian Convention about Herat, it was compelled to the step by the 
 prior infringement of that compact by Mr. Thomson, whose letters in support of 
 this accusation, the Prime Minister added, he would be ready to produce at the 
 proper time. I ventured on remarking, what I believe to be the case, that the 
 letters in question are impudent forgeries ; to which the Minister replied, that 
 not only were they genuine, but that he is in a position to prove other transac- 
 tions of an unfriendly character between Mr. Thomson and Syed Mahomed, the 
 late Ruler of Herat. 
 
 No. 114. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 29.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, June 16, 1856. 
 
 SOON after the date of my despatch to your Lordship of the 4th instant, 
 in which I reported the particulars of a gross outrage committed upon the Consular 
 premises in Tehran, I received a visit from two respectable merchants in the 
 confidence of the Sadr Azim, and of a third merchant, an intimate acquaintance 
 of Agha Syed Morteza, the former being sent by the Prime Minister to request 
 
 * Inclosure 2 in No. 95. 
 
163 
 
 me to withdraw my letter of the 31st May to the Minister for Foreign Affairs 
 (copy of which has been transmitted to your Lordship), and to accept his 
 Highness' assurance that Agba Syed Morteza had been ordered to grant me a 
 suitable reparation ; the latter saying he came to express the Syed's regret at 
 what had occurred, and to ascertain from me the nature of the satisfaction which 
 I required. 
 
 To the request of the Sadr Azim that I should withdraw ray letter, I 
 returned a flat refusal, it being, 1 said, an unusual proceeding in such 
 circumstances. 
 
 To Agha Syed Morteza's question, I answered that I expected, first, a visit 
 from him to apologize for his part in the outrage complained of ; secondly, the 
 restitution to Meerza Mootallib of the money and effects taken from him on the 
 occasion referred to ; and lastly, the punishment of the parties engaged in 
 ill-treating him, and forcibly removing him from the Consulate. 
 
 It was contended that the position of Agha Syed Morteza, as locum tenens 
 of the High Priest, rendered his visiting Europeans inconsistent with the 
 customs of the countrj'. Although I declined to admit the validity of this 
 argument, I waived the point, and substituted for the first demand above- 
 mentioned, that the Syed should write a note to the Prime Minister expressing 
 his regret at the occurrence, which note the Prime Minister would send to me, 
 accompanied by a written apology on the part of the Persian Government for 
 the insult offered to Her Majesty's Consulate. 
 
 The emissaries, knowing I had a courier leaving for Bagdad with my report 
 of the affair to Mr. Murray, requested me to postpone his departure for five or 
 six days, before which they promised that my second proposal should be taken 
 into consideration, and, they hoped, accepted. 
 
 I heard nothing further from any quarter until the expiration of the term 
 mentioned, and then instead of receiving the favourable answer which I had 
 been led to expect, I got a letter, couched in the most uncivil terms, from the 
 Minister for Foreign Affairs, a translation of which I transmit herewith for your 
 Lordship's information. 
 
 I also subjoin a copy of my rejoinder, in which, after observing on two or 
 three passages in the Minister's letter, I intimated to the Persian Government 
 that having submitted the case for your Lordship's decision, I should not 
 prolong the discussion, which I closed by formally protesting against the whole 
 proceeding. 
 
 A mutual friend called upon Agha Syed Morteza, and recommended him to 
 grant the redress I had proposed. The Syed said he was perfectly willing to 
 do so, but he had received contrary orders from the Sadr Azim, who told him 
 this matter might remain over, and be added to the " long unsettled account " 
 already pending between the two Governments. He likewise, on being 
 reproached for threatening me with a popular tumult, admitted that that 
 passage had been dictated to him by the Prime Minister ; an assertion which 
 receives confirniation from the repetition of the menace in the letter from the 
 Foreign Department. 
 
 The Prime Minister pretends that the house where the outrage was com- 
 mitted cannot be considered a Consulate, because the consent of the Persian 
 Government was not previously obtained to its purchase, and this pretension, 
 his Highness verbally informed me, is founded on the Russo-Persian Treaty 
 of Turcomanchai. The following is the Article of that Treaty applicable to 
 the case under consideration, and with the precise wording of the stipulation 
 before you, your Lordship will be able to judge how far the Sadr Azim is borne 
 out in his argument : — 
 
 ''Article V, Traite du Commerce, conclu h. Turcomanchai le 10 Fevrier, 
 1828. — Attcndu que d'apr^s les usages existants en Perse, il est difficile pour 
 les sujets etrangers de trouver h. louer des maisons, magasins ou emplacements 
 propres au d^pot de leur marchandises, il est permis aux sujets Russes en Perse, 
 non-seulement de louer, mais aussi d'acquerir en toute propriete des maisons 
 pour les habiter, et des magasins. ainsi que des emplacements pour y deposer 
 leurs marchandises. Les employes du Gouvernement Persan ne pourront entrer 
 de force dans les dites maisons, magasins, ou emplacements, h. moins de recourir 
 en cas de necessite a I'autorisation du Ministre, ou du Charge d'Affaires, ou du 
 Consul de Russie, lesquels delegueront un employe ou dragoman pour assister 
 h. la visite de la maison ou des marchandises.'' 
 
 Y 2 
 
164 
 
 If any Russian subject is permitted to buy a house to reside in, I presume 
 a similar right may be claimed by the British Government for its Consuls in 
 Persia; nor will the Persian Government be permitted, I trust, to deny to Her 
 Majesty's Consulates that degree of inviolability which, in the same Article, the 
 Treaty secures to the residence of a simple Russian trader. 
 
 The Sadr Azim has addressed a circular to the foreign Legations here, 
 communicating copies of my first letter, and of the answer I received to it. I 
 have seen the chiefs of the various Missions since they received the circular. 
 The Russian and Ottoman Charges d'Affaires entirely adopt my view of the 
 question, and one, if not both, counselled the Sadr Azim to grant the redress I 
 had demanded. M. Bourre admitted both the justice and the moderation of the 
 demand, but advised me not to " precipiter les choses." 
 
 June 20. — The " Tehran Government Gazette" which appeared this 
 morning contains an article announcing the murder of a British Consul in 
 Marash, in consequence of his having offended the Mussulman clergy of that 
 place, I need scarcely draw your Lordship's notice to the peculiar significancy 
 of such a publication, distributed for the occasion, just at a moment when the 
 Sadr Azim is threatening me with popular commotions, &c. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 1 14. 
 The Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to Consul Stevens. 
 
 (Translation.) 4 Shahan, 1272. (June 11, 1856.) 
 
 THE letter which you have addressed to me about Meerza Mootallib has 
 reached me, and has been laid before his Highness the Sadr Azim. Truly 
 speaking, the contents of this letter have caused the very greatest surprise, 
 because they are founded on the statement of the Meerza himself, he being 
 himself the complainant and accuser ; he who on several occasions has shown 
 that neither his words nor his actions are worthy of confidence. In consequence 
 of this want of good sense, and absence of mind, he was for some time treated 
 for a disordered mind, in order to prevent mistakes occurring in his proceedings 
 connected with the Consulate and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, or doing 
 that which might be contrary to usage, and thus create embarrassment to both 
 parties. Several times he behaved improperly, and I requested you not to 
 employ him with your messages or writings, and other things, in order that 
 harmony in the arrangement of the affairs with the Consulate might be main- 
 tained ; but you have all along persisted in demanding everything through 
 Meerza MootaUib. What confidence can be placed in the words of such a person ? 
 Your letter, which was written by him,* shows, from beginning to end, how he 
 has distorted the truth in this affair. The case is as stated in detail by his 
 Excellency, &c., the Syed Morteza, in his letter to the Ministers of the Persian 
 Government, without there being any doubt or any fact to repeat. You, 
 yourself, judge between that statement and Meerza Mootallib's, and you will 
 understand if there is anything in common (between it) and the details as given 
 by Meerza Mootallib through his stupidity, and from a feeling of revenge. 
 
 You also say that in the Sedr Azim's letter to MoUah Sauleeh, it was 
 stated, in your opinion, that the subjects of the British Government did not enjoy 
 personal security in this kingdom. This also is a subject of great astonish- 
 ment to the Persian Ministers. In the first place, when did such a letter reach 
 you ? It would be well to allow us to see it, so that we may also know its con- 
 tents. Secondly, what uncertainty can you feel about the safety of the subjects 
 of your Government ? What greater proof of this safety can be more valuable 
 than in past events ? For many years the English Ambassadors and Consuls 
 have, thank God, been preserved from all unlucky accidents ; not only in the 
 capital, but also in the provinces, they have continued to enjoy the most loyal 
 protection. So it is now, and so it will be in future. They have always held 
 fiiendly intercourse with the MoUahs, and have always been shown the respect due 
 to their rank ; above all, they have had intercourse with the family of the Imaum- 
 o'- Jooma, and other MoUahs of the capital, and all such MoUahs have shown their 
 
 * The letter was written in English, and the translation onlv copied by Meerza Mootallib. — 
 R. W. S. 
 
165 
 
 respect in a becoming manner for tlie Agents of the British Government. 
 Never has any British Agent treated, as you have done, with such open contempt, 
 the learned Ulemahs, and especially his Excellency Syed Morteza. Notwith- 
 standing these circumstances, the Persian Ministers, after careful examination, 
 cannot find any valid motive for your reasoning, unless you are searching for 
 excuses, and that you wish to invent words, and thus cause discussion, all which 
 the Persian Government undoubtedly considers unbecoming ; and the British 
 Government will not approve of your attributing to the Mollahs of our religion 
 proceedings which are unfounded. 
 
 You have likewise written that Meerza Mootallib was seized in the English 
 Consulate. This is a falsehood invented by him ; he is living in the house of 
 the woman merchant,* w'hich house has nothing to do with the English Consulate. 
 In the next place he was not forcibly removed, for it is possible he himself 
 intended to go to the house of his Excellency Syed Morteza. After all, Meerza 
 Mootallib, Ispahance, has two brothers, who are at present in the service of 
 Syed Morteza, and from time immemorial have been attached to his family ; 
 besides, if from his want of sense he spoke unbecoming words in the presence of 
 his Excellency Syed Morteza, and against the priests of the religion, he is, 
 according to our sacred laws, subject to punishment. Nevertheless, his. 
 Excellency contented himself with expelling him from his house. The present, 
 is not a time for the Persian Government and the English Consuls and subjects 
 to forego the same friendly intercourse, or to cease granting the usual protection 
 or showing the same consideration. If you are ill-informed, inquire of the 
 high-priests for information on our laws, and you will learn what punishment is 
 due to a Mussulman who publicly reviles the religion, especially in the presence of 
 a highly venerated priest. When a want of respect is shown to the sacred laws, 
 and to the Holy Judges, and that the Ulemahs jiass sentence, can their judgment 
 be set aside ? Albeit, be assured that all these things did not happen, and it. 
 was not worth your while to mention them. Thank God, nothing of the kind' 
 happened; the aftair occurred exactly as his Excellency Syed Morteza reported 
 it, and as we have communicated it. It is necessary you should caution him 
 (the Meerza) not to show contempt in future for the sacred laws, and that you 
 yourself should not depart from that friendship which you are aware the English 
 Government and its Agents have invariably entertained for the Ulemahs and 
 the holy religion ; and, moreover, that you do nought which is contrary to the 
 religion, so that, please God, nothing disagreeable may happen to you. 
 
 In all such affairs, and under extraordinary circumstances, the testimony, 
 the learning, and the counsels of the Ulemahs have been, and ever will be, 
 received as authoritative. Never, since foreign Agents commenced holding 
 friendly intercourse with the Persian Government, did it happen that an Agent 
 rejected (questioned) the learning and testimony of a person like Syed Morteza, 
 the defender of the law, on the words of a nameless individual, and one unworthy 
 of consideration, like Meerza Mootallib. The English Ministers have ever set 
 the example to foreign Agents of that respect and consideration due to the 
 Ulemahs of this kingdom, and especially to the family of the Iniaum-o'-Jooma. 
 The British Government and the former British Ministers (in Persia) will 
 certainly view with astonishment the novel manner in which you have conducted 
 yourself in this affair. I ask you as a friend to act hereafter according to good 
 sense, and to your experience, and not to be influenced by words which have no 
 foundation ; and, finally, to close your eyes to the proceeding. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 114. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 A PRESS of business has prevented the Undersigned, Her Britannic 
 Majesty's Consul in Tehran, from earlier acknowledging the receipt of the letter 
 from his Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs, replying to one which the 
 Undersigned addressed to his Excellency on the 3 1st May, complaining of a gross 
 outrage committed, on the 22nd, on the person of his Meerza, and on the 
 premises of the British Consulate. 
 
 • She sold it to the British Mission for a Consulate in November 1855. 
 
166 
 
 Having reported the occurrence to Her Britannic Majesty's Government, 
 the Undersigned does not consider himself at liberty to prolong the discussion 
 on this disagreeable affair. He cannot, however, help observing — 
 
 First. That Meerza Mootallib has been eighteen months in the service of 
 the Undersigned, during which he has been called upon every day, and at all 
 hours of the day and night, to discharge his duties, and the Undersigned has 
 never observed that the Meerza was subject to mental alienation, as stated in his 
 Excellency's letter. 
 
 Secondly. The Prime Minister, having evidently forgotten what he wrote 
 Akhoond MoUah Sauleeh, the Undersigned transmits herewith a copy of his 
 Highness' note, for the information of the Persian Government. 
 
 Thirdly. With regard to the house from which Meerza Mootallib was forcibly 
 removed, and which in his letter of the 31st May the Undersigned called the 
 British Consulate, he has to remark that it was purchased for a Consulate, and 
 occupied as such by the Undersigned eight months ago ; and further, that 
 Her Majesty's Government having paid for the premises eight months ago, it 
 will be in a position to judge whether they are really the British Consulate, or, 
 as his Excellency in his letter affirms, the property of the woman merchant. 
 
 Finally. The Undersigned would beg leave to obsei-\'c, that after the verbal 
 communication he received on the 5th instant from his Highness the Sadr Azim, 
 through Hagee Mahomed Rahem and Hagee Syed Nessvoollah, and also a 
 communication which reached him thi'ough Hagee Abdul Azim from Agha Syed 
 Morteza, he entertained some hope of seeing this discussion brought to a satis- 
 factory termination. He has, therefore, perused, with no less surprise than 
 regret, the contents of the letter of his Excellency the Minister for Foreign 
 Affairs. 
 
 The Undersigned, in closing a correspondence the decision upon which 
 now rests with Her Majesty's Government, finally protests against the outrage of 
 the 22nd May, as being a })roceeding contrary to usage, to existing Treaties, 
 and contrary to the respect due to Her Britannic Majesty's Government. 
 
 (Signe) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 115. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received July 29.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, June 20, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, a narrative, 
 translated from the Persian, of events in Herat, drawn up from the verbal 
 statement of a native of that place, who recently came to Tehran with letters to 
 the Herat Envoy, and whose inteUigence, when questioned, so struck me, that 
 I was induced to" ask him to allow my Meerza to take the statement in writing, 
 especially when I found that most of his information was confirmed by what has 
 reached me from other sources. 
 
 Your Lordship will see it asserted in the latter part of the narrative, that 
 Essan Khan has hoisted the English flag on the Char-baugii, a house formerly 
 occupied by the East India Company's Resident in Herat, where he has also 
 lodged a person represented to the natives as being an Envoy from the British 
 Government. A report to the same effect, only the acts were attributed to 
 Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf, had reached the Governor-General of India 
 from the British Commissioner in the Punjab, and his Lordship in Council has 
 instructed me, through the Bombay Government, to disclaim to the Persian 
 Government all knowledge of either the pretended Envoy, or the hoisting of the 
 flag. 
 
 Your Lordship's instructions, however, forbid my holdmg any communica- 
 tion with the Persian Government on such a subject; I shall, therefore, confine 
 myself to denying in whatever quarters I may hear the circumstances mentioned, 
 that the British authorities in India have "had participation in the acts above 
 
 mentioned. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
167 
 
 Inclosure in No. 1 1 5. 
 Narrative of Events in Herat. 
 
 A MONTH before the festival of Noorooz (21st March), Sam Khan, who 
 had been invited by Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf to come, with 1 ,000 horse- 
 men, in the capacity of Envoy, arrived and took up his quarters in the new 
 citadel, accompanied by a force of 2,000 men. The townspeople, on seeing so 
 large a number of troops with the Elkhanee, became alarmed, and soon expelled 
 him, when he retired to the garden called Baugh Shahzadeh Malik Kassim, 
 where he remained about twenty days. Thence he was also expelled. He 
 withdrew to a distance of eight fursukhs, and was joined by Pasha Khan, Serteep, 
 with whom he proceeded to Ghorian. Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza in the 
 meanwhile arrived, and they laid siege to Ghorian. The siege lasted twenty 
 days, during which several actions (probably skirmishes) were fought. Serdar 
 Ahmed Khan, Noorallah Khan, KooUar Agassee, Naib Moorad Aly, Naib Aly 
 Jan, and Attaoollah Khan Tambaree and Shahzadeh Muhsin, left Herat to 
 assist Ghorian. Attaoollah Khan, who was secretly understood with Shahzadeh 
 Mahomed Youssuf, deserted the party and went over to Sultan Moorad Meerza. 
 In a fight, Naibs Aly Jan and Moorad Aly shot the horse of Serdar Ahmed 
 Khan so that he might be easily captured by the Persians, and then returned to 
 Herat, leaving 200 Affghans prisoners with the Persians and 60 killed. The 
 people of Ghorian, after consuming 70 camel-loads of ammunition, and kiUing 
 200 of Sultan Moorad Meerza's men, could hold out no longer ; they surrendered, 
 and Sultan Moorad Meerza took possession of the place. 
 
 After taking Ghorian, the army advanced upon Herat, On the second day 
 after it arrived, the people quitted the town to oiler battle ; but were recalled by 
 Mahomed Youssuf. On the third day, however, they refused to obey him, 
 went out of town, and engaged the Persians, who lost 200 men in killed, and 70 
 prisoners, together with the colours of the Nishapoor regiment, and 30 wall- 
 pieces taken from Sam Khan's division. The prisoners were released, and, with 
 the colours, sent back to the army by Mahomed Youssuf. 
 
 The Jamshedee and other tribes, who had come to assist the Heratees, 
 were summoned by Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf, and ordered to return to 
 their homes. On hearing this, the Heratees and Aflghans became suspicious of 
 Mahomed Youssuf, who clearly sought to surrender the place to the Kajjars. 
 Many quitted Herat and went to Kohistan. Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf 
 was anxious for an arrangement ; he sent a person to Sultan Mcorad Meerza to 
 ascertain his conditions. The Prince demanded that the sons of the Chief Sirdar 
 be delivered to him to be sent to Tehran as hostages. Shahzadeh Mahomed 
 Youssuf accepted, and sent his own brother, with the sons of the Sirdars and 
 two pieces of artillery, which had once belonged to the Persians. After these 
 hostages reached Sultan Moorad Meerza, he intimated that if the Fleratees 
 would allow 1 ,000 Persian troops to occupy the place and citadel, and also strike 
 coin and read the Friday prayer in the name of the Shah, he would withdraw his 
 army. Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf replied, that several of the notables 
 would not submit, and he recommended the Prince to retire his army to 
 Ghorian until means were found for seizing the parties who were opposed to the 
 Persians ; after that the Persians might return and do as the Prince desired. 
 Sultan Moorad Meerza agreed, and accordingly withdrew the army to Bernabad. 
 Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf ordered Hagee Gholaum Khan to go into the 
 citadel and murder Essan Khan, and Hagee Gholaum Khan directed his people 
 to pick a quarrel with Essan Khan's followers, so that when they were occupied 
 he might attack their master as ordered. Hagee Gholaum Khan discharged a 
 pistol at Essan Khan, but only wounded him slightly ; upon which Essan Khan 
 ordered him to be arrested, and then, seizing also Shahzadeh Mahomed 
 Youssuf, Pir Mahomed Khan, and others, in all forty-two persons, known to 
 be friendly to the Persians, expelled them from the town, and sent them to the 
 camp of Sultan Moorad Meerza. 
 
 The Jewish, Hindoo, and Persian communities were each called upon by 
 Essan Khan to furnish 3,000 tomauns. On receiving these 9,000 tomauns, 
 he hoisted the English flag on the Char-baugh, Danlettee Kazee MoUah 
 Mehrned Hassan, formerly in the service of the EngUsh Resident, assisting »t 
 
168 
 
 the ceremony. At about this time a person reached Furrah, on his way from 
 India. Essan Khan sent a flag and 800 horsemen to escort him, and thus 
 make the people believe this man was an Envoy from the British Government. 
 He entered tlie town with all possible honours and attentions, and was lodged at 
 the Char-baugh under the English flag. 
 
 The Ulemahs, Mufli, and others, assembled at Essan Khan's, and declared 
 they would never submit to the Kajjars ; that the country belonged to the 
 English. Essan Khan took an oath as they requested, and they retired 
 satisfied. 
 
 Sultan Moorad Meerza, on learning what was passing, quitted Bernabad, 
 and again advanced to near Herat. The Heratees met the army at a village 
 called Oojaloo, where they fought a battle ; 300 Persians were killed, and 400 
 camels captured and brought into Herat ; the Heratees losing 3 men killed 
 and 9 W'ounded. The day after, all the ammunition of the Persian army 
 exploded and killed 360 men. The Heratees made a sortie, and again killed 
 200 men ; 1 5 were taken prisoners and immediately sold to the Toorkomans. 
 The army remained five days, skirmishing every day, till at length the Persians 
 retired to Seng-a-Best, whence horsemen were dispatched to Meshed for 
 ammunition. 
 
 Three thousand Toorkomans from Serekhs, Merve, and Meimuneh, came 
 and agreed that 1 ,000 of them should take the Meshed road, and plunder what- 
 ever came in their way, 1,000 the road to Ghyne, and 1,000 to hover about the 
 Persian camp. The roads are quite impracticable for travellers, and the soldiers 
 dare not quit their tents ; 300 of Sam Khan's horsemen, escorting 400 camel- 
 loads of provisions from Meshed, were seized by the Toorkomans ; 30 of the 
 horsemen subsequently escaped. 
 
 Aly Koolee Khan, the brother of Abdoollah Jan, Jamsheedee, with 1,000 
 men, had entered Herat to reinforce Essan Khan. Abdoollah Jan himself had 
 collected 3,000 men, and had summoned 3,000 Yoozbegs, and he wrote to Essan 
 Khan that he would soon reach Herat at the head of 6,000 men. 
 
 At this moment there are 7,000 fighting men in Herat, asembled under 
 the English flag. I quitted Herat twenty-seven days from this date (June 16, 
 1856). 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Rich. W. Stevens. 
 
 No. 116. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received July 29.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, June 22, 1856. 
 
 IT has this day been reported to me that the Government has received 
 intelligence, confirming the facts mentioned in the inclosure to my despatch to 
 your Lordship of the 20th instant, viz. : the hoisting of the English flag 
 in Herat ; the appearance of a person there calling himself a British Envoy ; 
 and, finally, the retreat of the Persian army to a distance of twenty or twenty- 
 five miles on the road to Meshed. 
 
 I have also been assured that orders were sent oflT to Prince Sultan 
 Moorad Meerza, enjoining him to carry Herat, even with the certainty of losing 
 half his army, and the Shah has also addressed an autograph note to the Prince 
 Commander-in-chief, in which the latter is threatened with being treated like a 
 common criminal if he does not capture the place. 
 
 The King and Prime Minister believe that the possession of Herat by 
 the Persian army will be a cause of alarm to Her Majesty's Government, 
 and that by carrying this particular point they will escajie on easier terms 
 for their unbecoming conduct towards Mr. Murray. 
 
 In considering the Herat question, it may perhaps be requisite to bear in 
 mind that the Persian expedition, according to the Government declaration, was 
 undertaken at the urgent request of Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf, and of 
 the Heratees, in view of an expected attack from the Ameer Dost Mahomed 
 Khan. The actual state of things shows that the Persians were actuated by far 
 different reasons. The Shahzadeh himself is a prisoner in their camp ; the 
 
169 
 
 Heratees are gallantly, and so far successfully, opposing the Persians ; and the 
 Ameer, who was represented as being in full march upon Herat in December 
 last, is quietly occupied in consolidating his position at Candahar. The question 
 therefore occurs, Why do the Persians persist in their schemes of conquest? 
 There can be but one answer — their determination to show the people of 
 Central Asia that they dare brave the British Government, and the hope already 
 alluded to, of alarming the British Government into an easy settlement of the 
 other differences existing with the Persian Court. 
 
 Kambar Aly Khan, who, in 1838, was sent by the Persian Government into 
 Affghanistan to work against the British Government, has just been recalled 
 from exile, and appointed to a mission to Dost Mahomed Khan. 
 
 The departure of Ferokh Khan for Paris has been postponed to some time 
 next month, so that it will be the middle of September before he can icach 
 Constantinople. 
 
 No. 117. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received July 29.) 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, July 16, 18.56. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to forward herewith in copy, for the information of 
 Her Majesty's Government, the answers whicii I have received from Tehran to 
 my letters of May 25, copies of which were transmitted to your Lordship with 
 my despatch of the 2Gth of that month. 
 
 The French translation of the Sadr Azim's letter to me, inclosed herewith 
 in copy, came from Tehran, with the original in Persian. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 117. 
 
 Consul Stevens to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, June 15, 1856. 
 
 [See Inclosure in No. 113.] 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 1 17. 
 
 The Sadr Azim to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 (Traduction.) 
 M. I'Ambassadeur, Le 18 Chaval 1272. (Le 22 Juin, 1856.) 
 
 MR. STEVENS, Consul Britannique k Teheran, m'a remis la lettre que vous 
 m'avez fait I'honneur de m'ecrire en date du 20 Ramazan (25 Mai, 1856), pour 
 me faire part des bonnes intentions et de I'esprit de justice et d'equite dont 
 votre Excellence est animee relativement a la reprise des bonnes relations 
 entre le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste la Reine — intentions du reste entiferement 
 partag^es par le Gouvernement Persan. 
 
 Votre Excellence pense qu'il ne depend que de moi d'aplanir les difficuUes 
 existantes. Depuis que Sa Majeste le Schah, mon auguste maitre, m'a confix 
 la direction des affaires de son Royaume je n'ai cessed'dtre aninie des meilieures 
 intentions pour le maintien des bonnes relations avec le Gouvernement de Sa 
 Majeste la Reine. Les preuves de ce que j'avance sont trop nombreuses pour 
 que je puisse en entretenir votre Excellence sans m'exposer a troubler ses 
 precieux loisirs. Je ne puis done mieux faire que de m'en rapporter k cet 
 egard enti^rement au jugement de votre Excellence, et h I'esprit de justice et 
 d'equite des Envoyes Britan- iques qui ont dte, precedemment, successivement 
 accredites prfes la Cour de Teheran. Du reste, je puis assurer votre Excellence 
 que le Gouvernement Persan fera tout ce qui dependra de lui pour ne point 
 sacritier son ancienne et bonne amitie avec le Gouvernement Britannique, a des 
 actes ou des paroles de personnes mal-intentionnees. 
 
 La premiere question a trait aux moyens k employer pour faire disparaitre 
 d'une manifire satisfaisante pour les deux Cours les difficultes qui se sont elevees 
 
 Z 
 
1-70 
 
 entre la Perse et la Grande Bretagne. La lettre que j'ai eu I'honneur de vous 
 faire parvenir par rintermediaire de notrc Charge d' Affaires a Constantinople, tout 
 en prouvant conibien le Gouvernement de Sa iVlajeste le Schali attache de prix 
 '^ I'amitie de I'Angleterre, aura sans doute ete consideiee par votre Excellence 
 comme reniplissant toutes les conditions nee; ssaires au retour h Teheran de la 
 Legation Britannique, qui a si nialcncontreuseraent ct sans motif plausible 
 ronipu ses relations avee le Gouvernement Persun. 
 
 La deuxieme question est relative li Herat. Le Gouvernenient Persan, en 
 envoyant des troupes vers ectte ville, n'a eu quun but, cclui de rnaintenir 
 I'ordre et la tranquiliite, tant a I'interieure quh I'exterieure, de la province du Kho- 
 racan. Aucune- autre pensee ne I'a guidti dans ses operations. Cette question 
 n'ayant aucun rapport avec la rupture des relations et le depart de Teheran 
 de la Legation d'Angleterre, votre Excellence conviendra, qu'aprfes toutes les 
 mai'ques de conciliation et de bon vouloir que le Gouvernement Persan lui a 
 recemment temoignees, il n'y a pas lieu de subordonner le retour ;\ Teheran de la 
 Legation Britannicpie a an arrangement definitif de I'afTaire de Herat et de 
 I'Atfglianistan ; car c'est lil une question tr^s compliquee, tout-h-fait en dehors de 
 la question qui vous occupe, et dont la solution, griice a I'amitie et a la bonne 
 entente (|ui regnent entre les deux pays, repose entierement sur les soins et les 
 efforts du Gouvernement de Sa Majeste le Schah, joints h ceux de la Legation 
 Britanni'jue, dont la- presence a- Teheran n'a jamais ete aussi necessaire qu'au- 
 jourd'hui. Neanmoins couime la question d'Hdrat parait preocouper serieuse- 
 nient votre Excellence, je crois devoir la mettre au courant de tons les incidents 
 rdcemment survenus, des changenients operes, des dangers nouveaux auxquels 
 les anciennes institutions de I'Affghanistan ont ete exposees, et la prier de vouloir 
 bien joindre ses efforts aux miens dans le but de mettre un terme a un pareil 
 etat de choses. 
 
 La politiijue de la Perse relativement il Herat et h I'Affghanistan n'a pas 
 change. PJlle a toujours tendu h rnaintenir independantes I'une de I'autre les 
 deux provinces de Kandahar et d'Herat, b les cmpecher de se nuire mutuelle- 
 ment, et enfin h ne pas permettre ^ Kaboul de sortir des limites que ses devoirs 
 envers la Perse lui prescrivaient. Ces mesures n'ont jamais ete cachees aux 
 Agents Mritanniques. Elles ne sauraient done avoir i-ien de nouveau pour eux ; 
 apr^s tous les pourparlers et les nombreuses deliberations dans lesquelles le 
 Gouvernement de Sa Majeste le Schah est maintes fois et ostensiblement entre k 
 ce sujet avec les Agents Britanniques, elles ne sauraient exciter I'etonnement de 
 personne, et du reste rien ne pent faire presumer que des objections puissent 
 ^tre soulevees contre le maintien et la duree de cette politique. 
 
 Les actes insolitfs de Dost Mahomed Khan, actes dont la direction etait 
 au-dessus des forces personnelles et des moyens administratifs de ce chef, ont 
 ^te I'objet de longues et serieuses reflexions de la part du Gouvernement de 
 Sa Majeste le Schah. Dost Mahomed Khan ne s'est pas contente de s'emparer 
 de Kandahar, et de depasser ainsi les limites qui lui etaient tracees, d'avoir 
 disperse pir la discorde les fils de Kohendil Khan, malgre les rapports iiitimes 
 qui les liaient au Gouvernement Persan. II a ose semer en outre des bruits 
 divers qui ont jete dans I'e'pouvante les habitants d'Herat er du Khora9an, 
 exposant ainsi ces deux provinces a un danger imminent. Bien plus, dans le 
 but de faire entrer les populations dans son parti, il ne cesse de repandre parmi 
 elles des ecrits dans un style tout-a-fait Royal, se posant ainsi en vrai Souverain. 
 Ces ec! its, qui prouvent d'une maniere si evidente les mefaits de ce cliet^ ont 
 ^t6 saisis et se trouvent aujourd'hui au pouvoirdu Gouvernement Persan. 
 
 Si avant que les habitants dHerat n'eussent demande h la Perse de venir h 
 leur secours contre Dost Mahomed Khan, celuici eut marche sur Herat, il 
 n'aurait pas rencontre plus de difficultes a s'emparer de cette ville qu'il n'en a 
 ^prouv^ pour prendre Kandahar ; et dans ce cas, je le demande k votre 
 Excellence, quelle aurait ete la situation de la Perse ? 
 
 C'est uniquement dans le but de mettre Dost Mahomed Khan dans la 
 n^cessite de renoncer a ses velleites de cnnquete, et jiour le forcer h retournersur 
 ses pas, que le Gouvernement Persan, fiddle k sa politique, a expedie une arniee 
 sur le territoire Afghan. Loin de se retirer devant les troupes Persanes, Dost 
 Mahomed Khan s'est montreplus entreprenant encore que par le passe. II a fait 
 des d-marches pour s'emparer du Seistan etdu Kainat, qui font partie integrante 
 des deux provinces du Khora9an et du Kerman. 11 y a repandu des ecrits divers, 
 il a envoye des cadeaux aux personnes qui lui paraissaient jouir de queli^ue 
 
influence, et a ainsi jetd le trouble et le d^sordre dans les autres ])arties du 
 Klioia9?n etdu Herman en se decUnant protege de I'Angleterre. Dost r>'Ialioined 
 Khan, fort de cette position, dont il espere un fi;rand resultat pourlui, attend 
 le retour sur le tenitoire Persan dcs troupes de Sa Majesle le Scliah, car leur 
 presence sur le territoire Afghan le p^ene beaucoup ; et debarrasse de cette 
 difficulte, il s'empresseiait de niettre ses projets a execution, sans s'occupcr du 
 d^sordre qni legne h Ktiboiil, ou de la perfe presque totale de son pouvoir k 
 Kandnhar. II est evident que si la Perse n'avait pas pris toutes les mesures qui 
 lui ont ete dictees par ses interets tcrriloriaux, il y a longtemps que ce chef 
 Afghan aurait atteint le but qu'il se propose. 
 
 Je croix devoir appeler ici I'attcntion dc votrc Excellence sur la situation 
 pdlitique de I'Af'ghanistan. Lc Gouvcrnement de la Grande Bietagnc possede 
 renseignemcnts exacts sm* la situation de cette contree, sur les mceurs et les 
 usages de ses populations. II me parait difficile qu'il soit de I'interet de 
 I'Angleterre et de la Perse qu'une si vaste contree se trouve placee tout cnti^re 
 sous la domination d'un seul chef II seniblerait, au contrairc. que I'iuteret des 
 deux pays reclame hautement le retablissement de Fancien ordrc de choses ; 
 c'est-^-dirc, la nuiltiplicite de chefs inde))eudants les uns des autres. 
 
 Supposons un instant que I'Angleteire ait la certitude de n'avoir jamais a 
 craindre aucun acte d'hostilite de la ])art des Afghans. La Perse peut-clle se 
 flatter d'avoir la meme assurance, et ses intereis lui pcrniettent-ils de rester simple 
 spectatrice devant les faits et gcsles d'une population dont cbaque acte siguale 
 un mefait ? La Perse ne pent done etre rassuiec ni au sujet de I'Afghanistan, ni 
 k I'egard de la tranquillite de Tinterieur de ses provinces, que si Tancien ordre de 
 choses est retabU d'une maniere definitive. 11 serait dangereux pour elle si, 
 aprcs tons les dangers que je viens de signaler a votre Excellence, et avant 
 de proceder a un arrangement detinitif et durable des affaires des provinces 
 Afghans, elle rappelait ses troupes sur le territoire Persan, Cependant, si Dost 
 Mahomed Khan so retire de Kandahar, en abandonnant entierement cette ville 
 au pouvoir exclusif des fils de Kohendil Khan, et en s'engageant a ne point 
 s'ingerer dans les affaires inteiieures de Kandahar, les troupes dc Sa Majesty le 
 Schaii seraient inimediatement rappelees. 
 
 Ferokh Khan, envoye comiie Ambassadeur de Sa Maicste le Scliah prfes 
 la Cour de France, est charge de voir votie Excellence a son passage h Constan- 
 tinople, et de se concerter avcc elle en se conformant aux instructions dont 
 il est muni h ce sujet, dans le but d'arreter, d'une maniere definitive et 
 permanente, un arrangement proprc h cmpecher le retour d'aussi facheuses 
 complications. 
 
 Les bonnes dispositions de votre Excellence, et I'csprit de justice et d'equit^ 
 dont elle est animee, me font esperer que cette grave question sera facilement 
 r^solue, et cela d'une maniere conforme a I'amiti^ et a la bonne entente qui 
 rfegnent entre la Peisc et la Grande Bretagne. 
 
 Bien qu'il ait e'te recommande a Ferokh Khan de ne sejourner que pendant 
 cinq jours a Constantinople, cependant dans I'cspoir qu'il pourra obtenir une 
 solution au sujet de la question qui nous occupe, il a ^te autorise a s'y arr^ter 
 dix jours de plus. 
 
 Salut. 
 
 (Seal of the Sadr Azim.) 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 M. I'Ambassadeur, 18 Chaval, 1272. {June 22, 1856.) 
 
 MR. STEVENS, the British Consul at Tehran, has given me the letter 
 which you did me the honour to address me on the 20th llamazan (May 25, 
 I85(i), informing me of the good intentions and of the spirit of justice and 
 equity by which your Excellency is actuated in regard to the establishment of 
 friendly relations with the Government of Her Majesty the Queen — intentions 
 which are entirely shared by the Persian Goveinment. Your Excellency 
 supposes that it rests with me alone to remove existing difficulties. Ever since 
 Kis Majesty the Shah, my august master, confided to me the direction of the 
 affairs of his kingdom, I have invariably been actuated by the best intentions . 
 for the maintenance of Iriendly relations with the Government of Jler Majesty 
 the Queen. The proofs of what 1 state are too numerous for me to lay them 
 beiore your Excellency without risk of disturbing your valuable leisure. J. 
 
172 
 
 cannot do better than to rely in this matter entirely on your Excellency's 
 judgment, and upon the spirit of justice and equity of the British Envoys who 
 were before this time successively accredited to the Court of Tehran. For the 
 rest, I can assure your Excellency that the Persian Government will do all that 
 depends upon them to avoid sacrificing their old and firm friendship with the 
 British Government to the acts or speeches of ill-intentioned persons. 
 
 The first question is, what means shall be employed to remove the 
 difficulties that have arisen between Persia and Great Britain, in a manner 
 satisfactory to both Courts ? 
 
 The letter which I have had the honour to send to you, through our 
 Charge d'Affaires at Constantinojjle, while it proves what great value the 
 Government of His Majesty the Shah attaches to the friendship of England, 
 will, no doubt, have been considered by your Excellency as fulfilling all the 
 conditions necessary for the return to Tehran of the British Legation, which has 
 in so unlucky a manner, and without plausible motive, broken off its relations 
 with the Persian Government. 
 
 The second question is relative to Herat. The Persian Government, in 
 sending troops towards this town, had but one object in view, namely, to main- 
 tain order and tranquillity both within and without the province of Khorassan. 
 They were influenced in their operations by no other idea. As this question has 
 no connection with the breaking off of relations and the departure of the 
 British Legation from Tehran, your Excellency will admit that, after all 
 the marks of conciliation and good will which the Persian Government has 
 recently shown to the British Legation, there is no cause to make its return 
 to Tehran depend upon the definitive arrangement of the affair of Herat and 
 Affghanistan, for that is an extremely complicated question, in no way con- 
 nected with that which now occupies you, and the solution of which, 
 thanks to the fi-iendship and good understanding which exists between the two 
 countries, depends entirely upon the care and efforts of the Government of 
 His Majesty the Shah, and those of the British Legation, whose presence at 
 Tehran was never so necessary as at this moment. Nevertheless, since the 
 question of Herat seems seriously to occupy your Excellency, I consider it my 
 duty to inform you of all the incidents which have recently taken place, the 
 changes effected, the new dangers to which the ancient institutions of 
 Affghanistan have been exposed, and to request you to join with me in 
 endeavouring to put a stop to such a state of affairs. 
 
 The policy of Persia with respect to Herat has undergone no change. 
 She has always endeavoured to keep the two Provinces of Candahar and Herat 
 independent of one another, to prevent their doing harm to each other, and to 
 prevent Cabul from overstepping the limits prescribed to her l)y her duty to 
 Persia. These measures have never been concealed from tlie British Agents. 
 They can find nothing new in them. After all the conferences and the constant 
 deliberations in which the Government of His Majesty the Shah frequently and 
 openly entered upon this subject with British Agents, these measures can 
 astonish no one, and, besides, there is no ground for presuming that objections 
 can be raised against the maintenance and duration of this policy. 
 
 The extraordinary proceedings of Dost Mahomed Khan, proceedings for 
 the direction of which neither his personal capacity nor his administrative 
 means were adequate, have been the subject of long and serious reflections on 
 the part of the Government of His Majesty the Shah. Dost Mahomed Khan 
 was not satisfied with having taken possession of Candahar, thus trangressing 
 the boundaries which had been prescribed to him, with having separated the 
 sons of Kohendil Khan by quarrels, in spite of the intimate relations which 
 bound them to the Persian Government. He has dared, moreover, to spread 
 divers rumours, which have caused a panic amongst tlie inhabitants of Herat 
 and Khorassan, and has thus exposed these two provinces to imminent danger. 
 More than this, with the object of enlisting the populations on his side, he 
 constantly distributes among them writings drawn up in regal style, thus setting 
 himself \ip as a real Sovereign. These writings, which so clearly prove the 
 misdeeds of this Chief, have been seized, and are now in the power of the Persian 
 Government. 
 
 If Dost Mahomed Khan had marched upon Herat before its inhabitants 
 had asked Persia to come to their assistance against him, he would have found 
 no more difficulty in seizing upon that town than he had in taking possession of 
 
173 
 
 Candahar ; and in this case I ask your Excellency what would have been the 
 situation of l-'ersia ? 
 
 It is only with the object of obliging Dost Mahomed Khan to renounce 
 his fancies for conquest, and to force him to retrace his steps, that the Persian 
 Government, faithful to their policy, have sent an army into the Affghan terri- 
 tory. Far from retreating before the Persian troops, Dost Mahomed Khan 
 has shown himself still moie enterprising I ban before. He has taken steps for 
 seizing upon Seistan and Kainat, which form an integral part of the two Provinces 
 of Khorassan and Kerman. He has published various writings, he has sent 
 presents to those persons who appeared to him to possess some influence, and 
 has thus thrown the other parts of Khorassan and Kerman into coni'usion and 
 disorder, by declaring himself under the protection of England. Dost 
 Mahomed Khan, feeling himself strong in this position, from which he expects 
 great results, awaits the return of the troops of His Majesty the Shah to Persian 
 territory (for their presence upon the territory of Affghanistan embai-rasses bira 
 much), and once lid of this obstacle, he would set to work to execute his projects 
 without considering the disorders which exist at Cabul. or the almost total loss 
 of his power at Candahar, It is evident that if Persia had not taken all the 
 steps which her territorial interests required, this Affghan Chief would long ago 
 have attained the object he has in view. 
 
 I consider it my duty here to call the attention of your Excellency to the 
 political position of Affghanistan. The British Government possesses accurate 
 information respecting the situation of this country, and the habits and customs 
 of its inhabitants. I cannot conceive it to be for the interest of England and 
 Persia that so vast a territory should be all under the rule of a single Chief. It 
 would seem, on the contrary, that the interests of the two countries loudly call 
 for the restoration of the ancient order of things ; that is to say, a mukiplicity 
 of Chiefs independent of each other. 
 
 Let us suppose for an instant that England were sure of never having to 
 fear any act of hostility on the part of the Aflfghans. Can Persia flatter herself 
 that she possesses the same security, and can her interests allow her to remain 
 a mere spectator of the exploits and deeds of a population whose every act 
 threatens an outrage ? 
 
 Persia can, then, feel no confidence, either respecting Affghanistan, or with 
 regard to the internal tranquillity of her jjrovinces, unless tlie ancient order of 
 things is definitively restored. It would he perilous for her if, after all the 
 dangers I have pointed out to your Excellency, she recalled her troops into the 
 Persian territory before coming to a final and permanent settlement of the afl'air 
 of the Afl'giian provinces. Nevertheless, if Dost Mahomed Khan withdraws 
 from Candahar, gives over that town to the exclusive power of the sons of 
 Kohendil Khan, and engages not to interfere in the internal affairs of 
 Candahar, the troops of His Majesty the Shah will be immediately recalled. 
 
 Ferokh Khan, who is sent as Ambassador from His Majesty the Shah to the 
 Court of France, is instructed to see your Excellency while passing through 
 Constanrinople, and, as far as his instructions upon the subject permit, to act 
 in concert with your Excellency, for the purpose of concluding a final and 
 permanent arrangement, which shall prevent the recurrence of such vexatious 
 disputes. 
 
 The good feeling of your Excellency, and the spirit of justice and equity 
 with which you are animated, give me hopes that this grave question \vill be 
 easily settled, and that, too, in a manner which will accord with that friendship 
 and good understanding which exist between Persia and Great Britain. 
 
 Although Ferokh Khan had been recommended to remain only five days at 
 Constantinople, nevertheless, in the hope of obtaining a solution of the quesrion 
 which now engages our attention, he has been authorized to remain there ten 
 days longer. 
 
 Greetins:. 
 
 (Seal of the Sadr Azim.) 
 
 •o- 
 
No. 118. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Consul Stevens. 
 
 ^Extract.) Foreign Office, July 30, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your despatch of the -Itli ultimo, reporting the insult 
 offered to Meerza Mootallib. the Persian writer of the British Consulate, and the 
 violation, at the instigation of Syed Morteza, of the right of asylum accorded to 
 the residence of the British Mission al, Tehran. 
 
 You will give the Persian Government to understand that the redress 
 which Her Majesty's Government will require is that which you have indicated, 
 and you will say that you do so by desire of Her Majesty's Government, who 
 see with surprise the determination of the Persian Government to heap up 
 causes of offence against England, and for which the day of reparation will 
 come. 
 
 No. 119. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received August 21.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, July 10, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that the Persian Government 
 lately received intelligence of an important capture, if true, in the wives, 
 children, and property of some value, of Essan Khan, of Herat. It would seem, 
 from the statement given out by the Prinjc Minister, that Essan Khan had sent 
 them away with an escort of 300 men, intending to remove tiiem to some place 
 of safety ; that on their departure becoming known to the Persians, 2,000 
 horsemen were dispatched in pursuit, and the whole party was seized and con- 
 veyed to the Persian camp. 
 
 Supposing this information to be correct, it is still a question whether Essan 
 Khan will decide on giving up the place ; and, should he do so, whether his 
 decision will be submitted to by the people themselves. 
 
 Abbas Khan Naib, a person of some note in Herat, has deserted to the 
 Persians. 
 
 The Government assumes, from the preceding facts, that Herat has 
 ere this surrendered, and so confident does it feel on this jjoint, that a further 
 supply of ammunition and 20,000 tomauns have been sent off to Prince Sultan 
 Moorad Meerza, with, it is said, orders to leave a garrison there, and then 
 march with the bulk of his army in the direction of Candahar. 
 
 A nephew of the late Kohendil Khan arrived in Tehran the day before 
 yesterday^ 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 V.S.—July 11. I learn this morning that the Persian Government has 
 received a messenger from Herat, and that Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza writes 
 that Essan Khan had offered to admit one Peisian battalion into the citadel ; 
 but the Prince refused, fearing that so small a number of men would not be safe 
 there— he proposed to send three battalions Essan Khan's decision on thiS 
 point had not reached the camp when the messenger left for Tehran. 
 *^ R. W. S. 
 
 No. 120. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — [Received August 21.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, July 10, 185G. 
 
 I REGRET being compelled to report to your Lordship some further 
 proceedings on the part of the Persian Prime Minister, which I cannot but 
 designate as unfriendly to tiie British Government. Out of Pereia they may 
 
175 
 
 seem trifling incidents, but anybody acqua'nted with tbis country will apree that 
 here they aa-e looked upon in a different light, as tending to injure us in public 
 estimation. 
 
 A few days ago the Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me, in an official 
 letter, tliat tbe water hitherto supplied to the Mission })retnises during the nights 
 of Sundays and Tuesdays, would be discontinued and otherwise disposed of, the 
 Mission having no right thereto ; and that although the Persian Government, 
 moreover, questioned our claiiu to the use of the said stream in the daytime of 
 Tuesdays, it would postpone a decision on this point to a future day. According 
 to tlie Persian Goveruinent, therefore, the Mission is entitled to the water only 
 between sunrise and sunset on Sundays, that is, for a few hours each week, which 
 is quite inadequate to what is required for the house and garden, and for the 
 quarters occupied by the Attaches. 
 
 If I am rightly informed by persous supposed to be acquainted with the 
 matter, the pretension put forward by the Persian Government is perfectly 
 groundless. The water (known as the Kennaut Mahreeghird) on Sundays and 
 Sunday nights was secui-ed to the premises by Fatteh Aly Shah, when they were 
 first occupied by a British Mission. During the Envoyship of Sir John 
 Campbell, a person named Meerza Mehmed Ali Khan, the owner of a stream 
 whicla also passed near the house, presented a poition of it (a night and a day 
 pel* week) to the Mission, both for its own use, and for the use of the people 
 residing near it, and the gilt was confirmed by a firman from the late King, 
 Mahomcri Shah. Some years afterwards, on the kennaut or course being' 
 deranged or destroyed, an application was made by Sir Justin Sheil to the then 
 Prime Minister, Hagee Meerza Aghasse, who replaced the loss, by granting 
 to the Mission the additional right of receiving water from the Kennaut 
 Mahreeghird on Tuesdays and Tuesdays nights, an arrangement which continued 
 in force until last week, when, as the Foreign Minister had previously announced 
 to me, the water on the nights of Sunday and Tuesday was cut off, although I 
 Had, in the meanwhile, sent a request to the Sadr Azimthathe would allow the 
 matter to remain on the usual footing until iVJr. Murray returned to Tehran. 
 
 The Mission garden is about the best, if not the best, within the wails of 
 the town, and is no doubt an object of jealousy to the Persians. Its value, as 
 well as its utility, will certainly he considerably curtailed by submitting to the 
 proposed interference with the supply of water. 
 
 If necessary, Sir Justin Sheil would be able to afford your Lordship 
 accurate information on a subject with which he is thoroughly acquainted. 
 
 Not content with depriving us of water in the town, the Sadr Azim has 
 done the same in the country, by compelling the owner of a stream passing 
 through the village of Goolahek to sell it to him for 600 tomauns, about 2,000 
 tomaunS below its value, and he is now preparing kennauts for turning it into 
 Davodieh, his private villa in this neighbourhood. 
 
 The third act of the Prime Minister, which I consider it my duty to report 
 to your Lordship, is the treatment of Colonel Materazzo, the chief instructor of 
 the Persian army, who came here four years ago with a passport from Lord 
 Stratford de Redcliffe, on whose recommendation Sir Justin Sheil got him 
 employment in Persia. 
 
 This gentleman has been several times desired to discontinue visiting me, 
 but he invariably pleaded his inability to do so, on the ground of being under 
 British protection, a position which obliged him, more or less, to frequent the 
 Consulate. A few days since he was summarily ordered to go and reside at 
 Ispahan, a sort of banishment he would not submit to. Yesterday he was sent 
 for by the Sadr Azim, and informed by his Highness that if he wished to remain 
 in tlie Persian semce he must give a written document, binding himsell to 
 renounce British protection, as well as all intercourse with the British Agents. 
 The Colonel indignantly refused to subscribe to such terms, and he is in 
 consequence preparing to leave the country, where it is notorious that he does 
 so merely because he has refused to forego his visits to the British Consulate. 
 
176 
 
 No. 121. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received August 28.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, July 22, 1856. 
 
 ACCORDING to intelligence received a few days ago by the Persian 
 Government, Herat still held out against the besieging forces, and I have now 
 reason to believe that there was no foundation in the report spread by the 
 Prinae Minister about the capture of Essan Khan's family. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 122. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Consul Stevens. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, September 16, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your despatch of the 10th of July, reporting that 
 you had received from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, an official 
 letter acquainting you that the water hitherto supplied on the nights of Sundays 
 and Tuesdays to the premises of Her Majesty's Mission at Tehran would be 
 discontinued, and, moreover, that the Persian Government questions the right of 
 Her Majesty's Mission to the use of the same stream in the day-time on 
 Tuesdays ; and I have, in reply, to instruct you to inform the Persian Govern- 
 ment that you are directed to remonstrate against this new and premeditated 
 insult towards the British Mission, and consequently towards Her Majesty's 
 Government. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government regard this measure as part of a system which 
 has been established by the Sedr Azim ; and upon him, more than upon any one 
 else, the responsibility of these acts will rest. 
 
 I am, &cT 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 123. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received September 19.) 
 
 My Lord, Ca^np near Tehran, August 12, 1856. 
 
 I HAD the honour to receive, on the 8th instant, your Lordship's despatch 
 of the nth ultimo, inclosing a sealed letter for the Sadr Azim, as well as 
 a copy thereof, of which your Lordship instructed me to prepare a translation 
 for deliver}', together with the original, to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 I beg leave to report to your Lordship that the King and Court being at 
 Dernawend, a distance of about fifty miles, 1 obtained post horses on the evening 
 of the 9th, and reached the camp early on the 10th. Having immediately 
 obtained an interview with the Prime Minister, I delivered the letter and trans- 
 lation to him, and then returned to Goolahek. I verbally informed his Highness 
 that the messenger who had brought the packet would be dispatched again to 
 Constantinople at noon on the 17th. He said his reply would be sent to me by 
 that day. 
 
 The Prime Minister read the translation two or three times, but did not 
 make a single remark on its contents ; and, on my part, 1 observed the same 
 silence. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
177 
 
 No. 124. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received September 19.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, August 15, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that soon after I delivered 
 your Lordship's letter to the Sadr Azim, orders were sent to the provinces sum- 
 moning fifteen battalions of Regular Infantry, five of them for service in Bushire, 
 five in Mohamrah, and five in Kerman. 
 
 From this measure it may be inferred that the Sadr's answer to your Lord- 
 ship's communication will not be a satisfactory one. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 125. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — -{Received September 19.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, August 16, 1856. 
 
 MEERZA MEHMED, the Vizier of Khorassan, who recently went to 
 Herat, has reported to the Persian Government, that twelve days ago he had an 
 interview with Essan Khan, and that from what then passed between them, the 
 Vizier entertained no doubt but that he would very shortly be enabled to 
 announce the surrender of Herat to the Persian forces. 
 
 I have, &c, 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 126. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received September 19.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, August 17, 18r)6. 
 
 WITH reference to my despatch of the 1 2th instant, I have the honour 
 to inform your Lordship that as the hour specified in my intei-view with the 
 Sadr Azim for the departure of the courier for Constantinople approached, and 
 by which time his Highness promised to send me an answer to your Lordsliip's 
 communication of the lOtli July, I received a private note from the Persian 
 Minister for Foreign Affairs stating that the Sadr Azim having been indisposed, 
 he had not been able to write his reply, and that he hoped to have it prepared 
 by to-morrow or next day. 
 
 As your Lordship instructed me to adhere to the time which I miglit fix 
 for the dispatch of the messenger, I send him off this day at noon. 
 
 The Sadr's excuse is, I have every reason to believe, a mere pretext. 
 
 I have already informed your Lordship that your letter was delivered to the 
 Sadr on the morning of the 10th instant. 
 
 No. 127. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Con.ml Stevens. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, September 22, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE to acquaint you that orders will be sent to India by the mail of 
 the 26th instant to dispatch, without further delay, to the Persian Gulf, and 
 with a view to operations against the Persian territory, a naval and military 
 expedition, for which preparations have been some time in progress. Her 
 Majesty's Government consider, therefore, that the time is arrived for the with- 
 drawal from Persia of Her Majesty's Consuls at Teiiran and at Tabreez ; and 
 von will accordingly, as soon as possible after the receipt of tliis despatch, set 
 
178 
 
 out for Bagdad, taking with you the pubHc archives, and breaking up altogether, 
 on your departure, Her Majesty's Consulate. You will, however^ make the best 
 arrangement in your power for the preservation of the Mission premises, and the 
 property which may necessarily be left behind. 
 
 On the eve of your departure you will acquaint the Minister for Foreign 
 AtFairs that you have been instructed to quit Persia in consequence of the course 
 which the Persian Government persists in following with regard to Herat, and 
 other matters in discussion between Great Britain and Persia ; and you will 
 understand that you are not to be induced, by any assurances tendered to you 
 by the Persian Government, to abstain from commencing your journey to Bagdad 
 as soon as you are ready to set out. 
 
 You will acquaint any British subjects who may be at Tehran with your 
 approaching departure, and, if they determine to accompany you, you will 
 permit them to do so ; or, if they prefer to remain, you will request the French 
 Minister to protect them during the absence of the British Mission from Persia. 
 
 You will be careful not to give to any person whatever the slightest intima- 
 tion of the intention of Her Majesty's Government to have recourse to coercive 
 measures in the Persian Gulf. 
 
 It is not intended at present to withdraw the East India Company's Agent 
 at Bushire, as the presence of the British force in the Gulf will be sufficient to 
 protect him from insult or injury ; though, if he has reason to apprehend danger 
 before the force arrives, he will have permission to place himself and his esta- 
 blishment in safety. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 [N.B. A similar despatch was addressed, on the same date, to Consul Abbott.] 
 
 • No. 128. 
 Mr. Hammond to Consul Stevens. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, September 24, 1 Siiij. 
 
 THE Earl of Clarendon has received your despatch of the 12th ultimo, and 
 I am directed by his Lordship to convey to you bis approval of your proceedings, 
 as therein reported, on the occasion of your delivering to the Sadr Azim the 
 letter inclosed in Lord Clarendon's despatch of the 11th .July. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) E. HAMMOND. 
 
 No. 129. 
 
 Mr, Hammond to Sir G. Clerk. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, September 24, 1856. 
 
 I AM directed by the Earl of Clarendon to request that you will acquaint 
 the President of the Board of Control that it is the wish of Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment that orders for the dispatch of the expedition prepared for operations in the 
 Persian Gulf should be sent to India by the next mail. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) E. HAMMOND. 
 
 No. 130. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received September 25.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, August 21, 1856. 
 
 WITM reference to my despatch of the 17th instant, in which I reported 
 havino; that dav sent off the messenger to Constantinople, although no answer 
 to vour Lordship's letter to the Sadr Azim had reached me, I have now the 
 
179 
 
 honour to inform you that his HIghness's answer was sent to me at noon on the 
 18th. I immediately returned it, with a note explaining that, as my messenger 
 had started the day before (the time fixed upon during my interview with the 
 Prime Minister), his Highness might wish to transmit it to Constantinople by 
 an express of his own ; but, I added, our usual monthly Gholaum for Erzeroom 
 would be dispatched on the 23rd, and if he desired to avail of this opportunity, 
 it would be at his Highness's disposal. 
 
 This offer was accepted, and on the 20th, the packet, sealed, and to the 
 address of your Lordship, was again forwarded to me. I have the honour to 
 inclose it herewith.* 
 
 The Persian Ministers inform me that a translation accompanies the original. 
 But to avoid misunderstandings, it might be a necessary precaution to cause 
 another translation to be made in England. 
 
 I have &c. 
 (Signed) ' RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 131. 
 
 The Sadr Azim to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received September 25.) 
 
 (Traduction.) 
 
 Apr^s les compliments d'usage. 
 
 Excellence, Teheran, 14 Zilhidje, 1272. (17 Aout, 1856.) 
 
 J'AI regu la Icttre que votre Excellence m'a adresse en date du 1 1 Juillet 
 passe, et j'ai pris connaissance de son contenu. Bien que j'avais ecrit une lettre 
 du ] 8 Shewal, en rdponse h la lettre que son Excellence Lord RedclifTe, Ambas- 
 sadeur du Gouvernement Britannique, residant a Constantinople, m'avait 
 adresse, dont il etait charg^ de la part de §on Gouvernement, pour entrer en 
 pourparler pour deux questions, d'abord h. cause de la rupture de son Excellence 
 Mr. Murray avec le Gouvernement Persan, et au sujet d'Herat ; sans nul doute 
 que jusqu'ici il aura fait parvenir le contenu de ma lettre au Gouvernement de 
 Sa Majeste Britannique ; bien que je n'avais pas besoin de donner separemcnt de 
 nouveaux details, cependant comrae la politesse exige et des egards qu'on doit 
 avoir h la lettre de votre Excellence, ainsi je vous donne la peine en vous ecrivant 
 de nouveau et en detail, avec toutes les politesses possibles, Bien que nous 
 avions charge avec des instructions suffisantes son Excellence Eminu-ul-Moolk 
 Ferokh Khan, Ambassadeur Extraordinaire de notre Gouvernement h la Cour 
 de Paris, qu'a son arrivee k Constantinople, en observant I'amitie parfaite des 
 deux Gouvernements, d'entrer en relation avec son Excellence Lord RedclifFe, 
 pour donner une bonne fin, observant aussi la dignite et I'honneur des deux 
 Gouvernements, sans doute qu'a son arrivee k Constantinople, d'apres ses 
 instructions, il agira en consequence. 
 
 Son Excellence 1' Ambassadeur Ferokh Khan, selon la mission qu'il a, aura 
 k observer I'amitie qui existe depuis tant d'annees, et qui existe mime dans ce 
 moment-ci, entre le Gouvernement Persan et le Gouvernement Britannique; et 
 meme le Gouvernement Persan n'a jamais eu ni I'idee ni la pensee de rompre 
 I'amitie existante avec le Gouvernement Britannique, mais le Gouvernement 
 Persan n'avait ct n'a pas d'outre idee nouvelle que de consen^er son amitie avec 
 le Gouvernement Biitannique ; ct ii desire que cela soit connue et evidente au 
 Gouvernement de Sa Majcstc Britannique ainsi qu'a sa nation. Ainsi son 
 Excellence Ferokh Kban, qui se rendait k Constantinople, bien qu'il n'etait pas 
 prcsse d'y arriver vite, cependant le Gouvernement Persan lui a expedie un 
 courrier extraordinaire avec ordre de ne s'arrfiter nul part, et de se rendre k 
 Constantinople au plus t6t possible ; et comme nous lui avons verbalement parle 
 et donne la mission, pour les deux questions susdites, avec les instructions suffi- 
 santes, qu'a son arrivee {\ Constantinople de tacher avec son Excellence Lord 
 llcdclitte de les terminer, ct qu'ensuite de vous informer. 
 
 J'espfere qu'apr^s que votre Excellence sera infornice des idccs amicales du 
 Gouvernement Persan, et que toutes ccs idees ne sont que purement de I'amitie 
 sincere, et apres que vous serez informe des affaires qui sc sont passccs 
 entre le Gouvernement Persan et les llepresentants du Gouvernement I3ritan- 
 nique, et que vous donniez la cause de la rupture du Traite au Gouvernement 
 
 * No. 131. 
 
180 
 
 Persan, et dont cela n'etait pas juste de lui en attribuer, vous reiidrez vous-meme 
 justice 1^-dessus. S'il y avait uienie un Traite a son sujet, ce n'est pas de notre 
 part qu'il a ete viole. Et aussi, s'il y a eu lieu aussi une question ou affaire, nous 
 n'etions pas la cause. Je suis certain qu'apres I'arrivee de son Excellence 
 Eminu-ul-Moolk a Constantinople, comnie il y a une equite entre les deux 
 Ambassadeurs, ils terniineront toutes les questions. 
 
 Le Gouvernement Persan est bien plus persuade de lequite et de I'amitie du 
 Gouveinenient Britannique et de son peuple que de croire aux torts et des 
 ilomniases c[ni veuillent I'aire sans raison a une Puissance qui est Icur aniie, et 
 dont cclle-ci n'a d"autre but que dc I'amitie a I'egard du Gouvernement de Sa 
 Majeste Britannicjue, et de sa propre defense ; et au lieu que le Gouvernement 
 Persan avait toujours lieu d'esperer de I'amitie du Gouvernement Britannique, 
 au contrairo ce dernier promet de nous causer des maux et des dommayes 
 innombrables. 
 
 Votre Excellence, qui est douee d'une perfection parfuite, et qui est toujours 
 porte pour le bien-etre du Gouvernement Persan, et c'cst evident que toujours 
 votre Excellence est porte par sa bonte habituelle h mettre la paix et la bonne 
 harmonic entre les deux Gouvernements ; et que Dieu ne fasse que votre bou 
 vouloir soit la cause de la destruction de la base de I'amitie de tant d'annees, et 
 que depuis longtemps a ete consolide'e. 
 
 (Translation from Persian original.) 
 
 ALTHOUGH, considering the details written on the 15th of the month 
 of Shawal (19th Juno), in answer to a despatch of his Excellency Lord Redclift'e, 
 Ambassador of the high-ranking Government of England, resident at Constan- 
 tinople, who is commissioned on the part of the Government to put (juestions 
 and give answers concerning the subject of the abandonment of diplomatic 
 relations by his Excellency (?) Mr. Mun-ay, and concerning the matter of 
 Herat (details which must certainly by this time have come to the knowledge 
 of the members of the English Government), there be no necessity for a 
 separate epistle ; still, the rules of politeness and the consideration due to the 
 honourable quality of a despatch from your Excellency, render incumbent the 
 duty of returning an answer; so that once more it is, with the utmost deference, 
 submitted that, although his Excellency the Eminu-ul-Moolk, Ferokh Khan, 
 Ambassador of this Government appointed to Paris, has received full instruc- 
 tions upon each of the said two points, so as to terminate the discussion with 
 Lord Redcliffe in a manner conformable with the intimate friendship of the 
 two Governments, and to show a regard for the honour and reputation of both 
 parties ; and although, on the arrival of his Excellency the Ambassador of this 
 Government at Constantinople, he will doubtless set about fulfilling the 
 conditions of his commission, and, according to the duty wherewith he is 
 charged, watch, in the most considerate manner, over the preservation of the 
 friendship of so many years' standing which has existed, and exists, with the 
 Government of England, and the cessation of which never will be either 
 conceived or imagined ; still again, solely in order that the Government and 
 people of England may be convinced that this Government neither has, nor has 
 had, any idea or new design, other than those of preserving the friendship of 
 that Government ; and since it had not been contemplated to hurry the said 
 Ambassador in his journej^, it was afterwards enjoined to him, through a special 
 courier, to make no halt or delay, but to use the utmost possible diligence in 
 reaching Constantinople, and after having most cai-efully settled with the 
 Ambassador of that Government (England^ both the points in the manner 
 explained to him, and relating to which he has full instructions to communicate 
 (the result ?) to your Excellency. 
 
 It is hoped that, so soon as your Excellency, the acme of grandeur, shall 
 have bscome acquainted with the ideas of this Government, which are wholly 
 those of friendship and amity, and shall be made aware of the circumstances 
 which have occurred between the members of this Government and the Agents 
 of that Government, your Excellency will admit that the accusation of breaking 
 a Treaty (or violating engagements) which has been made against this Govern- 
 ment has been unmerited; that, if Treaty (engagement) there be, the crime of 
 breaking it has not issued from this side ; and that, if anything has happened, 
 the fault has not been on the part of this Government. It is also held for 
 
181 
 
 certain that, on the arrival of the Eniinu-ul-Moolk, the two Ambassadors, with 
 the quality of conscientiousness which they severally possess, will arrange the 
 affair in a just and equitable ni<*Qner. 
 
 'J'he Persian Government holds the equity and sense of justice possessed 
 by the English Government and nation to be nmch too high for them to form 
 the design, without a single reason, of hurting and injuring their own ancient 
 friend, who has had no other object in view than friendship and self-defence ; 
 or, in return for the friendly regard which is entertained for that Government, 
 to thi'eaten boundless injury and devastation. 
 
 Your Excellency, also, the acme of grandeur, being endowed with the 
 qualities of competency and benevolence, will evidently always use your best 
 endeavour to clear up the mattei's in dispute, and not (whicli God forbid !) 
 to demoUsh the structure of friendship which has lasted through many a long 
 year. 
 
 Further trouble need not now be given. May the days of your grandeur 
 and friendship be enduring. 
 
 Written on the fourteenth of the month of Zi-'l-hijja the Sacred, in the 
 year 1272 (15th August, 1856). 
 
 No, 132. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received Seplember 25.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, August 23, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to report to your Lordship that the Persian Govern- 
 ment has just received official intelligence of the occupation of Subzar, between 
 Herat and Candahar, by a Persian force, composed of three battalions of 
 Infantry and 2,000 Irregular Cavalry, under the command of Agha Khar., 
 Meer Penj, who was preparing to advance upon Furrah. 
 
 Furrah is in the hands of an Affghan force, headed by a son of Dost 
 Mahomed Khan. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 133. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received September 23.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, August 23, 1856. 
 
 IT is now nearly two months since I last heard from Meshed. 
 
 I regret also to have to report to your Lordship the expulsion from 
 Asterabad of the Mission Agent, who has just arrived here. But the immediate 
 departure of the messenger prevents my forwarding by him more than a very 
 brief outline of what I have gathered from the Agent's verbal statement, from 
 which it would appear that the authorities of Asterabad had received instruc-- 
 tious from Tehran to expel him from that place ; but to do it in such a manner 
 as would screen themselves and the Central Government from any responsibility. 
 A party of Kethodas of the town and some Mollahs entered his house, and 
 informed him that the inhabitants were then assembhng for the purpose of ejecting 
 him ; that unless he immediately departed violence might be resorted to, and 
 they would not answer for the consequences. On his declining to move without 
 previously communicating with the local outhorities, they would not permit it. 
 Threats were held out, a nmle was brought to the door, and without attendants, 
 without even being allowed to put on his travelling clothes, he was forthwith 
 conducted out of the town. 
 
 The Agent a short time since informed me th;it he fipprehended some 
 violence of this sort. I inunecliately sent him a passport, to be used in such a 
 case, but thi^ event occurred befoi'e my letter reached him. 
 
 This afttiir, and the interruption of our connnunications with Meshed, clearly 
 demonstrate the necessity for our exacting from the Persian Government the 
 
182 
 
 privilege enjoyed by Russia and Turkey of placing recognized Agents in whatso- 
 ever part of Persia the presence of such officers may be considered desirable or 
 useful for commercial or political purposes. 
 
 No. 134. 
 
 The Earl 0/ Clarendon to Mr. Murray. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, September 26, 1 856. 
 
 I TRANSMIT, for your information, copies of letters * which I have 
 addressed to Her Majesty's Consul at Tehran, and Her Majesty's Consul at 
 Tabreez, ordering them to withdraw from Persia. 
 
 These letters have been sent to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, 
 with instructions to forward them by a special Tatar. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 135. 
 Mr. Leach to Mr. Hammond. — (Received October 8.) 
 
 Sir, India Board, October 8, 1856. 
 
 I AM directed by the Commissioners for the Affairs of India to transmit to 
 you, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a copy of 
 the following papers relative to the proceedings of Persia on the frontiers of 
 Kelat :— 
 
 Letter from the PoHtical Superintendent in Upper Scinde, dated the 
 28th July ; 
 
 Letter from the Naib of Kohuck to the Khan of Kelat ; and 
 Letter from the Commissioner in Scinde, dated the 17th August, with two 
 inclosures. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) WM. LEACH. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 135. 
 
 Captain Merewether to the Commissioner in Scinde. 
 
 Political Superintendent's Office, JacobabaJ, 
 (E.xtraet.) July 28, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE tlie honour to inform you that the Vakeel of his Highness the 
 Khan of Kelat has tliis day reported to me that, on the 7th instant, a body of 
 Jokees (a tribe or Beloochee, independent, residing in Seistan), consisting of 
 500 horsemen and about 3,000 men mounted on camels, made a sudden descent 
 on the immediate neighbourhood of Nooskey, in the Khan's territory, and 
 carried off 3,500 camels, and a very large number of flocks of sheep and goats. 
 The Khan's Naib at Nooskey, Bahadoor Khan, collected a force of about 4,000 
 men for the purpose of following the plunderers into Seistan, but the Khan sent 
 orders forbidding him to move, believing that this raid was prompted and brought 
 about by the Persians, and that, if his troops proceeded into Seistan, it might 
 involve him with the Persians, which he is anxious to avoid, pending the result 
 of the previous communications made by him to the British Government regarding 
 them. 
 
 2. The Persian army is still encamped about twenty-four miles from Jalk, 
 on the very frontier of the Khan's territory. They draw supplies from Jalk and 
 Jirruck, both places within the Khan's country. 
 
 3. His Highness has called for full reports as to numbers, nature, &c,, of 
 
 * No. 127. 
 
183 
 
 this Persian force, but' has not received them ; on doing so, they will be duly 
 forwarded to you. 
 
 4. From Candahar the intelligence is, that Essan Khan, the late Minister 
 at Herat, begged from the Aniccr Dost ]\Iahomcd, tliat he would come with a 
 force to Herat, and he wovdd deliver the place into his hands. The Persians, 
 after having entrusted the Governorship of Herat to Essan Kan, on the part 
 of the King of Persia, and after the "khootbeh" had been duly read, and 
 coin ordered to be struck in the name of the Shah, had left, on their return 
 to Meshed, the late Ruler, Mahomed Youssui", accompanying them; but, 
 hearing that Essan Khan intended treachery, they retraced their steps, and 
 have invested the place. Essan Khan had carefully got rid of all Persians 
 from the fort, only having his own people inside. Of these there are about 
 4,000 or 5,000, and he writes to Dost Mahomed that he has provisions for four 
 months. 
 
 5. The Ameer, knowing the man's faithlessness, has replied that, unless 
 Essan Khan sends his nephew and a lady of his family to Furrah, as an 
 earnest of the truth of his statements, he, the Ameer, will send no troops to 
 Herat. 
 
 G. The above was communicated to mc verbally by his Highness' 
 Vakeel. He expects other intelligence this evening, with letters, the originals 
 of which, with translations, shall be forwarded to you on their receipt, without 
 delay. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 13.5. 
 
 The Nail) of Kohuck to the Khan of Kelat. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 After Compliments. 
 
 IT will be known to you that I have written to you regarding the proceed- 
 ings of the infidel Persians. People say they are about to proceed against the 
 Imaum of Muscat (" Mucus" is the word in the letter, which the Vakeel says 
 means " Muscat"), and some s-'.y they are coming to Kohuck. The intelligence 
 from Kohuck I also lay before you : with the blessing of Providence and your 
 good fortune, the infidels will meet with defeat, and their thoughts be turned in 
 another direction. If they have turned their thoughts in this direction, not a 
 man will remain in the country. The forts in this country are merely earth- 
 works, and we are unable to hold it : the dread of the infidels is on every one, 
 and the people of this country say, if they (the Persians) come in the direction, 
 they will fly. To hold the country, troops and money are necessary ; the feeling 
 of the people of the country is such that they will fly. The state of the army is 
 known to you : they have no pay ; your name is great ; in your forts, however, 
 there are no stores ; and though Khewul Buiiah was ordered to put stores into 
 the foi-ts, he has not done so, and, notwithstanding your orders to furnish supplies, 
 &c., to the troops daily, he has not given them. 1 have received no pay for three 
 months, but, fi'om dread, I am unable to say anything. The Buniah only 
 cares for his own business. Your orders w-ere, that he should daily supply 
 Hussein and Newab, Khodabadanee ; he has not done so ; they were ordered 
 two rations, and, when they visit you, they receive entertainment for twenty 
 men; but the Buniah gives them nothing, caring only for his own affairs. If it 
 is right that I should entertain twenty or ten men, be so good as to give the 
 order on him, that the pay may be properly disbursed. In this do favour to 
 your soldiers. From the day when you sent me into this country, I have only 
 received one pay, two more are due to me ; be so good as to favour me with it, 
 and vour soldiers will receive it. 
 
184 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 135. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Jacoh to the Secretory to the Government of India. 
 
 Sir, Kurracliee, August 17, 185G. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to forward the accompanying Persian letters, with 
 translations, containing intelligence of the proceedings of the Persians in the 
 countries hortlering on our north-west frontier, for the information of the 
 Governor-General of India in Council. 
 
 2. The Azad Khan mentioned in them is the father-in-law of his High- 
 ness the Khan of Kelat, but has frequently been opposed to him, and more 
 than once in open rebellion against the Khan's authoiity. About two years 
 ago, he attempted to get u]) an insin-rection at Kharan, placed himself at the 
 head of a body of troops, and defied the Khan's authority. A force was on 
 that occasion sent against him, when he was reduced to submission, and on his 
 appearing before his Highness the Khan, he was pardoned and restored to favour ; 
 he now appears to have gone over to the Persians. 
 
 3. I may observe that the tone of the Kelat people and Government is 
 satisfactory, being bold and confident ; they evidently put full trust in the will 
 and abiUty of the Hritish Government to support and protect them against 
 serious or permanent injury. 
 
 4. Copies of these letters have been transmitted to the Governor of 
 Bombay in Council. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) JOHN JACOB- 
 
 Jnclosure 4 in No. 135. 
 Bahar Shah to the Khan of Kelat. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 After Compliments. 27th Zilkaia, 1272. {July 30, \856.) 
 
 PREVIOUS news from this countiy was forwarded by me to j^our 
 Highness, which you will liave received. A respectable person has now come 
 from Kharan, and reported that Meer Azad Khan* had gone to Jalk and 
 Dijak ; further, that he had abandoned you and tlie Candaharees, and was going 
 to join the Persian Kaffirs, and would make his own arrangements with them. 
 The circumstances are these, that his trust in you and the C-andaharees was 
 gone. He has taken much money with him, and the Persians have placed him 
 in possession of Jalk, and he had said whatever money they would ask from 
 him he would give, and he would take possession of Dijak, Jalk, Kedj, and 
 Punjgoor, and appropriate the revenue thereof. A person of somewhat 
 doubtful character came from Dijak and informed me that the orders of the 
 King of Persia to the commanders of the Persian force were, that tliey wore 
 to bring over Meer Mahomed Shah and Meer Azad Khan, and not to return 
 without them. 
 
 The Persians have thus spread a net, namely, Jalk, to keep Azad Khan : 
 his province of Kharan being dry and very unproductive, he would fall into the 
 snare. We shall see the results ; if he has practised deceit, he will be placed 
 with Mahomed Shah (supposed to mean in confinement) ; if he has acted openlv, 
 then there will be enmity throughout the land. 
 
 After the death of Meer LuUah, one of the officers in Kedj, his son, who 
 had shown enmity to the Moolalizze, was checked by me. At this time, two 
 sowars of Meer Azad Khan came and advised Meer Lullah's son to remain 
 quiet, and not entertain enmity, and the Sirkar would arrange all for him. 
 He has relinquished his feeling of enmity, and is now the humble servant of the 
 Sirkar (the Khan). 
 
 May, &c. (Signed) BAHAR SHAH. 
 
 "' F.ither-iii-iaw to the Khan of Kel.it. 
 
185 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 135. 
 
 Faiz Ahmed, Balve, to Moollah Ahmed, Vakeel. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 After Compliments. 8th Zilhidge, 1272. (August 10, 1856.) 
 
 YOUR letter arrived, and its contents have become known. You will learn 
 everything from the letter of the Khan. (This letter has not been received, and 
 does not appear to have been written after all.) Keep me constantly informed 
 of the proceedings around you, and consider that while I am with the Khan, 
 it is as if you yourself were present. Other subjects you will be acquainted 
 with through the letter of Mahomed Khan.* 
 
 From Candahar no written communications have been recived, but 
 letters from Shawl and a messenger from Shorawuk state that 30,000 men, in 
 addition to those previously before Herat, had joined the army there, and sur- 
 rounded Lash and Joeen. The Ameers of Cabul and Candahar were much 
 perplexed, and in great stress for want of funds — and without money and 
 supplies the Persian difficulty could not be met — and to attempt to meet it 
 without money would only bring defeat on their troops. Mahomed Omer 
 Khan, son of Kohendil Khan, had fled from Candahar towards the Persian camp 
 at Herat. 
 
 The Khan of Kelat, according to your request, has ordered that every week, 
 four times a-month, a report of the proceedings at Herat be obtained from 
 Candahar. 
 
 To-day it has been reported that intelligence has been received in Shora- 
 wuk of the" fall of Herat ; but, as no written report has been received, this news 
 cannot be implicitly relied on, though there can be veiy little doubt that such 
 has been the case, for this reason, that the Candaharees have rendered no assist- 
 ance, and in Herat itself there is no one of any stamp or faith, and Essan Khan 
 has no real influence. He, Essan Khan, is in Herat, but his proceedings are not 
 judicious. 
 
 The intelligence with regard to the Persian force on the frontier of Mekran 
 is as follows : — They have taken Jalk, and with them came 2,500 men. The 
 Persians wrote a letter to the Khan, but he sent no reply, saying he was an ally 
 of the British; wherefore what was the use of any communication with the Shah 
 of Persia ? 
 
 The Persians then, expecting nothing from the Khan, sent for Azad Khan,f 
 and placed him in charge of the fort of Jalk, and told him he must make war 
 on the Khan, and they would assist him. The Khan directed Bhair Khan, the 
 Governor of Kedj, to collect supplies, &c., and have them ready to move after 
 the Bed (Bukri). The Khan likewise ordered the Governor of Punjgoor 
 to be invested with a dress of honour, and that he should leave immediately 
 after the Eed. 
 
 People have been sent to bring intelligence from the Persian camp as to the 
 numbers, &c., of their army on the frontier of Mekran. 
 
 Those who have obtained possession of Jalk are under the command of 
 Mahomed AH. 
 
 No matter what the expense may be, an array must be sent this year to 
 Kedj Mekran. Since last year, the Persian army has shown itself. If we are 
 unprepared, the Persians will probably declare war. The Khan has also ordered 
 that no expense shall be spared in obtaining good intelligence. 
 
 ^Signed) FAIZ AHMED. 
 
 • Mahomed Khan, son of Moollah Ahmed. The letter here quoted has only reference to a 
 petition from one of the Khan's subjects against a ])er:;on residing in Scinde. 
 + Father-in-law of the Khan, and Governor of Kharan. 
 
 2 B 
 
186 
 
 No. 136. 
 
 Mr. Leach to Mr. Hammond. — (Received October 8.) 
 
 (Extract.) India Board, October 8, 1856. 
 
 I AM directed by the Commissioners for the Affairs of India to transmit to 
 you, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a copy of 
 a letter from the Commissioner in Scinde to the Secretary to the Government 
 of India, dated August 13, suggesting that assistance should be given to the 
 Khan of Kelat, for the purpose of enabling him to resist any aggressive move- 
 ment on the part of the Shah of Persia. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 136. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob to the Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 Sir, Kurrachee, August 13, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd 
 of July last. 
 
 2. With reference to the subject of the second paragraph of your letter, I 
 have the honour to state, for the information of the Governor-General of India 
 in Council, that the Khan of Kelat is perfectly well aware that he has no 
 claim as of right, under the existing Treaty, to any assistance from 
 the British Government, beyond the annual subsidy now paid to him. He puts 
 forward no hint at any such claim, and considers it entirely at the pleasure of 
 the British Government to give or withhold further aid, as they may deem 
 best. 
 
 3. The Khan of Kelat has, however, earnestly begged for further aid, and 
 I am strongly of opinion that it would be most wise on the part of the British 
 Government immediately to grant it. 
 
 4. I have not yet been able to ascertain with any tolerable precision the 
 real strength and nature of the Persian army now in the south-eastern part of 
 Seistan ; but there is no doubt but that a strong Persian force is operating on, 
 and partly within, the frontier of the Kelat State, and that this force is levying 
 contributions and carrying off" cattle from the Khan's subjects. 
 
 5. The Khan of Kelat is assembling a force at Nooskey, and is also about 
 to dispatch as large an army as he can collect without much delay, to the more 
 western part of his dominions, Punjgoor, in the province of Kedj Mekran, in 
 which quarter he appears to dread invasion from the Persian force near Jelluck, 
 even more than in the north. 
 
 6. The Khan's authority is well established in Kedj Mekran, and up to his 
 frontier line. Nooskey is about 100, and Punjgoor about 300 miles from the 
 town of Kelat. 
 
 7. I have ascertained that the most acceptable assistance (irrespective of 
 aid by troops) we could afford the Khan, and that most likely to be effective, 
 would be an immediate supply of arms and money. 
 
 8. I would, therefore, advise that 2,000 percussion muskets and bayonets, 
 with 200 rounds of ammunition for each, and a large proportion of percussion 
 caps, and the sum of (Rs. 1,00,000) one lac of rupees, be presented to his 
 Highness the Khan of Kelat, as soon as possible. 
 
 9. I would also recommend that four mountain field-pieces (three- 
 pounders) complete, with 200 rounds of ammunition each, be also presented 
 to his Highness. If this suggestion be approved by his Lordship in Council, 
 these guns can be supplied at once from the arsenal in Scinde. 
 
 10. The Vakeel of his Highness the Khan of Kelat has also introduced, in 
 his application for assistance, the subject of mihtary aid by the co-operation of 
 our troops, and pointed out that however valuable assistance in arms and money 
 might be, and grateful as his master would be for such aid, still the presence of 
 a British force, however small, acting in co-operation with the troops of his 
 Highness the Khan, would be invaluable, would make the Belooch soldiers 
 irresistible, and do more than all else to command success. 
 
187 
 
 11. The Vakeel, continually remarking that nothing was demanded as a 
 right, but entirely as favour, next observed, that in the late Treaty a clause 
 existed to the effect, that should the British Government at any time wish to 
 estabhsh cantonments in any part of the Kelat dominions, they were at full 
 liberty to do so ; and although the British Government might not think it 
 advisable at present to send troops actually to co-operate with those of Kelat, 
 still possibly it might not be thought objectionable to form a British camp at 
 some convenient place in the Kelat territory above the Bolaun, such as Quetta. 
 
 12. The establishing of a British camji in such a position would, the Vakeel 
 represented, be of the greatest assistance to the Khan in repelling his present 
 assailants, and would, as the Khan was well assured, prevent the recurrence of 
 such attacks and invasions of his country by the Persians, or any other Power, in 
 future. 
 
 13. The Vakeel earnestly begged, in the name of his master, that this 
 subject might be taken into the serious consideration of the Governor-General 
 of India in Council. 
 
 14. I have requested the Kelat Government to ascertain and forward, as 
 soon as possible, to the Political Superintendent on the frontier, for transmission 
 to me, full particulars regarding the strength, constitution, proceedings, &c., of 
 the Persian forces ; which, on receipt, I will submit without delay for the 
 information of his Lordship in Council. 
 
 1 5. A copy of this letter will be transmitted for the information of the 
 Governor of Bombay in Council. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) JOHN JACOB. 
 
 No. 137. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Murray. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, October 10, 1856. 
 
 I TRANSMIT to you herewith, in an unsealed packet, a letter which I 
 have addressed to the Persian Minister for Foi'eign Affairs, in reply to a letter 
 from the Sadi- Azim, of which I inclose an English translation for your informa- 
 tion.* 
 
 I also inclose a copy of my letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.f and 
 I have to instruct you to cause an accurate translation of it to be made and 
 placed in the same cover with the original, and then forwarded as soon as 
 possible to Tehran. 
 
 Mr. Consul Stevens will probably have left Tehran before my letter could 
 arrive there, and it will be for you to determine how you can best ensure the 
 letter reaching Tehran in safety, and the time at which it should do so, in order 
 that no impediment may, in consequence of its contents, be opposed to the 
 progress of Mr. Stevens and his family on his way out of Persia. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 138. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 Foreign Office, October 10, 1856. 
 
 THE Undersigned, &c., had the honour to receive, on the 25th of Septem- 
 ber, the letter which the Sadr Azim, Prime Minister of His Majesty the Shah of 
 Persia, addressed to him on the 1 7th of August, having reference to the letter 
 which the Undersigned addressed to the Sadr Azim on the 11th of July, on the 
 subject of the proceedings of the Persian Government in regard to Herat, but 
 containing no answer to that letter. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government had hoped that the letter of the Undersigned 
 would have eUcited from the Persian Government a distinct assurance that 
 
 * See page 180. f No. 138. 
 
 2 B 2 
 
18^' 
 
 that Government would at once desist from the enterprise which it had under- 
 taken against Herat, in violation of solemn engagements entered into with the 
 British Government in former times, and in defiance of the often-expressed 
 determination of the British Government not to tolerate any interference on 
 the part of Persia with the States of Affghanistan, and not to allow the 
 extension of the authority or the territory of Persia in that quarter. Her 
 Majesty's Government had hoped that such assurance would have been given, 
 and would have been followed up by the immediate withdrawal of the Persian 
 armies from AfFghan territory, and by complete reparation for the insults which 
 had been offered to the British Government in the person of the Queen's Envoy, 
 and which had led to the withdrawal of the British Mission from Persia. 
 
 If all this had been done, Her Majesty's Government would have been 
 enabled to replace, on a friendly footing, its relations with the Court of the 
 Shah. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government have been disappointed in these hopes and 
 expectations. The redress demanded in the communication made by the 
 British Ambassador at Constantinople to the Persian Charge d'AfFaires in that 
 city, in the month of June last, for the insult offered to the British Mission, has 
 not been afforded ; the reparation required in the note of the Undersigned of 
 July II, for the disregard shown by Persia of her engagement as to Herat, has 
 not been given : but instead of this, vain excuses and pretexts of delay have 
 been put forward, and Her Majesty's Government have been told to expect 
 satisfaction from the result of a negotiation, the conduct of which the Persian 
 Government pretends to have confided to an Ambassador some time since 
 appointed by the Shah to the Court of France. 
 
 But, in the meanwhile, the Persian Government has not been content even 
 to let the questions in dispute remain without further aggravation. The insults 
 which occasioned the withdrawal of the British Mission from Tehran have, since 
 that period, been followed up by other insults to the British Government, which 
 of themselves call for ample reparation. 
 
 The insults to which the Undersigned here more particularly refers, are, 
 the prohibition of intercourse by subjects of the Shah with Her Majesty's ■ 
 Consul at Tehran ; the violation of the engagement to pay to Syed Abdoollah, 
 a British subject, an allowance which he was to receive as a commutation for 
 a portion of his claims on the Government of Persia ; the attempt on the part 
 of the Sadr Azim to possess himself of the water long since assigned to the 
 British Mission for its use at its summer encampment ; the interception of the 
 supplies of water ordinarily assigned to the British Mission in Tehran ; the 
 refusal to enforce the punishment of parties who committed a violent assault 
 on one of the servants of the British Consul ; the refusal to recognise the right 
 of property of Her Majesty's Government in the British Consular residence ; the 
 expulsion from Asterabad of a person in the employment of the British 
 Mission ; the publication, in the public paper under the control of the Govern- 
 ment of Persia, of injurious statements as regards the British Government ; 
 and lastly, the direct incentive held out to fanaticism to imitate against British 
 subjects the conduct pursued at a former time, when the city of Tehran 
 witnessed the massacre of the Representative of a foreign State by an 
 infuriated mob. 
 
 All these transactions are publicly known throughout the Persian capital, 
 and until the redress demanded for them shall have been given, and shall have 
 been made as publicly known, it will be impossible for a British Mission to 
 reside with security, still less with honour, at the Court of the Shah. 
 
 But even these transactions are of less account than the wanton disregard 
 by the Persian Government of its engagement to abstain from any interference 
 in the internal affairs of Herat, and from any attempt to occupy, or take 
 possession, or assume the sovereignty or government, of that province. 
 
 There are indications, indeed, that before the British Mission retired from 
 Tehran, intrigues v/ere on foot to promote the views of aggrandizement which 
 Persia has continually entertained ir. the dix'ection of Herat. Persian forces 
 were collected on the tVontier of that State ; and, as if more distinctly to evince 
 the hostility of Persia towards Great Britain, even at this early stage of these 
 transactions, the Persian Government selected for the command of those forces 
 an officer, high in rank and nearly connected with the Royal Family, who had 
 then lately rendered himself notorious by grossly indecent language applied by 
 
I# 
 
 him to the Sovereign of En2;land at a public entertainment given to members of 
 the Royal Family by the Vizier of Tehran. 
 
 From that period, the operations of the Persian forces have been pushed 
 forward with unabated perseverance against the city, and in various quarters 
 of the territory, of Herat ; language of defiance against Great Britain has been 
 openly held by the Persian Government, and demonstrations have been made 
 of the intention of the Persian Government rather to engage in conflict with 
 Great Britain, than to concede the just demands of the British Government ; 
 the Persian Govei-nment appearing to wish to display to the Persian people its 
 indifference for the friendship of England, and its conviction that Persia has 
 nothing to fear from the just resentment of Great Britain. 
 
 But the British Government can no longer passively submit to the insults 
 and wrongs which it has received from the Government of Persia. An expe- 
 dition, destined for Persia, is now about to leave the British territories, and 
 whatever may result to Persia from this measure, which her Government has 
 wantonly provoked, the responsibihty thereof will rest on the evil counsellors 
 of the Shah, who have led His Majesty to countenance insult and injury towards 
 Great Britain, and to violate the solemn engagements of an international 
 compact. 
 
 The Undersigned, &c. (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 139. 
 
 Consul Abbott to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received October 1 6.) 
 
 My Lord, Tabreez, September 10, 1856, 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship of a circumstance which, 
 if anything further were required to exhibit the Sadr Azim's unfriendly feelings 
 towards Englishmen, would suffice for this purpose. 
 
 The Sadr Azim has written to the Kaimakam that, a Russian subject 
 having a small claim on a person named Koochook Khan, and the latter being 
 supposed to be particularly well disposed towards the English and their 
 Government, the Kaimakam is to seize upon, chain, imprison, and put him to 
 the torture until he pays; adding that, "we shall then see who of the Enghsh 
 will deliver him from our hands." 
 
 The Kaimakam, to his credit be it said, does not intend, I believe, to 
 carry this order into effect, and Koochook Khan proposes to obtain permission 
 to depart on a pilgrimage to Kerbella, to be out of the way of further 
 molestation. 
 
 I have &c. 
 (Signed) ' KEITH EDWD ABBOTT. 
 
 No. 140. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Redclife to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received October 19.) 
 
 Therapia, October 18, 1856. 
 A PERSIAN officer has just called on me with compliments from Ferokh 
 Khan, the long-expected Persian Ambassador, who appears to have arrived here 
 yesterday on his way to Paris. 
 
 No. 141. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redclife. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, October 28, 1856. 
 
 YOUR Excellency may inform the Persian Ambassador that you are 
 prepared to receive, in writing, any communication he may have to make 
 respecting reparation to England. 
 
190 
 
 If he makes such communication, you may then, in the manner you think 
 most expedient, inform him tliat we require, as a conditio sine qud nan, the 
 immediate withdrawal of the Persian troops from Herat and its territory, and the 
 payment by Persia of compensation for all damages done by them therein ; 
 
 2. That we further require that Persia shall enter into a Treaty with 
 England, by which Persia will renounce all attempts of any kind to interfere 
 with Herat, or with any portion of Affghanistan ; will engage not to receive 
 at any time overtures from any party to interfere in their internal affairs ; will 
 recognize their absolute and entire independence, and will agree to refer to 
 British mediation any differences which she may hereafter have with them ; 
 
 3. That Persia shall agree to negotiate and conclude with England a new 
 Treaty of Commerce, by which all questions which have hitherto given occasion 
 for discussion between the two Governments shall be settled, and the right be 
 conceded to Great Britain of appointing Consuls in any part of Persia; 
 
 4. That all debts due to British subjects shall forthwith be paid, and an 
 understanding come to on disputed claims ; 
 
 5. That Persia shall make an arrangement respecting Bender Abbas satis- 
 factory to the Imaum of Muscat, the friend of England ; 
 
 6. That, in consideration of the part taken by the Sadr Azim in the late 
 differences between the two countries, the Shah shall replace that Minister by 
 some other person likely to promote a good understanding between England and 
 Persia. 
 
 Upon the conclusion and ratification by the Shah of these engagements 
 as regards Herat and Affghanistan, and the withdrawal of the whole of the 
 Persian troops within the frontier of Khorassan, and upon the solemn engage- 
 ment, under the seal of His Majesty, that, the sixth condition having been 
 complied with, the remainder of the conditions shall be carried into effect within 
 six months after the return of the British Mission to Tehran, and that the 
 return of the Mission shall be attended with all the apologies and ceremonies 
 already specified, except in so far as the removal of the Sadr Azim render them 
 impracticable, the British Mission will return to Tehran ; and within six months 
 after the return of the Mission the British force will be withdrawn from the 
 Persian territory. 
 
 The British GovernmentJJresei'ves to' itself the right to vary these conditions 
 if not at once accefited, and especially to make the re-establishmcnt of friendly 
 relations with Persia dependent on the payment by Persia of the expenses of the 
 measures of coercion now in progress. 
 
 No. 142. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received October 30.) 
 
 (Extract.^ Bagdad, September 29, 1856. 
 
 1 HAVE the honour to report, for your Lordship's information, that 
 intelligence has reached me, from an unofficial quarter, that the Bender 
 Abbas question, which has for so long been matter of dispute between the 
 Imaum of Muscat and the Persian Government, has been settled, although on 
 terms much more disadvantageous to the Imaum than those which were formerly 
 under consideration. I have not yet learned the exact conditions of this 
 arrangement. 
 
 No. 143. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received November 13.) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 3, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE done myself the honour of acting on your Lordship's instructions 
 directing the mode and conditions of my intercourse with Ferokh Khan, the 
 Persian Ambassador. 
 
 I began by sending a message to the Persian Charge d'Affaires respecting 
 what he had stated to me, through Mr. Alison, as to the Ambassador's powers. 
 
191 
 
 He admitted the correctness of the statement, and accompanied the bearers 
 of my message to Ferokh Khan. Their report is inclosed in copy herewith. 
 It is signed by Mr. (Jhurchill as well as by Mr. Moore ; the former having 
 assisted at my request in virtue of his acquaintance with the Persian language. 
 
 Your Lordship will observe that the Ambassador has confirmed the Chargd 
 d'Affaires' assertion, namely, that his Excellency has full powers to settle all 
 the questions in dispute, with the view of giving complete satisfaction without 
 delay. I have not, however, obtained as yet a declaration to that effect in 
 writing. He wanted to see me in private, and I insist upon having his declara- 
 tion fully expressed, signed, and sealed, before I give him a decided answer on 
 that point. 
 
 Inclosed herewith is the substance of my instructions to Mr. Moore and 
 Mr. Churchill. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 143. 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 Therapia, October 30, 1856. 
 
 IN consequence of the assurances given to me, through Mr. Alison, by 
 the Persian Charge d'Affaires, when he called at Therapia, and I was obliged to 
 decline seeing him, to the effect that Ferokh Khan, the Persian Ambassador now 
 at Constantinople on his way to Paris, has full powers to settle all questions in 
 dispute between England and Persia, and give full satisfaction to the former 
 without delay or reservation, I have obtained permission from my Government 
 to receive any communication, of that purport, which his Excellency may have 
 to make on the subject of such reparation. 
 
 Whatever communication his Excellency Ferokh Khan may think proper 
 to make, it is requested that it be made to me in writing. 
 
 (Signed) S. DE R. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 143. 
 Messrs. Moore and Churchill to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Constantinople, October 31, 1856. 
 
 IN obedience to your Excellency's instructions, Mr. Churchill and myself 
 called upon the Persian Charge d'Affaires, and read to him, in translation, your 
 Excellency's Memorandum of the 30th instant. 
 
 Hadgi Meerza Ahmed Khan having assented to the truth of your Excel- 
 lency's statement as to the purport of his assurances, he accompanied us to his 
 Excellency Ferokh Khan, to whom, in accordance with your Lordship's instruc- 
 tion, the same translation of the Memorandum was read, and a copy was left 
 with him at his request. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador desired me to convey to your Excellency the 
 following answer in reply : — 
 
 "There are two questions in the Memorandum which you have read to me : 
 in the first place. Lord Stratford wishes to know whether 1 have full powers to 
 settle all questions in dispute between England and Persia ? to which 1 reply : I 
 have full powers to settle all questions in dispute between the two Governments, 
 according to my own judgment, and without reference to my Court. In the 
 second place, his Lordship asks, if I am ready to give ' full satisfaction ' to the 
 British Government, without delay or reservation ? my answer is : that not 
 knowing what the ' full satisfaction ' in question is; I am not prepared to answer 
 that point." 
 
 Ferokh Khan then requested us to communicate to your Excellency his 
 wish to have a private interview with your Lordship, as he had reasons to hope 
 that an interview of that nature would considerably faciUtate an eventual settle- 
 ment of the difBculties between the two Governments. 
 
 (Signed) L. MOORE. 
 
 HENRY A. CHURCHILL. 
 
192 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 143. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Churchill. 
 
 Therapia, November 3, 1 856. 
 
 GO back immediately to Ferokh Khan, and get the written declaration he 
 has stated himself to be ready to give. When I receive that paper, signed and 
 sealed by him, I shall be free to consider favourably his application for an 
 interview. 
 
 No. 144. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, November 14, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's despatch of the 3rd instant, in 
 which you report the steps taken by you on the receipt of my despatch of 
 the 28th ultimo, setting forth the nature of the satisfaction which Her Majesty's 
 ■Government demand from the Government of Persia ; and I have to state to 
 your Excellency that Her Majesty's Government approve your proceedings as 
 i-eported in your despatch. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 145. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received November 20.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, October 2, 1856. 
 
 THE Persian Government has just received the report of a sanguinary 
 affair which occurred at Herat on or about the 30th August. 
 
 It appears that a number of Farsees, or residents of the Sheeah 
 persuasion, having conspired with the Turkish Commanders, agreed to 
 throw open one of the town- gates, and admit the soldiers. At a precon- 
 certed signal, two battalions of Regular Infantry left their entrenchment, 
 and approached the gate previously agreed upon. This was opened, and 
 the soldiers effected an entrance, but they had scarcely done so before 
 Essan Klian appeared with his Affghan forces. A hand-to-hand fight 
 ensued, and resulted in the total defeat of the Persians, who fled back to 
 the entrenchment in the greatest disorder, after suffering a considerable loss in 
 killed and wounded. What these amounted to is not yet accurately known, 
 but 240 heads were taken off inside the walls of the town ; and during the 
 retreat, the soldiers were shot down by the Affghans stationed on the 
 ramparts. 
 
 The next day, the report continues, Essan Khan ordered the indiscriminate 
 massacre of the Sheeah residents known or suspected of having shared in the 
 conspiracy, a large number of whom were destroyed, while others were expelled 
 from the place. 
 
 No. 146. 
 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received November 20.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, October 2, 1856. 
 
 1 HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that Shahzadeh 
 Mahomed Youssuf, the Prince who succeeded to the Chieftainship of Herat 
 after the murder of Syed Mahomed Khan, was brought prisoner to Tehran 
 tlixee days ago. 
 
193 
 
 The King ordered him to he placed in the dungeon known hy the name 
 of " Aumbar," used for criminals of the lowest description, but, on the 
 intercession of the Prime Minister, he was placed in a less degrading prison, 
 the Topkhana. 
 
 Your Lordship may probably remember that the Persian Government, in 
 announcing an expedition to Herat, declared its object to be to assist this same 
 Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf against an apprehended attack on the part of 
 Dost Mahomed Khan. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 ' . (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 147. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received November 20.) 
 
 (Extract.) Camp near Tehran, October 8, 1856. 
 
 THE Persian Government received, on the 6th instant, intelligence of the 
 submission to its authority of the town of Furrah, on the approach of the 
 forces commanded by Aga Khan, who, after placing a Governor there, returned 
 to Subzar. 
 
 I presume the Affghan garrison reported as being at Furrah under a son of 
 the Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan had previously retired. 
 
 On the 5t|h instant, Shahzadeh Mahomed Youssuf, whose anival in Tehran, 
 a prisoner, I have already reported to your Lordship, was conducted by the 
 public executioner to the presence of the Shah, who inquired of him why he 
 had murdered His Majesty's faithful servant Syed Mahomed Khan ; and also, 
 why, after soliciting the assistance of a Persian army, he had refused to put it 
 in possession of Herat. 
 
 The Prince replied, that he had been opposed by the Aifghan residents, 
 who had deceived him, and that he was not, while among them, master of his 
 own actions. 
 
 The Shah rejoined that the Prince deserved to suffer death, but the 
 Sadr Azim having interceded for him, his hfe would be spared. 
 
 The Prince was then reconducted to prison. 
 
 On the 6th a grand Durbar was held on tlie occasion of the King's 
 birthday. It is usual for His Majesty to make a sort of speech, and the 
 theme selected on this occasion was Herat. The Shah informed the assembly 
 tbat reinforcements of troops would proceed to that place ; that Nadir Shah 
 had besieged it for a year before capturing it, and that, therefore, there was 
 nothing extraordinary in the Persian army being now obhged to do the same 
 for a tew months ; that His Majesty would not relinquish the intention of 
 annexing Herat to his dominions. 
 
 No. 148, 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received November 20.) 
 
 My Lord, Camp near Tehran, October 18, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that a Council of 
 Princes and Nobles was held in the King's presence, on the 15th instant, 
 to discuss the impending rupture between Persia and Great Britain, and the 
 steps necessary to adopt in the now probable contingency of the arrival of 
 British forces in the Persian Gulf 
 
 The Shah opened the discussion by repeating his fixed determination not 
 to relinquish the intention of possessing himself of Herat ; and declared, 
 moreover, that he would persist in this, even if it should entail the loss of his 
 Throne. 
 
 As usual in this country (whatever opinions may be privately enter- 
 tained), all present responded to the Royal sentiment, and one and all declared 
 their devotion and i-eadiness to sacrifice their lives and propertv in sujjpoi-ting 
 
194 
 
 the war with the English, whose Indian troops were alluded to in terms of 
 contempt. 
 
 Commanders-in-chief were selected for the armies in Fars, in Khuzistan, 
 and in Kirman, whither regiments are to be sent as they can be prepared ; the 
 latter measure would indicate a suspicion of some demonstration being intended 
 from Upper Scinde ; 500 horseloads of gunpowder, and a few field-pieces, have 
 been sent off to Shiraz. A circular addressed to the clergy in the Provinces, 
 calling upon them to prepare for a religious war ("jehaud"), and instructions, 
 were drawn up, enjoining the destruction of all towns and villages within a 
 distance of twenty-five miles of any part of the coast which may be threatened 
 by British forces. 
 
 The King talked of going to Meshed, and there rallying his forces for a 
 march to Affghanistan and India, and of sending the Generalissimo (Ameer 
 Nizam) of the army, His Majesty's second son, to assume the supreme miHtary 
 command, and at the same time keep up the Royal prestige in the south. His 
 Royal Highness, being only four years old, will not prove a very formidable 
 adversary to encounter. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 149. 
 Consul Abbott to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received November 20.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tabreez, October 23, 1856. 
 
 I HAD the honour of receiving on the 20th instant, your Lordship's 
 despatch of September 22, directing me to break up Her Majesty's Consulate, 
 and retire from Tabreez to Bagdad. 
 
 I had then just started my family off towards the Russian frontier, on 
 their way to Trebizond, in company with the family of Mr. Stevens, Her 
 Majesty's Consul at Tehran ; at the second stage from this, Mrs. Stevens was 
 attacked by cholera (which has appeared here since the 15th instant), and died 
 the same day, leaving three helpless children, who now proceed under charge 
 of my wife ; but the latter has two young children of her own, is herself in 
 weak health, and has been deserted by her female attendant at the last hour ; 
 I am, therefore, under the necessity of so far departing from your Lordship's 
 instructions, by proceeding at once to overtake my family and conduct them 
 to Trebizond, instead of going direct to Bagdad, and I hope to leave this 
 to-morrow. 
 
 I trust this deviation from the precise instructions your Lordship has 
 given me, may be pardoned in consideration of the difficult circumstances in 
 which my family is placed ; I could not allow my family to proceed without my 
 escort on such a journey since the death of Mrs. Stevens, and there are many 
 difficulties and some dangers to be encountered on the way. I feel confident 
 of your Lordship's indulgence in such a case, and am further assured by the 
 previous permission your Lordship gave to me to escort my family out of Persia 
 if necessary. 
 
 From Trebizond I propose proceeding to Bagdad, byway of Samsoon and 
 Moossul. 
 
 Your Lordship directs me to place any British subjects who are not dis- 
 posed to accompany me out of Persia, under the protection of the French 
 Consul ; but no such functionary has ever resided here, and the few English 
 subjects at Tabreez prefer applying to the Russian Consul-General for his 
 protection, which he is ready to give them. 
 
 I shall forward, by a safe opportunity, the archives of Her Majesty's 
 Consulate here, to that at Erzeroom, there being no means at present of sending 
 them to Bagdad. 
 
 I shall carefully attend to all the other instructions given me by your 
 Lordship. 
 
195 
 
 No. 150. . 
 Consul Abbott to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received November 20.) 
 
 (Extract.) ^ Tabreez, October 23, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that orders have just 
 arrived from Tehran, of an urgent nature, for the dispatch of five regi- 
 ments to the capital, which number, however, includes one regiment 
 previously ordered in that direction, but which has never marched. 
 
 No. 151. 
 The Earl of Shelburne to Consul Abbott. 
 
 Sir, Foreign Office, November 25, 1856. 
 
 I AM directed by the Earl of Clarendon to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your despatch of the 23rd ultimo,* reporting your proceedings in carrying 
 out the instruction which you had received to withdraw from Tabreez, 
 and explaining the circumstances under which you were about to accompany 
 your family to Trebizond, instead of proceeding directly to Bagdad. 
 
 I am to state to you, in reply, that Lord Clarendon approves your pro- 
 ceedings as reported in your despatch ; but his Lordship has no wish to separate 
 you from your family, and you are, consequently authorized, if you wish it, to 
 remain with your family at Trebizond, instead of proceeding to Bagdad. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) SHELBURNE. 
 
 No. 152. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received November 25.) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 10, 1856. 
 
 MY communications with Ferokh Khan, in virtue of your Lordship's 
 instruction, are hitherto by no means satisfactory with respect to its conditions, 
 what I have obtained from him in writing is defective as compared with the oral 
 promises, both as respects his powers, and as respects the terms of compliance. 
 Such as the papers are, I transmit them herewith to your Lordship. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 152. 
 Ferokh Khan to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Translation.) 4 Rebiul-evvel, 1273. 
 
 MAY his Excellency the possessor of greatness, the exalted in rank and 
 station, the sufficient and resjjonsible by birth, the friciidly, the kind, dear and 
 great Lord Stratford de RedcUrte, Ambassador Extraordinary of the exalted 
 Government of England, be pleased to cast his eyes (on this). 
 
 O Excellency, possessor of greatness, exalted in rank and station ! O the 
 Friendly ! O the Kind ! O the Great ! 
 
 Your Excellency has desired of me in writing the degrees of power of him 
 ■w ho bears friendship. This is it that extreme trouble (to your Excellency) is 
 given about. That I have from the Persian Government the full power to 
 discuss with your Excellency the question of coolness between the two 
 Governments of Persia and England, and I feel great pleasure in being ready 
 to send to your Excellency any resolution for the preservation and duration of 
 friendship between the two Governments proper to the position of both sides. 
 
 (L.S.) FEROKH KHAN. 
 
 * No. 149. 
 
 2 C 2 
 
196 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 152. 
 Lord Stratford de Redclife to Mr. Churchill. 
 
 Therapia, November 4, 1856. 
 
 TELL the Persian Ambassudor tiiat his letter does not, by any means, 
 contain what lie and the Charge d' Affaires led me to expect. I require a 
 ■written declaration, signed and sealed by him, that he has full powers to settle 
 all pending differences with England, and to give complete satisfaction without 
 delay. Without such declaration I can hold no further intercourse with his 
 Excellency. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 1 52. 
 
 Mr. Churchill to Lord Stratford de Redclife. 
 
 Constantinople, November 5, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE communicated your Excellency's message to Ferokh Khan, and 
 his answer is, that he considers his written declaration of the 3rd instant as quite 
 sufficient ; that he has, however, no objection to give another document corre- 
 sponding with the terms contained in your Excellency's despatch to me, with 
 the exception of the phrase relative to " complete satisfaction without delay." 
 He appeals to your Lordship's impartiahty, and asks if it is possible for an 
 Ambassador to bind himself down to accept, on the part of his Government, 
 propositions as yet unknown to him, and that " without delay." Ferokh Khan 
 adds, that after an intei-view and explanation on both sides, he will undoubtedly 
 do his utmost to satisfy the British Government. He has begged me to 
 transmit these explanations to your Excellency, and bring him back an answer. 
 I have obtained from Ferokh Khan a translation in French of the declaration 
 of the 3rd instant, which I have the honour to inclose for your Excellency's 
 information. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 152. 
 
 Declaration. 
 
 Le 4 Rebiul-evvel, 12?3, 
 
 VOTRE Excellence a voulu que je lui disc, par ecrit, quels sont mes 
 pouvoirs. J'ai I'honueur de vous declarer que j'ai, de la part du Gouverneraent 
 Pei*san, des pleins pouvoirs pour entrer en negociation avec votre Excellence au 
 sujet du differend qui existe entre la Perse et I'AngleteiTe ; et c'est avec le plus 
 vif empressement que je suis pret de signer, avec le consentement de votre 
 Excellence, pour la conservation de I'amitie de ccs deux Puissances, tout 
 arrangement qui serait convenable a I'etat de ces deux Gouvernements. 
 
 (Signe) MEERZA MALCUM KHAN. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 152. 
 
 Fei'okh Khan to Lord Stratford de RedcUffe. 
 (Translation.) 
 Excellency, A: Rebiul-evvel, 1273. (November^, 1856.) 
 
 \OUR Excellency has desiied to be made acquainted in writing with my 
 jjowers. I therefore do myself the honour to state to your Lordship that 1 
 have received from the Persian Government full powers to discuss witli your 
 lixcellency the question of coolness existing lietween the two Governments 
 of Persia and England ; and I feel great pleasure in being able to sign with 
 
197 
 
 your Excellency any agreement calculated to promote the preservation and 
 duration of friendship between the two Governments, and not derogatory to their 
 dignity. 
 
 (L.S.) FEROKH KHAN. 
 
 No. 153. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redclife. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, November 27, 18.56. 
 
 1 IIA^'^E to state to your Excellency that Her Majesty's Government 
 approve of your comuimiications with the Persian Ambassador, as reported in 
 your despatch of the 10th instant. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON, 
 
 No. 154. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffc to the Earl of Clarendon, — {Received December 6.) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 16, 1S56. 
 
 I HAVE had some furtlier conmiunications with Ferokh Khan, the Persian 
 Ambassador. 
 
 Like those v.'hich preceded, they have led to no satisfactory result. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 154. 
 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de RedcUffe. 
 
 (Extract.) Pera, November 14, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the lionour to forward herewith Ferokh Khan's answer to your 
 Excellency's last communication, together Avith a French translation furnished 
 by the Persian Mission. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 154. 
 
 Ferokh Khan to Lord Stratford de RedcUffe. 
 (Traduction.) 
 
 COMME mon but est que I'arrangement que j'aurai I'honneur de faire avec 
 votrc Excellence pour I'aplanissement du difterend qui existe entre nos deux 
 Gouvernements, soit stable et exempt de tout changement, je crois necessaire 
 de demander a votre Excellence si le Gouvernement Anglais a transmis ses 
 propositions au Gouvernement Persan en lui demandant une reponse. Dans 
 le cas oil le Gouvernement Anglais aurait demande directement une reponse au 
 Gouvernement Persan, il serait necessaire que nous attendions la reponse de 
 Teheran; et si apr^s ma mission pour I'arrangement de la question actuelle, 
 aucune proposition n'a ete faite |de la part du Gouvernement Anglais au 
 Gouvernement Persan, je prie votre Excellence de me le declarer par ecrit, afin 
 que je puisse agir avec certitude et faire avec le plus vif empressement tout ce 
 qui d^pendrait des efforts de mon Gouvernement pour satisfaire I'Angleterre, qui 
 est une grande Puissance et qui est rancienne amie de la I'erse. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 AS my object is, that the arrangement which 1 shall have the lionour to 
 make with your Excellency for smoothing the difference which exists between 
 the two Governments should be lasting, and not open to alteration,..! think it 
 
198 
 
 necessary to ask your Excellency whether the English Government has trans- 
 mitted these propositions to the Persian Government, and required from it an 
 answer. If the English Government has demanded a direct answer from the 
 Persian Government, it will he necessary that we should await that answer from 
 Tehran ; and if since my mission for the an-angement of the question at issue 
 no proposition has been made on the part of the English Government to the 
 Persian Government, I beg your Excellency to state the fact to me in writing, 
 so that I shall be able to act with certainty and do with the greatest promptitude 
 all that depends on the endeavours of my Government to satisfy England, which 
 is a great Power and the old friend of Persia. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 154. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 Sir, Therapia, November 14, 1856. 
 
 I SEND you a Declaration in the sense required by Ferokh Khan. 
 
 You will make its contents known to him orally, word for word, and consign 
 it to him on liis giving you, at the same time, a satisfactory and distinct reply, 
 in writing, to my demand, communicated to liis Excellency by you and 
 Mr. Churchill, respecting the immediate evacuation of Herat and its territory by 
 the Persian troops, and the payment of a compensation for the damages done 
 by them there. 
 
 His declaration is to be so worded as to engage his Government to the 
 execution of its purport. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 154. 
 Declaration. 
 
 Therapia, November 15, 1856. 
 
 I DECLARE that no demand requiring an answer has, to my knowledge, 
 been addressed directly by the British Government to the Persian Government 
 since the Earl of Clarendon's letter to the Sadr Azim, who, in reply, refen-ed 
 to the powers with which his Excellency Ferokh Khan was stated to be 
 furnished. 
 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 154. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, November 16, 1856. 
 
 IN conformity with your Excellency's instruction of the 15th instant, I 
 called upon Ferokh Khan, and made known to him orally the contents of your 
 Excellency's Declaration. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador desired me to convey to your Excellency, with 
 all respect, the following observations in reply : — 
 
 1st. He wishes to know whether an ultimatum has been sent to Tehran by 
 the British Government, and begs that your Excellency will be pleased to return 
 an official answer to tlris question. 
 
 2ndly. He objects to the words, "to my knowledge," in your Excellency's 
 Declaration, on account of the uncertainty implied. 
 
 3rdly. That your Excellency's Declaration being destitute of any address, 
 he could not accept it as an official answer to his last official letter ; and, 
 
 4thly. That if your Excellency consents to forward him an official answer, 
 which should be satisfactory, as regards the above-mentioned points, he would 
 
199 
 
 not ask that it should be delivered into his hands before he had returned an 
 answer relative to the evacuation of Herat. 
 
 In consequence of Ferokh Khan's unwillingness to return " a satisfactory 
 and distinct reply in writing" to your Excellency's demand as to Herat, I did 
 not leave your Declaration with him, but inclose it herein, together with the 
 other papers. 
 
 I. have, &c. 
 (Signed) LIONEL MOORE. 
 
 Inclosure 6 in No. 1 54. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Reddiffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 (Extract.) Thei-apia, November 16, 1856. 
 
 IN consequence of what you have reported to me this morning as the result 
 of your last communication with Ferokh Khan, I desire that you will lose no 
 time in calling upon his Excellency again, and saying to him, on ray part, word 
 for word, what follows : 
 
 There is nothing to add to my declaration, and I repeat the demand which, 
 preceded it. The Declaration, in my handwriting, signed and dated by me, is 
 presented to the Ambassador by an officer of this Embassy. Until I receive 
 from him the engagement in writing, for which, at his request, the Declaration 
 was made, it is idle for me to hold any further communication with him. He is 
 the best judge, under responsibility, of his own duties and the interests of his 
 Court. 
 
 No. 155. 
 Lord Stratford de Reddiffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received December 6.) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 23, 1856. 
 
 INCLOSED herewith, in copy, for your information, are such additional 
 instructions, reports, and declarations as have passed on tlie subject of the 
 Persian negotiations, since I had last the honour of addressing your Loi'dship. 
 Ferokh Khan is to call here to-morrow, and to give me his answer to the terms 
 of arrangement which I have made known to him in writing, as those prescribed 
 by Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 155. 
 
 Ferokh Khan's Declaration to Lord Stratford de Reddiffe. 
 
 (Traduction.) 
 
 Aprfes les Titres. Le 9 Novembre, 1856. 
 
 AY ANT vequ la communication de votre Excellence concernant Herat, je 
 declare de la mani^re la plus forraelle, que je suis pret k vous donner les 
 assurances les plus completes pour I'e'vacuation de Herat, et h faire avec votre 
 Excellence sur ce point un arrangement qui soit satisfaisant pour I'Angleterre 
 et en meme temps propre k assurer la tranquillite des fronti^res de la Perse. 
 
 Quant h la compensation des dommages des habitants de Herat, comme 
 jusqu'k present il n'a jamais ete question de cette proposition, et que le Gouverne- 
 ment Persan ne croyait point que le Gouvernement Anglais aurait jamais fait 
 une pareille proposition, je n'ai point d'instruction relative a cette question ; 
 cependant, apr^s avoir vu votre Excellence, et apres nous etre entendus sur ce 
 point, je m'empresserai a le transmettre h Teheran,' et il y a lieu k esperer que 
 les Ministres Persans chercheront, autant qu'il leur sera possible, & prendre en 
 consideration tout ce qui est necessaire pour la conservation de Tamitie de 
 I'Angleterre. 
 
200 
 
 (Translation.) 
 After Titles. November 9, 1856. 
 
 HAVING received the communication from your Excellency concerning 
 Herat, I declare, in the most formal manner, that T am ready to give you the 
 most complete assurances as to the evacuation of Herat, and to make with your 
 Excellency on this point an arrangement which shall be satisfactory to England, 
 and, at the same time, calculated to insure the tranquillity of the Persian frontier. 
 
 With i-egard to the compensation for the damages done to the inhabitants 
 of Herat, as there has never yet been any question of this proposition, and as 
 the Persian Government did not anticipate that the English Government would 
 have ever made such a proposition, 1 have no instructions relative to this 
 question ; but after having seen your Excellency, and after having come to an 
 agreement with you upon it on this point, I will hasten to transmit such agree- 
 ment to Tehran, and there is reason to hope that the Persian Ministers will 
 endeavour, as for as possible, to take into consideration everything that is 
 requisite for the preservation of friendship with England. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No, 1 55. 
 Lord Stratford de Redclife to Mr. Moore. 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 20, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your report dated yesterday, forwarding to me Ferokh 
 Khan's written answer to my message to his Excellency through you. The 
 litei-al purport of that message was, that he should be " prepared to pledge his 
 Government officially to the immediate withdrawal of the Persian troops from 
 Herat and its tenitory, and to the payment of compensation for all damages 
 done by them therein." Although his Excellency's answer is wanting in 
 clearness, you may give him the Declaration which I conditionally promised ; but 
 you will state to him, at the same time, that being now directed by express 
 orders t'rom Her Majesty's Government to break off all intercourse with him 
 and his Government, and to refer them to General Outram, the Commander- 
 in<-hief of the British expedition to Persia, unless our present communications 
 are brought to an immediate and satisfactory conclusion, I cannot consent to 
 receive him, and complete our communications as to the W'hole ultimatum, 
 unless he states to me officially, by way of explanation, that he is prepared to 
 accept, without any kind of condition, my demand, as stated above, respecting 
 Herat. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 1 55. 
 Ferokh Khan's Declaration about Herat. 
 
 (Traduction.) Ce 23 Rebiul-evvel, 1273. 
 
 J'AI I'honneur de vous declarer formelleraent que je suis pret h engager 
 officiellement le Gouvernement Persan h la retraite immediate de ses troupes de 
 Herat et de son territoire, et en outre je suis pr^t h faire avec votre Excellence 
 un arrangement satisfaisant concernant le paiement de la compensation des 
 dommages des Heratiens. 
 
 (L.S.) FEROKH KHAN. 
 
 ..QV 
 
 (Translation.) ' 
 
 23 Rebiul-evvel, 1273. 
 I HAVE the honour formally to declare to you that I am ready officially 
 to engage the Persian Government immediately to withdraw its troo])s from 
 Herat and its territory ; and, moreover, I am ready to enter into a satisfactory 
 an-angement with your Excellency concerning the payment of compensation for 
 damages done to the people of Herat. 
 
 (L,S.) FEROKH KHAN. 
 
201 
 
 Tnclosure 4 in No. 155. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 Sr, Therapia, November 21, 1856. 
 
 IMMEDIATELY on the receipt of this instruction, you will take 
 Mr. Churchill with you, and wait on the Persian Ambassador. 
 
 You will inform his Excellency that, being satisfied with his declaration 
 respecting Herat, I no longer object to receiving him, though he can hardly fail 
 to agree with me that an interview will be more opportune after his acceptation 
 of the remaining conditions, for which he has been prepared, and which are 
 already fully stated in the accompanying Memorandum. 
 
 The Memorandum, translated into French from the original instruction, 
 is to be carefully explained to Ferokh Khan by you, with the assistance of 
 Mr. Churchill. If his Excellency is prepared to accept the conditions thus 
 drawn out, a single meeting will suffice to give them the appropriate form of an 
 agreement, binding on both parties, and it cannot be necessary for me to point 
 out the importance of dispatch with reference to the interests of Persia. Her 
 Majesty's Government reserve their right to alter these conditions if they are 
 not accepted at once, and to demand compensation for the expense of carrying 
 into efli'ect the indispensable measures now in progress. 
 
 You will read and explain to his Excellency with care the whole of this 
 instruction, after he shall have been put in possession of the conditions required 
 from Persia. 
 
 I have &c. 
 (Signed) ' STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE, 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 155. 
 Memorandum for Ferokh Khan. 
 
 LA Perse s'engage h retirer immediatement de H^rat et de son territoire 
 toutes les troupes Persanes, et h. payer une compensation pour tous les dommages 
 qu'elles y auront faits. 
 
 2. La Perse s'engagera envers I'Angleterre par un Traits formel a renoncer 
 k toute pretention, de quelle nature qu'elle puisse Itre, d'intervenir dans les 
 affaires de Herat, ou de toute partie quelconque de I'Affghanistan, h ne recevoir 
 dans aucun temps des ouvertures tendantes ;\ la faire intervenir dans leurs 
 affaires interieures, k reconnaitre leur inde'pendance absolue, et k rapporter k la 
 mediation de I'Angleterre tout diffierend que la Perse pourrait avoir desormais 
 avec eux. 
 
 3. La Perse negociera et conclura un nouveau Traite de Commerce avec 
 I'Angleterre, au moyen duquel tout differend qui s'est eleve entre les deux 
 Gouvernements sera arrange, et le droit de nommer des Consuls en quelque 
 partie que ce soit des territoires Persans sera accorde a I'Angleterre. 
 
 4. Tor.tes les dettes dues aux sujets Britanniqiies seront payees de suite, et 
 I'on s'enteiidra par rapport aux reclamations contestees. 
 
 5. La Perse fera un arrangement relatif a Bender Abbas de mani^re a 
 contenter I'lmaum de Muscat, I'ariii de I'Angleterre. 
 
 6. Sa Majesty le Schah, considerant la part qu'a prise le Sadr Azim actuel 
 dans les differends qui ont eclate en dernier lieu entre les deux pays, le dis- 
 graciera, et nommera a sa place un Ministre plus dispose a maintenir la bonne 
 entente entre I'Angleterre et la Perse. 
 
 Les dits engagements, en ce qui regarde Herat et Affghanistan, et la retraite 
 de toutes les troupes Persanes en de^a de la frontiere de Khorassan, etant 
 conclus et certifies par le Schah, et Sa Majesty ayant pris I'engagement solennel 
 muni de son cachet, que, la sixieme condition ayant ete remplie, les autres 
 conditions susdites seront mises k execution dans un delai de six mois apres le 
 retour de la Mission Britannique k Teheran, et que le retour de la Mission sera 
 accotupagnce de toutes les apologies et de toutes les ceremonies deja specifiees, a 
 I'exception de celles que le renvoi du Sadr Azim actuel mettra hors de question, 
 la Mission Britannique retournera a Teheran, et les forces Britanniques seront 
 retirees du territoire Persan dans un delai qui n'excedera pas le terme de six mois 
 apr^s le retour de la Mission. 
 
 2 D 
 
202 
 
 (T anslation.) 
 
 PERSIA engages immediately to withdraw all the Persian troops from 
 Herat and its territory, and to pay compensation for all damages done by them 
 tht-rein. 
 
 2. Persia shdll enter into a formal Treaty with England, by which Persia 
 will 1 enounce all pretensions of any kind to interfere in the affairs of Herat, or 
 of any portion of Affghanistan ; will engage not to receive, at any time, overtures 
 to interfere in their internal affairs ; will recognise their absolute independence; 
 and will agree to refer to British mediation any differences which Persia may 
 hereafter have with them. 
 
 3. Persia shall negotiate and conclude a new Treaty of Commerce with 
 England, by which all questions which have hitherto given rise to discussioa 
 between the two Governments sliall bo settled, and the right be conceded to 
 England of appointing Consuls in any part of Persia. 
 
 4. All debts due to British subjects shall forthwith be paid, and an under- 
 standing come to on disputed claims. 
 
 5. Persia shall make an arrangement respecting Bender Abbas, satisfactory 
 to the Imaum of Muscat, the friend of England. 
 
 6. His Majesty the Shah, in consideration of the part taken by the Sadr 
 Azim in the late differences between the two countries, shall dismiss him, and 
 replace him by a Minister more hkely to maintain a good understanding between 
 England and Persia. 
 
 Upon the conclusion and ratification by the Shah of these engagements as 
 regards Herat and Afghanistan, and the withdrawal of the whole of the Persian 
 troops within the frontier of Khorassan, and upon the solemn engagement, under 
 the seal of His Majesty, that the sixth condition having been complied with, the 
 remainder of the conditions shall be carried into effect six months after the 
 return of the British Mission to Tehran, and that the return of the Mission 
 shall be attended with all the apologies and ceremonies already specified, except 
 those which the removal of the Sadr Azim renders impracticable, the British 
 Mission will return to Tehran, and the British forces will be withdrawn from the 
 Persian territory within a period not exceeding six months after the return of the 
 Mission. 
 
 Inclosure 6 in No. 1 55. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, November 22, 1856. 
 
 IN compliance with your Excellency's instruction, under date of the 21st 
 instant, which only reached me to-day, Mr. Churchill and myself waited upon 
 Ferokh Khan. 
 
 We informed him that your Lordship was satisfied with his declaration 
 respecting Herat ; that you no longer objected to see him ; and observed to 
 him that an interview would be more opportune after his acceptance of the 
 remaining conditions as stated in the Memorandum. 
 
 Mr. Churchill and myself proceeded then to explain to Ferokh Khan the 
 contents of the Memorandum, and pointed out to him the necessity of dispatch 
 in the interest of Persia ; and concluded by saying that Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment reserve their right to alter these conditions, if they were not accepted at 
 once, and to demand compensation for the expense of carrying into effect the 
 indispensable measures now in progress. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador desired us to give him a copy of the Memorandum, 
 which we refused to do, not having been instructed by your Excellency to 
 comply with a similar request. His Excellency then begged us to telegraph to 
 your Excellency his request to be furnished with a copy of the Memorandum. 
 He also named Tuesday, with your Excellency's consent, as the day upon 
 which he purposed to visit you at Therapia, and to give your Excellency the 
 answer to the conditions contained in the Memorandum. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) LIONEL MOORE. 
 
203 
 
 No. 156. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received December 10.) 
 
 (Extract.) Tehran, October 25, 1856. 
 
 CALLING upon the Turkish Charge d' Affaires yesterday afternoon, I 
 found him moiintinji: his horse to visit me for the purpose oi communicating 
 an official message on the part of the Sadr Azim, who had requested him to 
 say to me that if the Persian Government were iiirnished with a written assur- 
 ance that the British Government would prevent the Ameer Dost Mahomed 
 Khan from either marching upon or occupying Herat, the Persian army now 
 there would be immediately recalled. 
 
 I told the Ottoman Agent that my instructions from yonr Lordship strictly 
 forbade me from holding any direct or indirect communication with the Persian 
 Government on poHlical subjects, and that I must therefore decline taking any 
 notice of the message which had been confided to him. 
 
 Your Lordship will no doubt have in mind that by the concluding part of 
 the 6th Article of the bilateral arrangement of January 1853, Her Alajesty's 
 Government is in a way bound to exercise some such interference in the event 
 of Herat being ever menaced by Affghan troops from Candahar or Cabul. 
 
 The Persian Foreign Office has been busily engaged for some days past in 
 drawing up a long narrative (supported by vouchers) respecting this particular 
 cause of difference between Persia and England. The document will be trans- 
 mitted this evening to the Persian Resident Minister at St. Petersburgh for 
 communication to tlie Russian Government. I am informed, on good authority, 
 that among the documents upon which the Persian Government founds its claim 
 to consider the arrangement of 1853 regarding Herat as null and void, or rather 
 as not strictly binding upon this countiy, are two letters said to have been 
 addressed by Sir Justin Sheil, one dated the 28th January, 1853, to the Foreign 
 Minister, and another of the 3lst January following, to the Sadr Azim, in which 
 Sir Justin declares that he shall consider himself at perfect liberty to hold inter- 
 course with Herat, to send agents there, to treat with its Chief as an inde- 
 pendent Prince, &c. ; in fact, to do, in regard to Herat, whatever he pleases, 
 without consulting the Persian Government, although it may be in entire 
 opposition to the spiiit of the Vlth Article of the Convention, signed by him 
 and the Sadr Azim a fortnight or so before. If these letters are authentic, 
 copies of them will, 1 presume, exist at tlie Foreign Office. 
 
 No. 157. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, December 11, 1856. 
 
 HER Majesty's Government entirely approve of your Excellency's 
 proceedings in the matter of Persian affairs, as reported in your despatch of the 
 23rd ultimo. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 158. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received December 1 1 .) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 30, 1856. 
 
 INCLOSED herewith, for the information of Hsr Majesty's Government, 
 are copies of such further correspondence as I have had with or conci'rning the 
 Persian Ambassador since I had last the honour of addressing your Lordship on 
 that subject. 
 
 2 D 2 
 
204 
 
 Inclosure I in No. 1 58. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 25, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE to request that you will call this morning on Ferokh Khan. The 
 translation of his second Declaration will be the motive of your visit, joined with 
 his delivery of the further Declaration promised yesterday respecting satisfaction 
 to Mr. Murray and his Mission. I expect it to be a full, unqualified engage- 
 ment that his Government will execute all the conditions prescribed by the ulti- 
 matum forwarded from me to the Sadr Azim through the Persian Charge 
 d'Affaires early in the last summer. With the two Declarations in hand to my 
 satisfaction, I will not refuse to submit his proposal of referring to his Court 
 by a special messenger, to return with a definitive answer in foi'ty days, he, 
 Ferokh Khan, remaining here till then. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. J 58. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Extract.) Pera, November 26, 1856. 
 
 ON the receipt of your Excellency's instruction of the 25th instant, 
 Mr. Churchill and myself called on the Persian Ambassador. 
 
 We informed Ferokh Khan that with the two satisfactoiy Declarations in 
 your Excellency's hands, that is to say, the Declaration promised by him respect- 
 ing Mr. Murray and his Mission, and the Declaration already in your Excellency's 
 possession, concerning the evacuation of Herat and the payment of indemnity to 
 its inhabitants, you would not refuse to submit to Her Majesty's Government 
 his proposal of referring to his Court by a special messenger, to return with a 
 definitive answer in forty days, he, Ferokh Khan, remaining here till then. 
 
 Ferokh Khan observed to us that he did not perceive any serious impedi- 
 ment to his acceptance of the ultimatum sent to his Court through the Persian 
 Charg^ d'Affaires here in the early part of last summer ; but that he would 
 return an answer in writing to your Excellency to-morrow, regarding it. He 
 promised, at the same time, to inform you whether he could dispatch a special 
 messenger with the further conditions to Tehran, and wait here for his Govern- 
 ment's instructions. 
 
 I have the honour to inclose, herewith, Ferokh Khan's second Declaration, 
 accompanied by a French translation furnished by the Persian Embassy, respect- 
 ing the evacuation of Herat by the Shah's forces since its surrender to the 
 Persian troops. 
 
 Ferokh Khan is anxious to have a copy of the ultimatum sent to Tehran 
 last summer regarding Mr. Murray and the Mission. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 158. 
 Ferokh Khan to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 Excellence, Le 26 Novembre, 1856. 
 
 J'AI eu I'honneur de vous declarer par ecrit que j'etais pr^t a engager 
 o^iellement le Gouvernemont Persan k la retraite immediate de ses troupes 
 de Herat et de son territoire, et qu'en outre j'etais pret a faire avec votre 
 Excellence un arrangement satisfaisant cnncernant le payement des dommages 
 des Heratiens. Depuis lors j'ai appris par une d^p^che officielle que les troupes 
 de Sa Majeste le Schah avaient pris possession de Herat, sans effusion de sang, 
 et h. la demande de la population de la ville. Malgre cet ^venement je me fais 
 un devoir de maintenir dans son entier ma declaration precedente et que j'ai 
 repute ci-dessus. 
 
 rL.S.; FEROKH KHAN. 
 
205 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 Excellency, November 26, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE had the honour to state to you in writing, that I was ready 
 officially to engage the Persian Government immediately to withdraw its troops 
 from Herat and from its territory ; and that, moreover, I was ready to make with 
 your Excellency a satisfactory arrangement concerning the payment of the 
 losses of the Heratees. Since then I have learnt by an official despatch that 
 the troops of His Majesty the Shah had taken possession of Herat, without 
 bloodshed, and at the request of the population of the town. Notwithstanding 
 this event, I feel bound to adhere fully to my former declaration, which I have 
 repeated above. 
 
 (L.S.) FEROKH KHAN. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 1.58. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 27, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE to request that immediately on the receipt of this instruction you 
 will again wait, as before, on Ferokh Khan. 
 
 I must beg to decline as useless the proposed honour of another interview, 
 unless the Ambassador will consent to come here to-morrow, between 12 and 2 
 o'clock, prepared to sign the ultimatum of which he is already in possession. 
 
 'llie terms of that part of the idtimatuni which were sent to the Sadr Azini 
 early in summer are inclosed herewith, adcreeably to the Ambassador's wish, in 
 the words employed by Her Majesty's Secretary of State. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 158. 
 Articles of Reparation required from Persia. 
 
 THE Sadr Azim to write a letter to Mr. Murray, expressing his regret at 
 having uttered and given currency to the oifensive imputations upon the honour 
 of Her Majesty's Ministers, and requesting to withdraw his own letter of the 
 19th of November, and the two letters of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the 
 26th of November, one of which contains a rescript from the Shah, repeating 
 the imputation upon Mr. Murray. The Sadr Azim to declare, in the same 
 letter, that no such further rescript from the Shah as that inclosed in copy was 
 communicated, directly or indirectly, to any of the other foreign Missions at 
 Tehran ; and a copy of the Sadr Aziui's letter, containing this apology and 
 declaration, to be officially commvinicated by the Sadr Azim to each of the 
 foreign Missions at Tehran. The original letter to be transmitted to 
 Mr. Murray at Bagdad by the hand of some high Persian officer, and accom- 
 panied by an invitation to Mr. Murray, in the name of the Shah, to return with 
 the Mission to Tehran, another person of suitable rank being appointed to 
 conduct him as Mehmandar on his journey through Persia. Mr. Murray, on 
 approaching the Persian capital, to be received by persons of high rank deputed 
 to escort him into the town and to his residence ; or, at all events, at noon on 
 the following day, the Sadr Azim to go in state to the residence of the British 
 Mission, and personally renew friendly relations, and then accompany him to the' 
 presence of the Shah. 
 
 Meerza Hashem to proceed to Shiraz as agent of the British Mission, his 
 wife being at once returned to him. 
 
 When the British flag is again hoisted over the residence of the British : 
 Mission, the reconciliation which will have been effected between the two 
 Governments to be made known to the inhabitants of Tehran by a salute of 
 twenty-one guns, in honour of the British flag. The Sadr Azina immediately 
 afterwards to pay a visit of ceremony to Her Majesty's Minister, who would> 
 return it next day. ; . .,: 
 
206 
 
 Her Majesty's Government will consent that the whole of the correspond- 
 ence between Her Majesty's Mission and the Persian Government in rea;ard 
 to the appointment of Meerza Hashem shall be mutually withdrawn and 
 cancelled. 
 
 Inclosure 6 in No. 158. 
 Mr. Moors to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Extract.) • Pera, November 28, \85Q. 
 
 MR. CHURCHILL and myself called at an early hour this morning upon 
 the Persian Ambassador. 
 
 As regards the paragraph of your Excellency's instruction in which you 
 state that you beg to decline another interview unless Ferokh Khan is prepared 
 to sign the ultimatum — that is to say, the six conditions — his Excellency desired 
 us to inform you that he had not the power to do so, and, therefore, could not 
 comply with the request. Such, he added, was my answer to Lord Stratford at 
 our interview. 
 
 The terms of that part of the ultimatum which were sent to the Sadr Azim 
 early last summer, he promised to accede to, but requested the honour of another 
 meeting with your Excellency to examine and discuss ii.ore fully one or two of 
 the Articles, which, he said, were susceptible of slight modifications. 
 
 Ferokh Khan did not make the request for another interview a sine qud non, 
 but thought it would be advantageous to both Governments ; and he desired us 
 to inform you that he would not refuse to give a satisfactory declaration in 
 acceptance of that ultimatum, even were your Excellency to decline seeing him a 
 second time. 
 
 Ferokh Khan requested the favour of an answer without delay. 
 
 Inclosure 7 in No. 1 58. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, November 28, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE nothing to discuss with Ferokh Khan. He has to send me a 
 written Declaration pledging his Government to the execution of all that concerns 
 the return of Mr. Murray and his Mission to Tehran. The terms of that engage- 
 ment were placed in his hands by you two days ago. The new Articles, five in 
 number, he professes his readiness to send by express to his Government, and to , 
 ■wait here for instructions, he being unable, without them, to pledge his Court to 
 the acceptance of those articles. Let him act on this understanding at once. If 
 the written Declaration I now expect from him, be complete and satisfactory, I 
 will receive him again with pleasure, and if I receive the Declaration to-day or 
 early to-morrow morning, I will receive him, if he likes it, between 1 and 2 
 o'clock to-moiTow afternoon. 
 
 Inclosure 8 in No. 158. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, November 29, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's instruc- 
 tion of the 28th instant. 
 
 Ferokh Khan desired Mr. Churchill and myself to inform you that he would 
 send this afternoon a written Declaration pledging his Government to the execu- 
 tion of that part of the ultimatum concerning the return of Mr. Murray and his 
 Mission to Tehran. 
 
 His Excellency also promised to send a special messenger to Tehran by the 
 earliest opportunity with the five new Articles, and wait here for his Govern- 
 ment's instructions respecting them. 
 
207 
 
 Ferokh Khan further desired me to inform your Excellency that he would 
 do hin sslf the honour of calling upon you to-moiTOW between the hours of 1 
 and 2 ;n the afieraoon. 
 
 I have the honour to inclose herewith the Persian Ambassador's declaration, 
 accompanied by a translation made by Mr. Churchill. 
 
 1 have, &c. 
 (Signed) LIONEL MOORE. 
 
 Inclosure 9 in No. 158. 
 Ferokh Khan to Lord Stratford de RedcUffe 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 Excellency, 30 Rehiul-ewel, \273. (Noveviber 29, 1856.) 
 
 I HAVE accepted the terms of an ultimatum sent by your Excellency to 
 the Persian Ministers, tlu-ough the medium of Meerza Ahmed Khan, previous 
 to my an'ival at Constantinople ; but as the filing of guns at the caj^ital of 
 Persia has always been the special right and privilege of royalty, so much so 
 that this ceremony has never been performed even for the heir to the Crown, 
 a decision on this point is conse(juently submitted to the liberality oi the 
 English Government. A royal salute of twenty-one guns might be fired at 
 any other place on the Persian frontier that the British Mission might designate. 
 
 As the question of Herat has been settled to the satisfaction of the British 
 Government, the question relating to Meerza Hashem must also be settled in 
 conformity with the wishes of His Majesty the Shah, as stated in the conditions 
 made and communicated by the Persian Government ; and it is also self-evident 
 that His Majesty the Shah will receive Mr. Murray in the manner that the 
 Sovereigns of Europe receive Ambassadors of foreign Courts. 
 
 (L.S.) FEROKH KHAN. ■ 
 
 Inclosure 10 in No. 158. 
 Lord Stratford de RedcUffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 (Extract.) Tlierapia, Noveniher 29, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your report dated to-day, with the Persian Ambassador's 
 additional Declaration. The Declaration is not sufficient, and I return it here- 
 with. In giving it back without loss cf time to his Excellency, you will tell him 
 that I require a simple acceptance in writing of the terms which you delivered 
 to him from me, two or three days ago, pledging his Government to their execu- 
 tion. I must decline receiving him again until such a Declaration is delivered to 
 me in place of the one now returned. 
 
 Inclosure 11 in No. 158. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de RedcUffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, November 30, 1856, 
 
 HAVING returned, in compliance with your Excellency's instruction of the 
 29th instant, to Ferokh Khan, the unsatisfactory Declaration which I forwarded 
 yesterday, i have now the honour to transmit, herewith, another Declaration from 
 him, which is also accom|)anied by a translation made by Mr. Churchill. 
 
 Your Excellency will no doubt perceive that Ferokh Khan accepts the 
 ultimatum sent last summer through the Persian Charge d'Affaires to Tehran, 
 and not the one of which I gave him a copy from you, the terms of which he 
 describes as differing from those in the original version. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) L. MOORE. 
 
208 
 
 Inclosure 12 in No. 158. 
 
 Ferokh Khan to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 Excellency, 30 Rebiul-evvel, 1273. (29 November, 1856.) 
 
 I ACCEPT the terms of the ultimatnm that your Excellency, previous to 
 my arrival at Constantinople, sent to the Ministers of the Persian Government 
 through the medium of Hadji Meerza Ahmed Khan ; but, as the tiring of guns 
 at the Persian capital has always been the special right and privilege of royalty, 
 so much so that this ceremony is not even performed for tlie heir to the Crown, 
 the arrangement of this point is subinitted to the liberality of the English 
 Government. A royal salute of twenty-one guns might be fired at any other 
 place on the Persian frontier that the British Mission should designate. 
 
 (L.S.) FEROKH KHAN. 
 
 Inclosure 13 in No. !58. 
 Lord Strafford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 Sir, Therapia, November 30, 1856. 
 
 AS I would not willingly hurt the feelings of the Persian Ambassador, I do 
 not return his last Declaration, but am content to receive a postscript to it signed 
 equally by him to this effect : Informed by me that, while I accept his last Decla- 
 ration as pledging his Government to the execution of an ultimatum respecting 
 the return of Her Majesty's Mission to Tehran, I require, to prevent any uncer- 
 tainty hereafter, that the precise terms sent in to him on the 27th instant be 
 distinctly accepted as the real ultimatum to be carried into efl'ect, he accepts the 
 same without reserve, and only trusts to the liberal consideration of the British 
 Government with respect to the salute of twenty-one guns at Tehran, and the 
 return of Meerza Hashem as British Agent at Shiraz. 
 
 Yours, &c. 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. 
 
 P.S. — ^You may inform the Ambassador that I will answer for our Govern- 
 ment not pressing the return of Meerza Hashem to Shiraz as British Agent, if 
 Shah expresses a decided wish to that elfect. S. DE R. 
 
 Inclosure 14 in No. 158. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 Sir, Therapia, November 30, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE received your letter of this day's date, inclosing Ferokh Khan's 
 amended Declaration, together with Mr. Churchill's translation of it. 
 
 You will lose no time in applying to see the Ambassador again, and you 
 will inform him that I must adhere to my previous demand, namely, that he 
 declare in writing his official and imreserved acceptance of the terras which I 
 last communicated to him. They do not differ essentially from those communi- 
 cated by me early last summer to the Persian Charge d'Affaires for transmission 
 to his Court. No room must, however, be left for any kind of confusion or 
 uncertainty. Tf.e paper which contains the demands of my Government, 
 respecting the return of Her Majesty's Mission to Tehran, is that which I have 
 specified above, and for which I expect the Ambassador's signature. 
 
 The salute of twenty-one guns and the return of Meerza Hashem to Shiraz 
 may be safely left to the liberal consideration of the British Government. 
 
 1 have, &c. 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. 
 
209 
 
 No. 159. 
 Lord Stratford de Redclife to the Earl of Clarendon.— (Received December 14.) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, December 12, 1856. 
 
 ALL my endeavours to jjrevail on Ferokh Khan to redeem his pledges have 
 failed. Before sending to Tehran by express, and consenting to stay for the 
 reply, he requires a promise that no expedition shall meanwhile land in Persia, 
 and tliat nothing shall he added to the present ultimatum, not even a demand of 
 indemnity. I undertook, if he would do without more hesitation whatever he 
 had offered or accepted, to submit tl)e conditions of his stay to your Lordship 
 by telegraph. He now insists on my writing home first, and I send him word 
 that I have nothing to add. The terms of the ultimatum continue to tie me 
 down. The Sadr Azim's dismissal is a great obstacle. 
 
 No. IGO. 
 Sir Justin Sheil to Mr. Hammond. — (Received December 15.) 
 
 (Extract.) 2, Chester Square, December 13, 1856. 
 
 MR. STEVENS, in his despatch dated October 25 last, states that the 
 agi'eement made in 1853, relative to Herat, by tlie Persian Government is 
 " bilateral." This is an error. The arrangement is wholly one-sided ; the 
 document was signed or sealed by the Sadr Azini alone, and not by me. 
 
 When I accepted that agreement, the chief value that I attached to it was, 
 that while it bound the Persian Government to certain stipulations, it left Her 
 Majesty's Government free from all conditions whatever. The pretension, 
 therefore, of the Persian Ministers, that if the agreement is binding on Persia, 
 it must be equally so on Great Britain, seems to me, as the engagements are 
 exclusively on the Persian side, unsustainable. 
 
 I preserve no recollection of having written, nor do I find any trace of 
 having written, letters of the kind alluded to by Mr. Stevens on the 28th and 
 31st of January, 1853; but I find in ray despatch of the 17th of February, 
 1853, two inclosures (Nos. 4 and 8), dated on the 9th and Kith of February, to 
 the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Sedr Azim respectively, which I have no 
 doubt are the communications referred to. 
 
 After the arrangement regarding Herat was concluded, it was necessary I 
 should send a person to that city to proclaim the nature of the engagements 
 entered into by the Persian Government. 1 selected for this purpose a native 
 of Aft'ghanistan, who was under the protection of the Mission, and who was a 
 pensioner of the Indian Government. The Persian Government insisted that 
 I should send one of its own subjects on this mission, and made a strong 
 I'emonstrance to this effect. This it was that led to my declaration that I would 
 send whom I pleased, and when I pleased, to Herat. 
 
 Far from this interlude rendering the agreement null and void on the part 
 of Persia, the arrangement, as far as regards the publication of it in Herat, was 
 immediately carried out. 
 
 You will remark that the dates of my inclosures on the 9th and 13th of 
 February, correspond with the dates mentioned by Mr. Stevens, of the 28th and 
 31st of January, old style. If more proof be required to identify my letters of 
 the 9th and 13th of February, with those alluded to by Mr. Stevens of Januarv, I 
 would draw' attention to the circumstance that the letter of the 9th of February 
 (Russian 28th of January) was addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 
 while that of the 13th of February (Russian 31st of January) was written to the 
 Sadr Azim, precisely as stated by Mr. Stevens' informant. Moreover, the 
 language and expressions in my letters of February are identic with those brought 
 to the knowledge of Her Majesty's Consul. All this, coupled with the fact of 
 there being no letters of the 28th and 31st of January (new style) discoverable, 
 seems to me to set the matter at rest. 
 
 2 E 
 
210 
 
 At the risk of being prolix, I wish to observe that it is impossible that any 
 declarations of mine of tl;c nature cited could invalidate the agreement of the 
 Persian Ministers. Throughout the negotiation I studiously maintained the 
 absolute right of Her Majesty's Government to preserve relations with Herat, 
 and to treat that Principality as an independent Government. My object in 
 addressing the Persian Alinisters in the manner described, was to reiterate the 
 determination of Her Majesty's Government to uphold those principles. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 160. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to Meerza Si/ecl Khan. 
 
 February 9, 1853. 
 
 AS your Excellency's second private note of to-day is written in a tone 
 wholly different from the communication of this morning, I beg to answer that 
 I ascribe to myself the most entire freedom in communicating with Herat ; that 
 I will send there whom I please, when I please, and as often as I please, without 
 reference to the Persian Ministers, or communication or consultation with them, 
 exactly as I would to any other independent Government. 
 
 It is absolutely contrary to the fact to assert that it was agreed that an 
 Agent of the Mission at Meshed should be sent to Herat. There was no speci- 
 fication of persons. The Agent of this Mission has his own duties in Meshed, 
 which would render it impossible for him to leave that city, independent of other 
 recent circumstances connected with him, of which your Excellency is aware. 
 The Prime Minister seems to forget that he sent me a message by Meerza 
 Hossein Koolie, requesting me to dispatch the person who was to proceed from 
 Meshed. Your Excellency was, I think, present. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 160. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil to the Sadr Azim. 
 
 February 13, I8r)3. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's letter of the 12th February. I will 
 enter into no discussion with this Government as to the selection of the person 
 whom I shall send to Herat ; for, as I said to the Minister for Foreign Afllairs, 
 I exercise an absolute discretion on the subject. The person I shall employ is 
 Sultan Khan, whom I have already dispatched to Meshed. As for sending the 
 English Agent at Meshed, as your Excellency suggests, it is wholly out of the 
 question ; he has his own avocations. Moreover, I cannot admit the inter- 
 ference of the Persian Ministers in the matter ; and, besides this, the scandalous 
 treatment of this person by the Prince Governor of Khorassan, for which I have 
 still to obtain ample satisfaction from this (jovernment, incajjacitates him for 
 such a duty. 
 
 As the Persian Government has taken upon itself the responsibility of the 
 threat conveyed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that the arrangement and 
 other documents will not be transmitted to Herat, I claim from the Persian 
 Ministers a distinct announcement whether it is their purpose to adhere to their 
 engagement, and dispatch those documents to Herat in company with my 
 messenger, or whether I am to report to my Government that the Persian 
 Ministers refuse to do so. 
 
 I have &c. 
 (Signed) ' JUSTIN SHEIL. 
 
211 
 
 No. 161. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, December 16, 1856. 
 
 NOTHING will be added to the present ultimatum, provided that its 
 conditions are complied with, but delay will give rise to more stringent demands. 
 The Ambassador's request that our expedition to Persia may be delayed, cannot 
 be listened to. 
 
 We must insist upon the dismissal of the Sadr Azim. 
 
 No. 162. 
 Sir G. Clerk to Mr. Hammond. — (Received December 1 7.) 
 
 India Board, December 17, 1856. 
 
 SIR GEORGE CLERK presents his compliments to Mr. Hammond, and 
 transmits, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a 
 copy of three Proclamations issued by the Governor- General of India in Council, 
 on the 1 st of November, 1 856, in consequence of the intention to commence 
 hostile operations against Persia. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 162. 
 
 Proclamations. 
 
 Political Department, 
 Bombay Castle, November 10, 1856. 
 THE Right Honourable the Governor in Council is pleased to repubUsh, 
 for general information, the three following proclamations, issued by the Right 
 Honourable the Governor-General of India in Council, under date the 1st 
 instant. 
 
 By order of the Right Honourable the Governor in Council, 
 
 (Signed) H. L. ANDERSON, 
 
 Secretary to Government. 
 
 Proclamation. 
 
 Foreign Departmeet, 
 Fort William, November 1, 1856. 
 
 THE Right Honourable the Governor- General of India in Council, having, 
 under instructions from Her Majesty's Government, directed the assemblage of 
 a British force at Bombay, for service in the Persian Gulf, deems it proper to 
 make known the reasons which have rendered this measure necessary. 
 
 In the month of January 1853, certain Articles of Agreement were concluded 
 between Lieutenant-Colonel Shell, Her Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and 
 Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of the Shah of Persia, and his Highness 
 the Sadr Azim, or Prime Minister of the Persian Government. 
 
 By those Articles the Persian Government engaged not to send troops to 
 Herat, on any account, unless foreign troops — that is, troops from the direction 
 of Cabul or Candahar, or other foreign country — should invade Herat. In the 
 event of troops being sent, the Persian Government engaged that the said 
 troops should not enter the city of Herat, and that, on the return of the foreign 
 troops towards their own territory, the Persian troops should be immediately 
 withdrawn from the neighbourhood of Herat to Persian soil. 
 
 The Persian Government also engaged to abstain from all interference 
 whatsoever in the internal affairs of Herat, whether " in taking possession, or 
 occupying, or assuming the sovereignty, or governing, except in so far as 
 interference existed between the two parties during the lifetime of the late Yat 
 Mahomed." 
 
 2 E 2 
 
212 
 
 And, lastly, the Persian Government engaged to relinquish all pretension 
 to and demand for the coinage, or the reading of the "khootbeh," or any other 
 acknowledgment of allegiance or subjection, on the part of the people of Herat, 
 to the Government of Persia, 
 
 It was at the same time stipulated, that so long as there should be no 
 interference of any sort whatever on the part of the 13ritish Government in the 
 affairs of Herat, the engagements contracted by the Persian Government, as 
 aforesaid, should remain in full force and effect. On the other hand, it was 
 agreed, in the name of the British Government, that " if any foreign Power, 
 such as the AfFghans or others," should wish to interfere with or to take 
 possession of Herat, the British Government, on the re(juisition of the Persian 
 Ministers, would not object to restrain such foreign Power by friendly advice, 
 "so that Herat might remain in its own state of independence." 
 
 While the British Government has faithfully and constantly adhered to the 
 obligations which it accepted under the Agreement of January 1853, the 
 Government of Persia has manifested a deliberate and persevering disregard of 
 the reciprocal engagements by which it at the same time became bound, and is 
 now endeavoiu-ing to subvert by force the independence of Herat, which was the 
 declared object of the Agreement in question. 
 
 So far back as December 1855, the Persian Government, by an article in 
 the Tehran " Official Gazette," announced its intention of dispatching a force to 
 Herat, alleging that the Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan, the Ruler of Affghanisian, 
 had been instigated by his " neighbours" to jiossess himself of Candabar ; that 
 having, with their assistance, succeeded in that enterprise, he meditated an 
 advance upon Herat ; and that an armed demonstration in the direction of 
 Herat was I'equired for the preserA'ation of trancjuillity in Khorassan. 
 
 This assertion that the Ruler of Affghanistan was instigated by his " neigh- 
 bours" to occupy Candahar, or that he was assisted by them in possessing 
 himself of that city, or that he received advice or encouragement from them to 
 advance upon Herat, was — if by those " neighbours' the British Government 
 is indicated — wholly imtrue. No such instigation, or assistance, or encourage- 
 ment (direct or indirect), had been given by the British Government ; nor, so 
 far as the British Government is informed, had there been, when the assertion 
 was made, any act on the part of the Ameer Dost Mahomed Khan evincing a 
 design to advance upon Herat. 
 
 Nevertlielcss, the Persian Government has executed its intention. Not 
 only have Persian troops invaded the territory of Herat, although the con- 
 tingency which alone could justify such an act has not come to pass, but they 
 have laid siege to the city, and have interfered in its internal affairs ; while the 
 Government of Tehran has not only assumed the right to nominate the Ruler of 
 Herat, hut, in addressing the jiresent chief of the city, has declared Herat to be 
 Persian soil. 
 
 The siege of Herat has now been carried on by the Persian army for many 
 months. Before its commencement, and during its progress, the unfriendly 
 sentiments of Persia towards the British Government have been scarcely veiled ; 
 and recently, the movements of troo])s, in different parts of Persia, have indi- 
 cated a determination to persist in an aggression which is as unprovoked as it 
 is contrary to good faith. 
 
 The conduct of the Persian Government has been ])ronounced by Her 
 Majesty's Government to constitute an act of open hostility against Great 
 Britain. Reparation has been sought, but without success. The withdrawal of 
 the Persian troops from the r.cighbourhood of Herat to Persian soil has been 
 demanded, as a preliminary to the adjustment of differences to which the acts 
 of Persia alone have given rise ; but the demand has been evaded, and, according 
 to the most recent accounts, a Persian army still invests Herat. 
 
 Friendly remonstrance having failed, and a reasonable requisition having 
 been rejected or put aside, it becomes incumbent on the British Government to 
 take measures by which the Persian Government shall be convinced that solemn 
 engagements contracted with Great Britain may not be violated with impunity, 
 and by which efr'ectual guarantees against continuous breach of faith shall be 
 secured. 
 
 To this end a force has been directed to assemble at Bombay, and will 
 embark as soon as the necessary arrangements shall have been completed. The 
 lui'ther operations of the force, afcer it shall have reached the Persian Gulf, 
 
213 
 
 will be guided by such instructions as the progress of events, and the policy of 
 the British Government, may demand. 
 
 By order of the Right Honourable the Governor-General in Council. 
 
 (Signed) G. F. EDMONSTONE, 
 
 Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 Proclamation. 
 
 Foreign Department, 
 Fort William, November 1, 1856. 
 
 THE Right Honourable the Governor-General of India in Council having, 
 under instructions from Her Majesty's Government, directed that hostile 
 operations against Persia shall forthwith be undertaken, is pleased to order, and it 
 is hereby ordered, that Persian merchant vessels which, at the time of the pub- 
 lication of this order, shall be in any ports or places in Her Majesty's Indian 
 territories under the government of the East India Company, shall be allowed 
 thirty days, from the date of the publication of this order, for loading tiieir 
 cargoes and departing from such ports or places ; and that such Persian merchant 
 vessels, if met at sea by any of the ships of the Indian Navy, shall be permitted 
 to continue their voyage if, on examination of their papers, it shall appear that 
 their cargoes were taken on board before the expiration of the above term. 
 Provided that nothing herein contained shall extend, or be taken to extend, to 
 Persian vessels having on board any officer in the mihtary service of the Persian 
 Government, or any article prohibited or contraband of war, or any despatch 
 or to tlie Persian Government. 
 
 And it is hereby further ordered by the Right Honourable the Governor- 
 General in Council, that any Persian merchant vessel which, prior to this 1st 
 day of November, 1856, shall have sailed from any foreign port, bound for any 
 port or place in any of Her Majesty's Indian territories, shall be permitted to 
 enter such port or place, and to discharge her cai-go, and afterwards forthwith 
 to de])avt without molestation ; and that any such vessel met at sea by any of 
 the sliips of tlie Indian Navy, shall be permitted to pursue her voyage. 
 
 Tlie Right Honourable the Governors in Council of Madras and Bombay, 
 the Honourable the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, the Governor of the Straits 
 Settlements, the Commissioners of Pegu and of the Tenasserim and Martaban 
 Provinces, and all Officers and Authorities whom it may concern, in Her 
 Majesty's Indian territories under the government of the East India Company, 
 are required to give the necessary directions herein as to them may respectively 
 appertain. 
 
 By order of the Right Honourable the Governor-General of India in 
 Council. 
 
 (Signed) G. F. EDMONSTONE, 
 
 Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 Proclamation. 
 
 Foreign Department, 
 Fort William, November 1, 1856. 
 THE Right Honourable the Governor-General of India in Council being 
 desirous that the hostile operations now about to be undertaken against Persia 
 should be attended with as little injury as possible to individual interests, 
 is pleased to notify that all subjects of the Shah of Persia residing within Her 
 Majesty's Indian territories, under the government of the East India Company, 
 and not being Consuls or Consular Aarents in the service of the Persian Govern- 
 ment, may continue to reside therein without molestation in respect to then' 
 persons, their property, or their lawful avocations, and that they will enjoy 
 protection so long as they shall abstain from all acts hostile to the British 
 Government, and shall observe due obedience to the laws under which they 
 live, and to all resolutions or orders of the Governor-Geueral of India in 
 Council. 
 
214 
 
 By order of the Right Honourable 1 .e Governor-Genci'al of India in 
 Council. 
 
 (Signed) G. F. EDMONSTONE, 
 
 Secretary to the Government of India. 
 
 No. 163. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, December 18, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE to acquaint your Excellency that Her Majesty's Government 
 entirely approve your proceedings with the Persian Ambassador respecting our 
 differences with Persia, as reported in your despatch of the 30th of November, 
 and its inclosures. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 164. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received December 18.) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, December 7, 1856. 
 
 I FORWARD herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's Government, 
 such fiuther communications as have taken place, since I had last the honour of 
 addressing your Lordship, between Ferokh Khan and myself. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 164. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, December 1, 1856. 
 
 THE Persian Ambassador, to whom Mr. Churchill and I communicated 
 your Excellency's last instruction of the 30th ultimo, received the message with 
 much apparent concern. However, he said that it required consideration, and 
 that he could not return an answer immediately. 
 
 AVhen I expressed a wish to know whether his answer would be of a 
 satisfactory nature, he gave me to understand that he had not made up his 
 mind regarding it. 
 
 I received to-day from Malcum Khan a letter addressed to me, which I 
 have the honour to inclose herewith, returning the copy of the ultimatum given 
 by your Excellency to the Persian Ambassador, on the ground that it dilFered 
 from the original version. During my interview to-day with the Persian Ambas- 
 sador, I prevailed upon his Excellency to take it back, but not without consi- 
 derable hesitation on his part. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) LIONEL MOORE. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 164. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, December 4, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to forward herewith Ferokh Khan's answer to your 
 Excellency's last message, accompanied by a translation made by Mr. Churchill. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) LIONEL MOORE. 
 
215 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 164. 
 Fetokh Khan to Lord Stratford de Eedcliffe. 
 
 (Translation.) 5 Rebiul-Sani, 1273. (December 4, 1856.) 
 
 THE Persian Ministers being disposed to maintain friendlj' relations with 
 the English Government, and the Ministers of Great Britain having made the 
 withdrawal of the Persian troops from Herat the condition of their friendship, I 
 pledged m^'self to the evacuation of that town. Added to this, when your 
 Excellency proposed to me the acceptance of the ultimatum which had been 
 sent to Tehran through the medium of the Persian Chargd d'Affaires, and which 
 had been returned by the Persian Ministers, in compliance with your wishes 
 I accepted that ultimatum by a written Declaration, bearing the date of the 
 30th Rebi-ul-evel. 
 
 Thus far I have done everything in my power to do away with the pending 
 difficulties, and, indeed, I have exceeded my instructions. Now, however, that 
 my powers are exhausted, I beg to state to your Excellency that, if the engage- 
 ments entered into relative to Herat, and the satisfaction tendered to the British 
 Mission, are acceptable to the British Government, I am ready to fulfil those 
 engagements ; but if the British Government does not consider my engagements 
 as sufficient for the re-establishment of friendly relations, not being furnished 
 with the powers to make any others, my further stay at Constantinople will be 
 of no avail; and as I am charged with a special mission, I beg your Excellency 
 will be good enough to bring the nature of my engagements to the knowledge 
 of the British Government, so that, if they be not accepted, I may be enabled to 
 proceed with my business in the space of a week. But I here officially declare 
 to your Excellency that, if the English Government do not consider my engage- 
 ments sufficient, and take steps at variance with the existing Treaty of Friend- 
 ship between the two Governments, or occasion any damage or injury on the 
 Persian frontiers, then all the engagements entered into by me regarding Herat, 
 and other matters, shall be considered void and null. The only point to which 
 I shall still abide, will be that of communicating your Excellency's propositions 
 to the Persian Government. 
 
 (L.S.) FEROKH KHAN. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 164. 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, December 4, 1856. 
 
 I RETURN you herewith the note which you have sent me to-day from 
 the Persian Ambassador. 
 
 It is so different from what I was led to expect, and so unsuited to our 
 previous communications, that I must decline the honour of accepting it. I 
 propose, however, to meet his Excellency's views in a different form. 
 
 You will place in his hands the accompanying paper, dated to-day, and 
 bearing my signature. It is an exact transcript of the terms which were sent 
 by me in June, through the Persian Charge d'Affaires, to the Court of Tehran, 
 with the omission of that part of it which relates to Herat. You will also 
 submit to him the Declaration inclosed herewith, which I expect to receive 
 from him, in return, when translated literally into Persian, and signed, as well 
 as dated, by him. He is, of course, not to retain my paper without sending 
 me his. 
 
 I send you, moreover, herewith, a Memorandum, stating in what position 
 I understand Ferokh Khan and myself to be placed towards each other, with 
 reference to the matters at issue, and to antecedent circumstances. You are at 
 liberty to use its contents, if necessary, in communicating with his Excellency. 
 His present inability to accept the whole of my terms being understood, I 
 acquiesce in his proposal of referring the points which he has reserved to his 
 Government, and his waiting here the return of the messenger. 
 
216 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 164. 
 
 Draft of Declaration to he signed by Ferokh Khan. 
 
 I ACCEPT the paper which your Excellency has sent me under date of 
 the 4th of December, 1856, as containing, with the exception of such parts of it 
 as concerned Herat, the terms which I accepted by my Declaration of the 30th 
 of Rebi-ul-evvel, the parts omitted being supplied by ray previous Declaration 
 thereon, dated the 23rd of the same month. 
 
 Inclosure 6 in No. 164. 
 Memorandum on Persian Affairs. 
 
 Therapia, December 4, 1856. 
 
 THE ultimatum sent to Tehran through the Persian Charge d'Affaires in 
 the month of June holds no longer. The British Government required an 
 immediate and categorical answer. No such answer was given. A reference, 
 never accepted by the British Government, was made to Fei'okh Khan. Before 
 the arrival of that Ambassador at Constantinople, greatly retarded as it was, 
 other incidents affecting the relations of the two Governments took place, and the 
 British authorities found it necessary to incur the expense of preparing an 
 expedition for the enforcement of their claims. 
 
 Communications having in view satisfaction to the British Government, and 
 final reconciliation on solid grounds, have, nevertheless, taken place between 
 Ferokh Khan and the British Ambassador at Constantinople. 
 
 The latter, as soon as he was satisfied that Ferokh Khan had powers and 
 instructions for the occasion, particularly in what related to Herat, gave in a 
 statement of the conditions demanded by his Government under the new state 
 of things. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador pledged his Government to the evacuation of 
 Herat, town and territory ; to the payment of an indemnity to their inhabitants ; 
 to the reception of Mr. Murray and liis Mission, on their return to Persia, with 
 the apologies and honourable formalities required ; and, with respect to five 
 points of tile British conditions, which had not been foreseen by his instructions, 
 he lyidertook to refer to his Government by an express messenger, and to await 
 his return with the answer, expected in forty days. 
 
 Lord Stratford, on his side, brought under the notice of his Government 
 the difficulties which Ferokh Khan, while pre])ared to recommend all the points 
 in question to the favourable consideration of his Government at Tehran, 
 anticipated as not unlikely to arise ; and he drew attention in particular to the 
 matter of the salute, to that of Meerza Hashem, and to the required dismissal 
 of the present Sadr Azim. He regretted that Ferokh Khan was unprepared to 
 take upon himself the responsibility of pledging his Government to the execution 
 of all the conditions, the frank acceptance of which might have enabled him to 
 suspend any hostile operations of the expedition against Persia; but he, 
 nevertheless, acquiesced in the partial agreement and reference to Tehran 
 already specified, and he endeavoured to prevent any chances of confusion or 
 fui'ther discussion respecting the circumstances intended to accompany the 
 I'eturn of Mr. Murray and his Mission to Tehran, and their arrival there, by 
 specifying, in a sepai-ate memorandum, the particulars of what was required in 
 that respect. 
 
 Ferokh Khan appears to be reluctant to give a declaration accepting, 
 with reserve of any kind, the terms so specified, under an impression that new 
 demands are comprised in it. 
 
 Lord Stratford denies the intention of any such change, whatever the 
 appearance may be, and is wilHng to clear the matter up by a frank explanation, 
 provided the Persian Ambassador declares his readiness to give a written 
 acceptance of the terms when cleared of any uncertainty which occasions his 
 present erroneous impressions. 
 
217 
 
 Inclosure 7'in No. 164. 
 Messrs. Moore and Churchill to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Extract.) Pera, December 6, 1856. 
 
 IN compliance with your Excellency's instructions of the 4th instant, we 
 waited upon Ferokh Khan, and read to him, in translation, your communi- 
 cation. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador began by refusing to withdraw his last letter, 
 stating that he had expressed therein what he was prepared to accept, and 
 expected an answer in return from your Excellency, which would enable him to 
 decide as to his further conduct. 
 
 With reference to the Declaration inclosed in your instruction, also translated 
 literally into Persian, for Ferokh Khan's information, he remarked that he could 
 have no objection to accept once more what he had ah-eady acceded to previously, 
 but he should not do so unless it wei'e left with him until to-morrow, a request 
 which we could not comply with, it being at variance with your Excellency's 
 instructions. 
 
 Having communicated to Ferokh Khan the substance of the Memorandum, 
 also inclosed in vour Excellency's despatch under present acknowledgment, we 
 begged him to favour us with a categorical answer respecting the proposal of 
 refen-ing the five points to his Government, and wait here the return of the 
 messenger. 
 
 After a pause of a few minutes, his Excellency replied, in a peremptory 
 tone, totally differing from that of any of his former verbal comnmnications witli 
 us, that he had already been here fifty days to no purpose ; that he had another 
 important mission to fulfil ; and that he did not see the advantage likely to 
 accrue from his pledging himself to remain here another forty days, unless your 
 Excellency were prepared to assure him that the British expedition for Persia 
 should not land on the Shuh's territory before the receipt of an answer from 
 Tehran, or that Her Majesty's Government would not demand anything further 
 than what is contained in the conditions referred to the Persian Ministers, such 
 as the payment of expenses incun-ed in making this iiostile demonstration. 
 
 Before taking our departure, we reiterated our request to be furnished 
 with the Declaration required by your Excellency, and strongly recommended 
 him to carry out his own former proposal of sending an express messenger to his 
 Court, and wait here for the answer ; but to these remarks he lent a deaf ear, 
 and dismissed us by stating that he would reply as soon as your Lordship 
 would answer the two questions respecting the landing of British troops on the 
 Persian territory, and the reserve of Her Majesty's Government to make further 
 demands. 
 
 No. 165. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Jjord, Foreign Office, December 19, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE to inform your Excellency that Her Majesty's Government 
 approve your further proceedings in your negotiations with Ferokh Khan, 
 respecting our differences with Persia, as reported in your despatch of the 7 th 
 of December. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
218 
 
 No. f66. 
 
 Mr, Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received December 23.) 
 
 My Lord, Bagdad, November 21, 1856. 
 
 IN reply to your Lordship's despatch of the 10th of October, transmitting 
 a letter to the address of the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have the 
 honour to state that, agreeably to your Lordship's instruction, I lost no time in 
 causing an accurate translation to be made, and the following morning I delivered 
 the packet to the Persian Consul here, requesting him to transmit it to Tehran 
 with all despatch, and taking from him at the same time a receipt, of which I 
 have the honour to inclose a translation. 
 
 As Mr. Stevens had already quitted Tehran, and I felt no confidence that a 
 courier of the Mission could undertake the journey to that city with safety or 
 without interruption, I considered that it was safer to adopt this method of 
 forwarding your Lordship's despatch to the Persian Government. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) CH. A. MURRAY. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 166. 
 
 Receipt given by the Persian Consul in Bagdad for the Earl of Clarendon's Letter 
 of October 10.. 1856. to the address of the Persian Minister for Foreign 
 Affairs. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 A PACKET sent to his Excellency the British Minister Plenipotentiary at 
 Bagdad by his Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the British Govern- 
 ment, was, on the 18th day of Rebiul-evvel (18th of November), five and a-half 
 hours after sunrise, brought to and delivered over at the Persian Consulate by 
 Meerza Agha, the first Meerza of the British Mission, to be sent to Tehran to 
 Meerza Syed Khan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Persian Government. 
 This has been written as a receipt for the above packet. 
 
 (L.S.) MEERZA IBRAHIM KHAN. 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. Thomson. 
 
 No. 167. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received December 25.) 
 
 My Lord, Tehran, October 25, 1856. 
 
 I, THIS afternoon, had the honour to receive your Lordship's despatch 
 dated September 22, acquainting me with the approaching despatch to the Persian 
 Gulf of a naval and military force from India, and instructing me to set out for 
 Bagdad with all possible dispatch, taking with me the public archives, and 
 breaking up altogether Her Majesty's Consulate on my departure. 
 
 I shall be careful to attend to the instructions on the several points men- 
 tioned in your Lordship's despatch, and shall report later the means which I may 
 have adopted for the preservation of the Mission premises, and the property 
 they contain. 
 
 The only difficulty I may have in executing one portion of the instioictions 
 is that regarding the transfer to the French Mission of such British subjects 
 and proteges as may remain in Tehran after my departure, there being just now 
 not a single member of the French Mission in Tehran. The Charge d'Affaires 
 may arrive before I start ; in case he should not do so, I shall request the 
 Turkish Charge d'Affaires to assume the charge until the Count de Gobineau's 
 arrival. 
 
 I trust your Lordship will look indulgently on a decision which an unforeseen 
 
219 
 
 and painful circumstance has compelled me to come to, viz., to go to Trebizond 
 vid Georgia, before joining the Mission. at Bagdad. 
 
 I sent my family away six weeks a2;o for the Black Sea, not doubting I 
 should myself soon be recalled, and wishing to be free to travel to Bagdad by 
 post ; but, my Lord, I learn to-day the distressing intelligence of Mrs. Stevens 
 having been attacked by cholera on the 20th instant, at a village on the road 
 to the Russian frontier, and from what Mr. Abbott writes to me, I fear she has 
 fallen a victim to the scourge. Tn that case, I am bound to go to the assistance 
 of my children, the eldest only five years old, and the youngest an infant at the 
 breast ; and after placing them in charge of my relatives at Trebizond, I should 
 proceed, without loss of time, to Bagdad, vid Samsoon. 
 
 The archives, Mission and Consular, form several horse-loads : these, with 
 some effects belonging to Mr. Murray, I shall send by the direct road to Bagdad, 
 in charge of my Persian scribe, and escorted by such of the Mission Gholaums 
 as may be in Tehran when I leave. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 168. 
 Consul Stevens to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received December 25.) 
 
 My Lord, Trebizond, December 3, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that I reached Trebizond 
 yesterday. Soon after the date of my despatch to your Lordship, in which I 
 mentioned the painful circumstance which compelled me to visit Trebizond 
 before going to Bagdad, I received intelligence of my wife's death. I prepared 
 in consequence to leave Tehran as soon as possible, in the hope of overtaking 
 my children in Georgia. The journey, however, proved much longer than I 
 anticipated. The day alter I. quitted Tehran, it commenced blowing very 
 hard, with occasional snow, hail, and constant heavy rain ; and this weather, 
 which accompanied me throughout the whole of my travels, as far almost as 
 Trebizond, delayed me so much on the road, besides keeping mc five days in 
 Redout-Kaleh, three at Shef-Katil, and one at Batoum, that my family got to 
 Trebizond long before me in Her Majesty's steamer " Vulture,'' kindly sent to 
 their assistanee and that of Mr. Abbott by Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 The preparations for my journey were completed by the 30th October ; 
 my early departure had been necessarily known to the public for some days 
 before ; and it was also generally known that I had determined on following 
 my children through Georgia, but I did not think it necessary to acquaint 
 eveiybody either with the precise hour or with the route I intended taking ; 
 and I selected Ghilan, in consequence of the prevalence of cholera in the north 
 of Persia. On the morning of the 30th, I formally announced my approaching 
 departure to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in a letter, of which the inclosed 
 is a copy. The next evening I went to the Russian camp to obtain passports 
 for myself and servants ; and thence started on my journey without re-entering 
 the town. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 168. 
 Consul Stevens to the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 Sir, Tehran, October 30, 1856. 
 
 HER Majesty's Government having instructed me to leave Tehran, in con- 
 sequence of the course which the Persian Government persists in following in 
 regard to Herat, and other subjects under discussion between Great Britain and 
 Persia, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I am making prepa- 
 rations for commencing my journey immediately ; and also that the British and 
 British -protected subjects in Persia are temporarily placed under the protection 
 
 2 F 2 
 
220 
 
 of the French Mission ; and, until the arrival in Tehran of the Charge 
 d'Afi'aires of France, the Ottoman Charge d'Aftiiires will watch over their 
 interests. 
 
 1 trust I have only to remind the Persian Government that there are 
 thousands of its subjects peaceably residing in British India, chiefly connected 
 with the merchants of Fars, Ispahan, and Tehran, to secure equally good treat- 
 ment for the subjects and dependents of the British Government who may remain 
 in Persia. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signe') RICH. W. STEVENS. 
 
 No. 169. 
 Lord Stratford de Reddiffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received December 25.) 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, December 15, 1856. 
 
 MY present duty is almost entirely confined to such additional correspond- 
 ence as circumstances have occasioned since the departure of the last messenger. 
 
 The communication which I was led by Mr. Moore's report to expect from 
 Ferokh Khan in the course of yesterday, has not readied me. 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 109. 
 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de RedcUfe. 
 
 (Extract.) Peru, December 8, 1856. 
 
 FEROKH KHAN requested me to inform you that he declines with- 
 drawing his last written communication to your Excellency, and observed that 
 he would either take back the whole of his written communications and decla- 
 rations to you, or none at all. He therefore returned to me his last letter 
 which I had delivered into his hands. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 169. 
 Lord Stratford de Reddiffe to Mr. Churchill. 
 
 (Extract.) Therapia, December 8, 1856. 
 
 I LEARN fi'om Mr. Moore's report of this day's date, that in consequence 
 of the Ambassador's persistence in forcing his note upon me, he received it a 
 second time. 
 
 Such being the case, 1 beg you will wait on Ferokh Khan at an earlj^ hour 
 to-morrow, and, taking with you his note to me, inform him that I again refuse to 
 accept it, and that I liold it altogether as a tiling having no value or diplomatic 
 existence in my eyes. You will add, that whatever he may do, or omit to do, I 
 hold him responsible for his declarations and proffered engagement, and that if I 
 receive no satisfactory conuDunication from him in the course of the day after 
 to-morrow, I shall draw my conclusion, and report accordingly to Her Majesty's 
 Government. 
 
 His note you will leave at his side, or at all events in his house, even if he 
 should decline to receive vou. 
 
 Inclosure 3 in No. 169. 
 
 Mr. Churchill to Lord Stratford de Reddiffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, December 9, 1856. 
 
 ON the receipt of your Exc;-liency's despatch of the 8th instant, I imme- 
 diately proceeded to the" Persian Embassy, and taking with me Ferokh Khaiv's 
 note to your Excellency, I informed the Persian Ambassador, as soon <is 1 whs 
 
221 
 
 admitted into his presence, that you again refused to accept his note, and that 
 you held it altogether as a thing having no value or diplomatic existence. 
 
 After having added, in explicit terms, in the Persian language, that whatever 
 he might do, or omit to do. your Excellency held him responsible for his decla- 
 ration and profferred engagement, and that if your Excellency did not receive a 
 satisfactory communication from him by to-morrow, you would draw your 
 conclusion, and report accordingly to Her Majesty's Government, I rose from 
 my seat, and placed by his side the note in question. 
 
 Ferokh Khan refused to receive it, and threw it off the sofa on the ground 
 at my feet ; I let it lie there, without paying any further attention to it. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador had no verbal communication to make, and after 
 reading your Excellency's message once more to him, to impress it more strongly 
 on his mind, I took my departure, leaving his note on the floor. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) HENRY A. CHURCHILL. 
 
 Inclosure 4 in No. 169. 
 Mr. Churchill to Mr. Alison. 
 
 (Extract.) Peru, December 9, 1856. 
 
 MEERZA MALCUM, who followed me out of the Ambassador's room, 
 said that he beheved the Ambassador would give the Declaration, but that he 
 was not inclined to remain here anv longer. 
 
 Inclosure 5 in No. 169. 
 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 My Lord, Pera, December 10, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to forward herewith, in translation, a written ■ commu- 
 nication sent to me this evening by Ferokh Khan, and which he has requested 
 me to convey to your Excellency. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) LIONEL MOORE. 
 
 Inclosure 6 in No. 169. 
 Communication from Ferokh Khan to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 WITH respect to what his Excellency the Ambassador insists so much on 
 my doing, namely, for me to remain at Constantinople, I have to state that I 
 never pledged myself to remain fifty days here, without utility or advantage. 
 What I said was, that if it were possible for me to have an interview with the 
 Ambassador, and we were enabled to change and modify the former ultimatum 
 and the present difficulties, then I should have no objection to remain here at 
 Constantinople. 
 
 After, however, I perceived that an interview was not granted, and I found 
 myself, to comply with his Excellency the Ambassador's wishes, obliged, at last, 
 to accept the first ultimatum by a written Declaration, bearing the date of the 
 30th Rebi-ul-evvel, and his Excellency declared his absence of authority to 
 obviate the pending difficulties, my further stay at Constantinople became 
 useless. 
 
 Were the Ambassador to look upon the whole aft'air with impartiahty, he 
 would acknowledge that I have done everything in my power to re-establish 
 friendly relations between the two Governments, and that I have even over- 
 stepped my instructions ; for, to please the British Government, in compliance 
 
222 
 
 with his Excellency's pressing request, I accepted the very ultimatum that was 
 sent to the Persian Ministers, and had been returned by them. 
 
 Now that I am brought to a standstill, and that I have not witnessed that 
 goodwill and countenance on the part of the Ambassador that I expected, 1 am 
 obliged to bring to his Excellency's recollection the substance of my communi- 
 cation of the 5th of Rebi-ul-sani, and again to state that I shall act up to the 
 terms of that communication, if 1 do not receive from his Excellency a notifica- 
 tion of a nature calculated to make me change ray plans. 
 
 Inclosure 7 in No. 169. 
 iMrd Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 Sir, Therapia, December 11, 1856. 
 
 AS the Persian Ambassador's change of mind with respect to waiting at 
 Constantinople for a return of his express to Tehran, appears to leave me no 
 choice but that of acting on my last resolution , I wish to know, before reporting 
 finally home, whether it is his intention to make the reference by express to 
 Tehran, independently of his departure. Not being clear as to this point, and 
 giving credit to his declared desire to prevent hostilities, I desire that you will 
 wait on him once more, and request a distinct answer to the last sentence of 
 the accompanying Memorandum. 
 
 Should he, alter hearing the contents and understanding the purport of that 
 paper, wish to take notes of it in Persian, he is at liberty to do so. 
 
 The question is thus reduced to so plain and narrow a point, that I trust his 
 Excellency will give you his answer at once. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. 
 
 Inclosure 8 in No, 169. 
 
 Memorandum inclosed in Lord Stratford's Instructions to Mr. Moore of 
 
 December 11, 1856. 
 
 Therapia, December 11, 1856. 
 
 I EXPECT the performance of his Excellency's original offer, by the 
 completion of his Declaration respecting the return of the British Mission, and 
 the reference of the new points to Tehran. With respect to his departure, I 
 might submit the conditions of his stay to my Government, if t could simul- 
 taneously state that the previous pledge had been fully redeemed. In that case 
 his Excellency might wait for an answer to my telegraphic message, and go or 
 stay accordingly. 
 
 Inclosure 9 in No. 169. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe. 
 
 December 11, 1856. 
 
 FEROKH KHAN will return an answer to your message to-morrow ; but 
 he wishes to know your Excellency's opinion, whether the conditions of his stay 
 will be accepted by Her Majesty's Government. His answer will depend, in a 
 great measure, on the nature of your Excellency's assurance. Ferokh Khan 
 expressed a strong feehng of anxiety that the question between the two 
 Governments should be settled amicably. 
 
223 
 
 Inclosure 10 in No. 169. 
 Lord Stratford de Redclife to Mr. Moore. 
 
 December 12, 1856. 
 
 TELL Ferokh Khan that as the answei- would come from London in two 
 or three days, 1 cannot take upon myself to anticipate its purport. If lie is so 
 well disposed, why does he still hesitate to take the proposed course, which 
 agrees with his own declared idear., and consults, moreover, his convenience ? 
 Ask once more for his definitive answer. I must write home to-night in the 
 one sense or the other. You may read the whole of this to the Ambassador. 
 
 Inclosure 1 1 in No. 169. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redclife. 
 
 Pera, December 12, 1856. 
 
 FEROKH KHAN is willing to wait three or four days until your 
 Excellency receives an answer from home to his question of yesterday. Should 
 you not consent to refer home, but insist on his returning a definitive answer at 
 once, he has it ready, and will communicate it without delay. I understand it 
 would be]^the last communication to your Excellency. 
 
 Inclosure 12 in No. 169. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to Mr. Moore. 
 
 Therapia, December 12, 1856. 
 
 TELL Ferokh Khan that I have received his last message, through you, 
 of this day's date, and have nothing to add to mine which preceded it. 
 
 Inclosure 13 in No. 169. 
 Mr. Moore to Lord Stratford de Redclife. 
 
 Pera, December 13, 1866. 
 
 I HAVE communicated your Excellency's message of yesterday's date to 
 Ferokh Khan. He will send his definitive answer, in writing, to-morrow. 
 
 No. 170. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Redcliffe to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received 
 
 January 2, 1857.) 
 
 (Extract.) Constantinople, December 19, 1856. 
 
 ON the receipt of your Lordship's instruction of the 1 6th instant, I could 
 not fail to perceive that my communications with Ferokh Khan had reached 
 their final term. This conclusion was the more evident as the latest newspapers 
 received from India had published the Governor-General's formal declaration of 
 hostilities against Persia, issued on the 1st of November, under instructions from 
 Her Majesty's Government. 
 
 Scarcely had I learned the purport of your Lordship's message, when I was 
 informed that the Persian Ambassador had sent a long written statement to the 
 Embassy. The paper, directed to me, was opened under some erroneous impres- 
 sion, without my knowledge, and I was informed by Mr. Churchill that its 
 contents presented the same objections as were contained in the note which I 
 had returned to his Excellency on a former occasion. Reference was, moreover, 
 made in it to that unaccepted paper ; the written declarations which had been 
 
224 
 
 given to me were retracted ; and the Arnbassador's intention of going away in a 
 few days was announced. 
 
 Under these circumstances I directed Mr. Moore, in company with 
 Mr. Consul Churchill, to convey the following message to Ferokh Khau : — The 
 Persian Ambassador's letter to me was opened without my authority or know- 
 ledge ; it must be returned to him. Past and present circumstances alike 
 preclude me from receiving it. Were his Excellency to accept the whole of our 
 terms, as at present known to him, I would engage that on their being imme- 
 diately complied with, no further demands would be made. Such, I regret to 
 say, are undoubtedly to be expected in c;!se of any further delay, tlie more so, 
 as the Indian papers have already published a declaration of war. 
 
 Mr. Moore and Mr. Churchill executed my commission to the letter, and 
 left with Ferokh Khan the writing which I had refused to accept. His Excel- 
 lency declared that he did not consent to its refusal, and took no further notice 
 of my message, repeating, in conclusion, his previous assertions, that he had 
 endeavoured, witii all sincerity and zeal, to etfect an accommodation of the 
 existing differences. He added some expressions of personal courtesy, and an 
 assurance that he had fonvarded your Lordship's demands to his Government. 
 The two srentlemen then came awav. 
 
 No. 171. 
 
 Lord Stratford de Reddife to the Earl of Clarendon.— {Received December 22.) 
 
 (Extract.) December 21, 1856. 
 
 THE proclamation of war by the Governor-General of India being known, 
 Ferokh Khan declared his engagements to me null and void. He is preparing 
 to leave Constantinople the day after to-morrow. 
 
 No. 172. 
 Mr. Hammond to Consul Stevens. 
 
 Sir. Foreign Office, December 30, 1856. 
 
 I AM directed by the Earl of Clarendon Lo acknowledge the receipt of your 
 despatch of the 25th October, and I am to convey to you his Lordship's 
 approval of your intention, on your departure from Tehran, and in consideration 
 of there being no member of the French Mission at Tehran, to place British 
 subjects and proteges under the protection of the Turkish Charge d'Afiaires. 
 
 Lord Clarendon also approves of your intention to proceed to Bagdad by 
 way of Trebizond, and his Lordship directs me to express to you his concern at 
 the calamity that has befallen you. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) E. HAMMOND. 
 
 No. 173. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Strafford de Reddife. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, January 7, 1857. 
 
 WITH reference to your Excellency's despatch of the 19th ultimo, I have 
 to state to you that Her Majesty's Government approve of your proceedings on 
 the occasion of the conclusion of your communications with Ferokh Khan. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
225 
 
 No. 174. 
 
 Sir Justin Sheit to the Earl of Clarendon. 
 
 My Lord, Chester Square, London, January 20, 1857. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to acknowledtie the receipt of your Lordship's com- 
 munication, inquiring, with reference to one of the provisions in the agreement 
 made by the Persian Government relative to Herat, what was the nature ol the 
 intercourse maintained between the Shah and the Ruler of that Principality 
 during the life of Yar Mahomed Khan. 
 
 The Agreement in question was signed by the Persian Prime Minister, 
 towards the end of January 1853, and I quitted Tehran on my return to England 
 on the ensuing 1st of March. Extreme ill health disabled me, in this short 
 interval, from offering to your Lordship's consideration any comments on the 
 provisions of the document alluded to. It occurs to me there may be some 
 advantage in doing so at the present moment. 
 
 In 1852 Persia had made internal commotion in Herat a pretext for inter- 
 ference in the affairs of that Principality. By the engagement contracted in the 
 first stipulation in the Sadr Azim's letter, Persia is prevented from sending 
 troops to Herat to control or repress internal commotion. As far as promises 
 can secure them, a complete freedom is preserved to the Heratees in the manage- 
 ment of their own concerns ; consequently, when Syed Mahomed Khan, the 
 Ruler of Herat, was murdered, and when his death was succeeded by civil 
 disturbance, the interference of the Persian Government, and the dispatch of 
 troops to Herat, was a breach of this engagement. 
 
 Unless in the one single case of invasion by a foreign army, Persia binds 
 herself not to send troops to Herat. The suspicion or the apprehension of 
 attack does not justify any movement, hostile or otherwise. Consequently, her 
 plea of fear of an attack on Herat by Dost Mahomed Khan, when he occupied 
 Candahar, does not save her from a violation of her obligations. 
 
 Moreover, the engagement contemplates her advance to Herat only as an 
 ally to repress foreign invasion ; whereas, Persia became the invader, and took 
 possession of Herat, in defiance of an explicit promise to abstain from even 
 entering that city, under any circumstances whatever. 
 
 In the second point of the Agreement, there is a promise not to interfere 
 " in any manner whatsoever in the internal affairs of Herat." This promise 
 Persia has violated, openly, by overthrowing the existing Government. 
 
 With reference to the intercourse maintained between Persia and Yar 
 Mahomed Khan, alluded to in this part of the Agreement, I beg leave to state 
 that this intercourse was restricted to the interchange of presents — a small offer- 
 ing of coin, stamped like Persian coin, to mark the inferiority of the Ruler of 
 Herat — and to the occasional dispatch of Diplomatic Agents, who, however, 
 were not resident. Yar Mahomed Khan was a man of too great energy, and 
 possessed of too much power, to tolerate any interference with his independence. 
 The letter to the Ruler of Herat, alluded to in the second paragraph, 
 announcing the airangement made with regard to the affairs of that Principahtv, 
 was dispatched to Herat, in conjunction with a messenger on my part, in 
 conformity with the specification of the Persian Prime Minister in the same 
 paragraph. 
 
 In the third point, the Shah agrees to renounce the " khootbeh," and the 
 issue of the coinage of Herat in his name. These are the great marks of 
 sovereignty in the East. The "khootbeh" means a certain prayer read on 
 Friday, in the Sovereign's name, in the chief mosque. As the Shah had j)ublicly 
 proclaimed, in the " Tehran Gazette," the annexation of Herat to the Persian 
 dominions, this renunciation was desirable. 
 
 The interdiction in clause 4, of the permanent residence of a Persian 
 Agent in Herat, was expedient in order to prevent, or at least diminish, the 
 interference of the Persian Government in the internal affairs of that State, and 
 also to weaken the power of the Persian faction in the city, where a considerable 
 portion of the inhabitants is Persian, in blood and in religion. 
 
 The allusion to the military aid afforded by the Ruler of Herat to the Shah, 
 has reference to an insurrection in Meshed, in 1851, on which occasion, " of his 
 own free will," Yar Mahomed Khan sent a detachment of troops to aid in the 
 
 2 a 
 
226 
 
 reduction of that city. By this clause, the Pei-sian Government merely sought 
 to preserve the means of obtaining similar assistance on a future occasion. 
 
 With reference fo the clause in the fifth paragraph for the release of certain 
 Affghan Khans imprisoned in Persia. I beg to bring to your Lordship's recol- 
 lection that when the Persians established themselves in Herat in 1852, there 
 was a large party of Affghans disaffected to Syed Mahomed Khan, the Ruler of 
 that State. The chiefs of that party were seized and dispatched to Persia, 
 where many among them were poisoned and otherwise murdered. The 
 remainder were liberated according to this engagement. 
 
 In the sixth paragraph your Lordship will observe that the Sadr Azim 
 makes use of these expressions: "The above engagements, with these conditions, 
 have been contracted by Persia ;" showing clearly that the obligations are 
 incurred on the part of Persia alone, and that England is free from any 
 promises or engagements. 
 
 The concluding part of the same clause contains an intimation that the 
 Persian Government will consider these engagements binding only so long as 
 there shall be no interference on the part of Great Britain. There is no indica- 
 tion by the Persian Prime Minister of the place where interference is to entail 
 the penalty he threatens ; still his intention was certainly to designate Herat, and 
 such was understood both by him and by me. That the interference alluded to, 
 means interference in the internal affairs of Herat only, is proved by my letter 
 to the Sadr Azim of the 23rd of January, 1853 (inclosure No. 2 in my despatch 
 of the 30th of January to the Earl of Malmesbury). I beg to quote 
 the language of my letter to the Persian Minister: " What passed between your 
 Excellency and me was this : you required me to engage in writing that Great 
 Britain should not interfere in the internal government of Herat, but I declined 
 to do so for the reasons already stated. I added that I would not reject a docu- 
 ment though it should contain a declaration of your Excellency that Persia 
 would not consider the engagement in force, if Great Britain usurped a control 
 over the internal affairs of Herat. But I did not agree to, nor did you even 
 hint at, such terms as your Excellency inserted, that Great Britain was to be 
 excluded from holding any relations whatever, whether secretly or openly, 
 directly or indirectly, with Herat. None of the great Powers of the world have 
 ventured to tell Great Britain that she should hold no relations with an indepen- 
 dent State." 
 
 The seventh clause of the Sadr Azini's Agreement has little practical 
 signification, and, consequently, did not deserve any opposition from me. It 
 consists of a simple affirmation by that Minister that should Herat be molested 
 by the other Affghan States, and should Persia request England to invite them, 
 by friendly means and advice, to desist, then the British Government " will not 
 object to do so." There is no condition, nor have these words any bearing on 
 the previous portions of the Sadr's promises on the part of his Government. 
 
 Finally, thus much is certain, that by this Agreement, and by the discus- 
 sions which for several months preceded it, the complete independence of Herat ; 
 the total evacuation of Herat by every Persian soldier ; the exclusion of Persian 
 troops from that territory, except in one single contingency — the city itself, 
 which was the main point, being closed against them under every circumstance ; 
 and the control of the Heratees over their own affairs, free from Persian inter- 
 ference, were secured, as far as words could confer security. 
 
 Before I conclude I may be allowed to offer a remark on a pretext said to have 
 been alleged by the Persian Ministers, that Her Majesty's Mission having sent 
 messages and letters to Herat, the Agreement was annulled. I am ignorant whether 
 this latter allegation is true or not ; but in any case it is impossible to sustain 
 the argument, which may be regarded as one of the pretences usual in Persian 
 negotiations. In the second clause of the Sadr's Agreement, Persia is precluded 
 from interference in the internal affairs of Herat ; still this did not, and was not, 
 to prevent her from transmitting messages or letters, or even from sending a 
 Minister occasionally to that Court. And again, in his letter to the Ruler of 
 Herat (Inclosure No. 7 in my despatch of January 28, 1853), the Sadr Azim 
 repeats, that " Persia will not interfere in any manner whatsoever in the internal 
 affairs of Herat." Consequently if the British Mission acted in the same 
 manner, the Persian Government was not entitled to take umbrage. Thus, I 
 dispatched a messenger to Herat, without encountering any opposition from the 
 Persian Ministers, and even in conjunction with them, and with their concur- 
 
227 
 
 rence. To the act itself they made no objection, although the person I selected 
 excited their displeasure : indeed, it is inconceivable how the Persian Ministers 
 can have made this matter a subject of expostulation, for by no means can 
 ordinary intercourse with Herat, by letter, or by message, or by agent, be 
 tortured into interference in the affairs, internal or otherwise, of that Govern- 
 ment. It was on the choice of the individual only, that an altercation at the 
 close of the correspondence arose between the Sadr aad me. I appointed for 
 this duty a Parseewan or Perso-Affghan, under English protection, and receiving 
 a pension from the English Government. For obvious purposes of his own the 
 Sadr Azim desired that I should dispatch to Herat a native of Persia, but I of 
 course could not consent to any control being exercised over my selection.' 
 There never was, at any time, an intention of sending the English Agent at 
 Meshed (a native Persian^ to Herat, for, in the first place, he had his own special 
 duties at Meshed to fulfil, and was quite unfit for the performance of the one 
 contemplated at Herat. The allusiou to Meshed in the Prime Minister's 
 Agreement, simply meant that that city was to be the rendezvous from whence 
 the two messengers were to proceed in company to Herat, which they accord- 
 ingly did. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 (Signed) JUSTIN SHEIL. 
 
 P.S. — I beg to draw your Lordship's attention to the Sadr Azim's letter to 
 Syed Mahomed Khan (Inclosure No. 7 in my despatch of January 30, 1853), 
 where the nature of the intercourse which formerly subsisted between Persia and 
 Herat is defined. 
 
 No. 175. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 25, 1857.) 
 
 (Extract.) Bagdad, December 9, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith a copy of a late number of the 
 Tehran ofiicial "Gazette." 
 
 The inclosure is a translation of the leading article on the subject of 
 Herat. The siege and capture of Herat are here represented as mere 
 measures of self-defence, rendered necessary by the aggression of Dost 
 Mahomed Khan, in order to prevent that city from faUing into his hands ; 
 whereas it is well known that the Dost never moved himself or a single 
 regiment a day's journey on the road from Candahar to Herat, nor is there 
 the slightest evidence that he threatened it. Indeed, if the reports that have 
 reached me are correct, Candahar was by no means firmly in his grasp, and 
 troubles of a serious nature had disquieted him in Cabul itself. That Essan 
 Khan, finding his garrison daily growing weaker from symptoms of treachery, 
 and from starvation, may have written to the Dost to entreat his assistance, is, 
 indeed, highly probable, as a drowning man will catch at any straw with a hope 
 to save his life, and the Dost may have written a reply containing encouraging 
 promises ; but there the connection between the two terminated ; and the seizure 
 of Herat remained what it had been from the first, a simple act of wanton 
 aggression on the part of Persia. 
 
 Your Lordship will observe that, in this manifesto, Herat and other places 
 in Aflghanistan, taken by the Persians, are stated to be in the possession of the 
 Shah, " the same as the districts of a Persian province." In a later paragraph, 
 after stating that England has not the slightest gi-oundfor being oflFended at what 
 has taken place, the Persian Minister proceeds to give the assurance that he will 
 still give up Herat, if England will guarantee that the three States of AfTghanis- 
 stan will for ever remain independent of each other and of any foreign Power, 
 and in complete obedience or subjection to Persia. 
 
 As to the fact that the Persian Commander-in-chief, after capturing Herat, 
 took care that " no personal injury was done to the inhabitants, even to the 
 value of a dinar," I have no certain means of ascertaining its accuracy ; but I am 
 
 2 G 2 
 
228 
 
 informed that 600 or 700 Soonnees were massacred ; and other letters state that 
 all of that faith were under process of expulsion from the city, to be replaced by 
 a population devoted to Persia in religion and interest. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 175. 
 Extract from the Tehran " Gazette" of the 7th RebbiuUvvel {November 6, 1856). 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 AMEER DOST iMAHOMED KHAN had recourse to many schemes, 
 and used every exertion to obtain possession of Herat, and Colonel Essan Khan 
 also did his utmost to hold out and defend himself in the besieged city of that 
 Principality. These two persons have long been concerting measures together 
 secretly, in the hope that, by some means or other, the hand of the victorious 
 army of the Persian Government might fall short of Herat, and that country 
 be delivered into the possession of Uost Mahomed Klian. So much so, that 
 the last plan which occurred to Dost Mahomed Khan was to send Serdar Sultan 
 Ahmud Khan (the son of Serdar Mahomed Azim Khan, and his own nephew), 
 from Candahar to the camp at Herat, ostensibly to complain of the cruelty of his 
 uncle, but in reality to allay suspicion, and then, aided by Essan Khan, to seize an 
 opportunity of clandestinely effecting an entrance into the town of Herat, for the 
 purpose of taking possession of tiiat city in the name of Dost Mahomed Khan, 
 his uncle. But none of these schemes were attended with success. His Royal 
 Highness the Hesam-i-Sultaneh, Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza, Ruler of the 
 Province of Khorassan, and the commanders and officers of the conquering 
 forces of the Shah-in-Shah, stood their ground with the firmest determination and 
 intrepidity, until, thanks be to the Almighty, to the secret ascendancy of the Holy 
 Faith and the manifest Creed of Islam, and to the impei-ishable good fortune of 
 His Majesty the Shah-in-Shah (may God protect his dominions !), on the 26th 
 of October the town and citadel of Herat fell into the possession of the victorious 
 troops of the Persian Government. A courier from his Royal Highness reached 
 the capital from Herat in eight days, and placed at the feet of His Majesty, and 
 in the hands of his Highness the Sadr Azim (may his shadow never diminish !) 
 the despatches reporting the victory of Herat. By Royal command, a salute 
 was ordered, the trumpets were sounded, and 1 10 guns were tired as a triumphal 
 salute. 
 
 From the report made by the Kenaum-ed-Dowleh, the Vizier of Khorassan, 
 the particulars are as follows : — 
 
 The invincible (Persian) troops having prepared, on all sides of the city, in 
 every respect, the means of assault and victory ; the trenches havinu; been carried 
 completely up to the ditch all round the town ; the ditch and glacis being entirely 
 in their hands ; the operations against the rampart having been commenced, 
 and, in several places, the wall and breastwork having been destroyed by tiring 
 mines, and levelled with the ground, Essan Khan and the other chiefs in the 
 city perceived for cei-tain that the time for resistance and procrastination had 
 passed, and that, if they did not voluntarily surrender, they would be defeated, 
 and captured by force ; they therefore deputed an intercessor, and implored 
 mercy ; and Essan Khan, Abdullah Khan, Jemshedee, FathooUah, Feerooz- 
 koohee (of the Hezareh tribe), Aman Nuaz Khan, Toorkoman, and Meer Abdul 
 Azeera, all repaired to the Royal camp, and were presented to His Royal 
 Highness. The town and citadel were made over by them to the victorious 
 army, and guards were then placed at the bastions and at the gates. 
 
 Herat now is in possession of the Persian Government, the same as one 
 of the districts of a Persian province. Several towns and fortified places, which 
 the Persian Ministers did not consider worthy of mention, and which have not 
 therefore been hitherto named in the " Gazette," such as Ghorian, Ferrah, 
 Sebzar, Lash, Jowein, and others, all formerly the property of Persia, forcibly 
 seized and retained by the Affghans, are now also in the possession of the 
 Persian Government. 
 
 The Persian Ministers felt quite certain and positive that, if they had been 
 neglectful, and had not sent their troops to besiege Herat, Essan Khan would 
 immediately have delivered over the city to Dost Mahomed Khan. This was 
 
229 
 
 the reason why they could not withdraw their attention from Herat, and why 
 thev were compelled to have their troops there, in order to preserve its territory 
 from being occupied by others, and to maintain the independence of that Princi- 
 pality intact. But the Persian Ministers are at a loss to know on what grounds 
 the British Government, overlooking this manifest and obvious point, seek a 
 pretext vfor quari-el) with the Persian Government regarding this rightful act, 
 insinuate that the Persian Ministers have broken their engagement, and say 
 that their intention is to possess themselves of Herat. Whereas, knowing for 
 certain that Essan Khan and Dost Mahomed Khan were both watching for an 
 opportunity, the former to deliver over Herat, and the latter to take possession 
 of it, which is clearly and fully proved from the letters which Dost Mahomed 
 Khan and his son had written to Essan Khan, and which were all made over by 
 that person to the Hesam-i-Sultaneh ; the conduct of the Persian Ministers, in 
 besieging Herat, was piecisely in accordance with the engagement regarding 
 Herat. It was an observance, not a breach, of treaty. But notwithsfcmding this, 
 the Persian Ministers are not heedless of the friendship of the British Government. 
 Solely for its sake, they will not object to forego Herat, captured and occupied 
 as it is, provided the British Government furnishes means of assurance in 
 Candahar, Affghanistan, and in Herat itself, to the Persian Ministers, so that 
 they may feel satisfied that each (of these Princi pah ties) will for ever remain in 
 its own state of independence, without being occupied or appropriated* by any 
 other or foreign (Power) ; and that they will abide by these conditions, the 
 important one of which is obedience to the commands of the Persian Govern- 
 ment,t in consequence of her being a near neighbour, and for the (maintenance 
 of the) tranquillity of the Provinces of Khorassan. 
 
 In truth, no stronger evidence than this can be adduced of their friendship 
 for the British Government, and, of course, there are great and just Govern- 
 ments in this world who have made just and equitable arrangements for the 
 peace of other Governments, and for all God's creatures, and have never refused 
 to testify to what is just, and give their support to right and fair terms. But 
 if this should be of no use, then let us put our trust in God, the best of 
 guardians, the best of masters, and the best of champions. 
 
 Truly, Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza, the Kenaum-ed-Dowleh, Sa.-n Khan 
 Elkhanee, the Brigadiers, Colonels, Lieutenant-Colonels, and each and everj- 
 one of the other officers, the soldiers, artillerymen, horsemen, and matchlock- 
 men, the AfJghans, and Farsee Zehans, who were in attendance in the camp of 
 his Royal Highness, according to their stations, did their utmost in performing 
 service, in risking their lives, and in showing their bravery, loyalty, devotion and 
 patriotism. 
 
 " Indication of the greatness of Persia has appeared." 
 
 After the victory of Herat, the Prince, agreeably to the instructions he 
 held from the Persian Ministers, accorded such quarter and forgiveness of 
 offences to all the inhabitants of the city, Affghans, and others, and even to 
 those persons who had fired upon and fought against the Persian troops, as to 
 prevent injury being done to any one, even to the value of a dinar, and that 
 which had passed, whatever it was, was passed over by him in such a way as has 
 inspired feelings of security and hope in the minds of all the inhabitants of 
 Herat, and has induced them voluntarily to desire to serve (the Persian 
 Government). 
 
 Translated by 
 (Signed) Ronald F. ThomsoiV. 
 
 No. 176. 
 Mr. Murray to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received January 22, 1857.) 
 
 (Extract.) Bagdad, December 22, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith, for your Lordship's information, 
 a number of the Tehran " Gazette," which has at last reached this place, with 
 
 * The word used literally means to lay hands on, or " subjection ;" the word has both meanings, 
 f Or, that they will remain so under conditions, the most important of which would be 
 obedience to the commands of the Persian Government. 
 
230 
 
 an abstract translation of such paragraphs as have any pubhc or political 
 interest. 
 
 The article commences with a recapitulation of circumstances already known 
 concerning the capture of Herat, the only new feature being that the last 
 Governor of that town had, in order to propitiate the Persian Court, jointly 
 with Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza, sent to Tehran a certain number of coins 
 bearing the name and legend of the Shah. As to the statements of the Persian 
 Government in this paragraph, setting forth that the Heratees (who had freely- 
 shed their blood in defence of their town, and had lived for montlis on horseflesh 
 and offal rather than surrender it) now regretted having been so long deprived 
 of the benefits and blessing of Persian i-ule, I can only say that the Persian 
 Government must have a very high opinion of the credulity of human beings, if 
 they imagine that even the most blind and ignorant of their own countrymen 
 can believe such manifest absurdity. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 176. 
 
 Subslante of an Article in the Tehran " Gazette" of the 28th Rebbiul-evvet 
 
 {November 27, 1856). 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 HUSSEIN KHAN, who was some time since dispatched to Herat by the 
 Persian Ministers, and who served during the siege of that place, as well as at 
 its capture, arrived nine days ago at the capital, accompanied by Serdar Mejeed 
 Khan and Ismail Beg, one of Sam Khan Elkhanees people. He was the 
 bearer of letters from the Prince Governor of Khorassan, Sultan Moorad Meerza,, 
 to the Shah, and was introduced to the Royal Presence by the Deputy Master 
 of Ceremonies, when His Majesty was seated on the Peacock Throne in the 
 Hall of Audience, holding a grand levee. After he had stated briefly the 
 contents of the letters he had brought, Meerza Mahomed Tekee, the 
 Lessan-el-Moolk, read them aloud, in the manner customary in Persia, to the 
 Shah, and to all those assembled in His Majesty's presence. One thousand gold 
 pieces of the value of five shillings each, which had been struck in the name of 
 the Shah at Herat, were presented on the part of the Prince Governor of 
 Khorassan, and six hundred of the same coins on the part of Essan Khan, as 
 offerings to His Majesty. They were examined, and approved of by him. 
 
 From what the Prince wrote, it would appear that after Herat had sun-en- 
 dered, and a garrison of Persian soldiers had occupied the city, his Royal 
 Highness established order in the town, and general rejoicings ensued. The 
 Affghans of Herat perceiving the kindness and attention shown to them by the 
 Prince, and finding that no one was allowed to molest them in the slightest 
 degree, felt the greatest remorse at having permitted themselves to be led astray 
 for such a length of time by interested parties, suffering thereby gi'eat loss and 
 destruction of life and property, and at having deprived themselves of such 
 blessings and benefits. 
 
 The AfTghans believed that bigotry and ill-feeling still existed between the 
 members of the Sheeah and Soonnee sects of Mahometlanism, and that on this 
 aCcount they would suffer severe wrongs at the hands of the besieging army ; 
 but they forgot that both Sheeahs and Soonnees are equally followers of the 
 Mahomedan creed, and that although there are some trifling differences in their 
 tenets, still they are not the less brothers in faith. As the order issued by His 
 Majesty the Shah, and published some ago in this " Gazette," enjoining the 
 people of both sects, on pain of punishment, to avoid religious disputes, and 
 treat each other with perfect forbearance and toleration, seems not to have 
 reached these places, the article in question is now repubHshed as follows, the 
 same, word for word, as it formerly appeared, so that people may not suppose 
 that it applied to tlmt particular period only, and that it does not continue in 
 force at tlae present moment. 
 
9?1 
 
 No. 177. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Cowley. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, January 27, 1857. 
 
 IF overtures are made to your Excellency by the Persian Ambassador, 
 you will express your readiness to transmit to London any written proposals 
 coming direct to your Excellency from Ferokh Khan which may be likely to 
 3ead to the restoration of peace ; and if Ferokh Khan expresses a desire to see 
 you, you will grant him a piivate audience ; but you will make him clearly 
 understand that yoa have no powers or instructions to negotiate with hira. 
 
 No. 178. 
 Lord Cowley to the Earl of Cla.r£ndon.-~{Received January 29.) 
 
 (Extract.) Paris, January 28, 1857. 
 
 CAPTAIN LYNCH, of the Indian navy, called at the Embassy yesterday, 
 and finding me out, made the I'oliowing communication to Mr. Atlee. He had, 
 he said, been invited by Ferokh Khan to call upon him, and having answered 
 the summons had, in the course of conversation, been requested by the Ambas- 
 sador to state to me that his Excellency was desirous- of seeing me ; that he 
 greatly regretted the hostilities which had broken out between his country and 
 Great Britain ; and that he thought that tlie difference between the two Govern- 
 ments might be easily and satisfactorily arranged if I would grant him an 
 interview. 
 
 I requested Captain Lynch to call upon me this morning. Before seeing 
 Captain Lynch I received your Lordship's despatch of yesterday's date, in which 
 your Lordship has laid down the rules I am to observe in case any overtures 
 should be made to me by Ferokh Khan. I therefore requested Captain Lynch 
 to see Ferokh Khan, and to state to him from me, that I had no instructions 
 which would permit me to enter into communication with him, but that if he 
 had any communication to make to Her Majest}''s Government with a view of 
 terminating hostilities between Great Britain and Persia, I would request him to 
 put it in writing, when I would, if 1 considered it satisfactory, transmit it to 
 London ; but that I must fairly inform him that it would be useless to send, 
 and, indeed, I could not be the channel of conveying, propositions at variance 
 with the demands made by Her Majesty's Government and already known 
 to him. 
 
 I authorized Captain Lynch to add that if it would be a satisfaction to 
 Ferokh Khan to see me, and to hear from my own lips a repetition of my answer 
 to his message, I would not object to receiving him in private, but ia that case 
 I must beg that he might be accompanied by Captain Lynch alone. 
 
 Captain Lynch said that such had been the proposition made by Ferokh 
 Khan liimself. 
 
 No. 179. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Cowley. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, January 30, 1857. 
 
 HER Majesty's Government approve your Excellency's proceedings and 
 language, as reported in your despatch of the 28th instant, on the subject of the 
 request made by Ferokh Khan for an interview with your Excellency on the 
 Persian question. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
•232 
 
 No. 180. 
 Lord Cowley to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received February 3.) 
 
 (Extract.) Paris, February 1, 1857. 
 
 FEROKH KHAN having persisted in his desire to see me, and having 
 reiterated, through Captain Lynch, his belief that an interview between us might 
 lead to the renewal of friendly relations between Great Britain and Persia, I felt 
 it my duty to receive him, and accordingly appointed 3 o'clock this afternoon 
 for his visit. He came accompanied by his interpreter, and, at my request, by 
 Captain Lynch. 
 
 After the exchange of compliments required by eastern etiquette, Ferokh 
 Khan expressed in general terms his conviction that, although hostilities were 
 waging between Great Britain and Persia, there was no intention on the part of 
 Her Majesty's Government to inflict permanent injury on his country. He 
 could not but hope, therefore, that he might be the means of restoring the 
 amicable relations which had been so unhappily disturbed between the two 
 Governments. He professed that the English alhance was, and always had 
 been, the basis of his own policy, and he asserted that the maintenance of it 
 was ecjually the policy of the Shah and of his Government. 
 
 I replied that Ferokh Khan was right in supposing that Her Majesty's 
 Government had no wish to inflict permanent injury on Persia. Their desire 
 was to see Persia strong, flourishing, and independent. They had been driven 
 reluctantly into this war, in consequence of the conduct of the Persian Govern- 
 ment. It was, therefore, in the power of the Persian Government to apply the 
 remedy to the evil which they had themselves created. 
 
 When we had advanced thus far, Ferokh Khan did not appear inclined to 
 continue the conversation. He thanked me for the kind way in which I had 
 received him, and expressed the hope that I would permit him to return on 
 some future day, when he would enter at large upon the questions in dispute 
 between the British and Persian Governments, and ofter such explanations as, 
 he trusted, would lead to the restoration of peace. 
 
 1 said to Ferokh Khan that I was ready either to listen to him at the 
 moment, or to leave it to him to flx some other time. I begged him, however, 
 to recollect that I had no instructions to treat with him, and that I could do no 
 more than convey to Her Majesty's Government any message that he might like 
 to entrust to me, provided I considered the terms of it to be of a satisfactoi-y 
 nature. 1 reminded him that negotiations had been broken off between Her 
 Majesty's Ambassador and himself at Constantinople, in consequence of his not 
 having sufficient powers to treat on all the points insisted on by the British 
 Government ; and I said that it would he useless to attempt to renew commu- 
 nications with Her Majesty's Government unless he was authorized and prepared 
 to concede those points. Nor indeed, I continued, could 1 say that conditions 
 whicli had been put forward before hostiUties had commenced would now be 
 considered sutficient, though it stood to reason that the sooner the terms asked 
 for by Her Majesty's Government were conceded, the more likely it was that 
 they would not be increased. If, after hearing this, Ferokh Khan determined 
 on making any statement to Her Majesty's Government through nie, I must 
 beg him, I said, to be clear, frank, and straightforward in his dealings; that, as 
 far as I was concerned, I should be so with him, 
 
 Ferokh Khan, upon this, entered at once upon the points on which he had 
 refused to treat at Constantinople, in the order in which I have now the honour 
 to bring them before your Lordship. 
 
 First, then, he said that the Persian Government were ready to retire from 
 Herat, to engage never again to attack that city, or to commit any aggression 
 on Affghanistan, and even to refer matters of dispute that might arise with the 
 Atfghans to the consideration of Her Majesty's Government, provided the 
 latter promised their good offices to prevent the Afl^ghans from attacking Persia. 
 Subsequently, when I summed up the conversation which had passed between 
 us, Ferokh Khan was less explicit on this latter point. He said that Persia 
 never could forego the right of repelling and punishing any tribes which might 
 violate or disturb the Persian frontier. When, however, I explained to him that 
 
233 
 
 Her Majesty's Government, in desiring to be taken as mediators in all matters of 
 dispute between Persia and AfFghanistan, had no other object in view than the 
 prevention of the renewal of the present state of things ; that Her Majesty's 
 Government had too great an interest in the welfare of Persia to encourage or 
 countenance any attack on Persia, but that they were equally determined that 
 Persia should not disturb the existing state of the tribes on her eastern frontier; 
 and that to agree to British mediation would not only not be derogatory to the 
 dignity of Persia, but would be essentially to her interests ; Ferokb Khan inti- 
 mated that he would reconsider the question. 
 
 I proceed now to the second point adverted to by Ferokh Khan, namely, the 
 settlement of disputed claims on the Persian Government. 
 
 He said that his Government would undertake to settle immediately all 
 claims of bond fide British subjects, or of others acknowledged by the Persian 
 Government to be under the protection of Great Britain ; but he added, that the 
 conferring of protection had been so much abused by British Agents, that protec- 
 tion would cover so many false claims of Persian subjects, his Government must 
 refuse to enter into any engagement not limited as I have stated above. While 
 on this point, and again when treating of that regarding the Consuls, Ferokh 
 Khan entered largely into the way in which, according to his opinion, the privi- 
 lege of protection had been abused. 
 
 I observed, in reply, that I was quite certain that, if the case was as he 
 represented, he would find Her Majesty's Government ready to meet, in a fair 
 spirit, that of Persia, to remedy an abuse of which the latter had a right to 
 complain. But we had, I said, now to deal with the past. It would be difficult 
 now to withdraw protection from those who had enjoyed it, if not with the 
 consent, at all events with the tacit acquiescence, of the Persian Government. 
 I said, further, that I was convinced that Her Majesty's Government had no 
 intention of insisting on the settlement of claims without examination ; and that 
 means might be found, by a Mixed Commission or otherwise, to come to a 
 satisfactory conclusion of all these affairs. 
 
 Ferokh Khan passed, in the third place, to the question of Consuls. He 
 said that the utmost to which his Government would consent was, that Her 
 Majesty's Government should have leave to appoint a Consul wherever the 
 Russian Government appointed one. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government, I said, would never consent to be placed, in 
 Persia, on a less advantageous footing than Russia. Russia had the privilege 
 of sending Consuls where she pleased, and the same privilege must be accorded 
 to Her Majesty's Government. With regard to the proposal made by Ferokh 
 Khan, that Her Majesty's Government should merely have the right of placing 
 a Consul where Russia had one, I observed that Her Majesty's Government 
 would never accept a proposal so derogatory to the dignity of Great Britain. 
 
 Ferokh Khan said, finally, that he would look again into his instructions, 
 to ascertain whether he could make any further concession on this point. 
 
 With regard to the arrangement with the Imaura of Muscat, respecting 
 Bender Abbas, to which Ferokh Khan next adverted, he said that the wishes of 
 Her Majesty's Government had already been complied with, and that a perfect 
 understanding now existed between the Shah and the Imaum. 
 
 The question of the dismissal of the Sadr Azim, Ferokh Khan had reserved 
 to the last. He said that he supposed that the intention of the British Govern- 
 ment, in asking for the Minister's dismissal, was to give a warning to other 
 Ministers who miglit conduct themselves ill ; but that in this case the Sadr 
 Azim had acted entirely under the orders of the Shah. The Minister, therefore, 
 ought not to be punished for obeying his Sovereign's order. He hoped that, 
 imder these circumstances. Her Majesty's Government would desist from their 
 demand for the dismissal of the Sadr Azim. I asked Ferokh Khan whether I 
 was to understand that he was speaking in the Shah's name, that is, whether 
 the Shah made the retention of his Minister a personal request on Her 
 Majesty's Government, or whether Ferokh Khan was simply expressing his own 
 opinions. Ferokh Khan replied that he had spoken throughout in the name of 
 his Sovereign. 
 
 Ferokh Khan having stated that he had nothing more to say, I went 
 through the results of our conversation, asking him, however, beforehand, 
 whether, in addition to the engagements into which he professed himself to be 
 now readv to enter, he abided bv the other conditions to which he had agreed at 
 
 2 H 
 
234 
 
 Constantinople, and whether he was disposed to reduce the whole to writing. 
 To both these questions he answered in the affirmative. 
 
 I put two other questions to Ferokh Khan : first, whether he had full 
 powers to treat all the questions which we had passed in review ; secondly, 
 whether he did not think it a work of supererogation to commence nep:otiations 
 at this distance from the seat of war, and whether it was not probable that 
 Plenipotentiaries would have been sent from Tehran to Bushire to treat for 
 peace. 
 
 To the first of these questions Ferokh Khan replied that his powers were 
 unlimited, and that he was only guided by his instructions in the use of them. 
 To the second he answered, that he had news from Tehran thirty-seven days old, 
 written after the knowledge that Bushire had fallen, and that no hint was given 
 of the intention to send Plenipotentiaries to treat at Bushire. 
 
 On taking leave of Ferokh Khan, I said that whenever I received your 
 Lordship's answer to this communication, I would return his friendly visit. 
 
 1 cannot conclude this despatch without recording the obligations under 
 which Her Majesty's Government are to Captain Lynch, who acted as inter- 
 preter throughout the interview, and who seems thoroughly conversant with the 
 Persian langijage. It would give me great pleasure to be allowed to convey to 
 him your Lordship's thanks. 
 
 No. 181. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Cowley. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, Fchruary 3, 1857. 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's despatch of the 1 st instant, giving an 
 account of an interview which you had on that day with Ferokh Khan, the 
 Persian Ambassador, and I have to express to your Excellency the entire 
 approval of Her Majesty's Government of the language which you held, and of 
 the course which you pursued, on that occasion. 
 
 Your Excellency will state to Ferokh Khan that you have reported to Her 
 Majesty's Government what passed between you, and that you are authorized to 
 say, that if Ferokh Khan is satisfied that the powers which he holds from the 
 Shah, and the instructions under which he acts, are sufficiently ample to admit 
 of his coming to an understanding with Her IMajesty's Government on the 
 bases with which he is already acquainted ; and if he is prepared to take upon 
 himself the responsibility of coming to England in order to communicate directly 
 with the Bi-itish Government, he will be courteously received, and his communi- 
 cations be attentively listened to ; but you will not disguise from him that if the 
 powers which he holds should prove to be insufficient, he must be prepared for 
 the refusal of Her Majesty's Government to proceed further in the business. 
 
 Your Excellency will also make Ferokh Khan clearly comprehend that 
 even should he succeed in coming to an understanding with Her Majesty's 
 Government, he must not expect that the military operations of the British 
 forces will be suspended until the Shah shall have ratified the engagement into 
 which Ferokh Khan may have entered. You will, however, assure him that 
 Great Britain is still animated by friendly feelings towards Persia, and will see 
 with pleasure the restoration of the relations between the two Courts upon their 
 former footing of cordiality. 
 
 Your Excellency will convey to Captain Lynch the thanks of Her Ma-jesty's 
 Government for the assistance which he has afforded in your communication 
 with Ferokh Khan. 
 
 No. 182. 
 Lord Cowley to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received February 7.) 
 
 (Extract.) Paris, February 5, 1857. 
 
 AFTER receiving your Lordship's despatch of the 3rd February, I sent to 
 Ferokh Khan to say that, in fulfilment of the promise which I had made him, 
 to return his visit, whenever I should be in possession of the answer of Her 
 
235 
 
 Majesty's Government to the overture which he had made me, I requested him 
 to appoint a time for receiving me ; and he having named an hour in the 
 afternoon of yesterday, I went to him, accompanied by Captain Lynch. Ferokh 
 Khan's own interpreter, Meerza Malcum Khan, was likewise present at the 
 interview. 
 
 In compHance witli your Lordship's instructions, I stated to the Persian 
 Ambassador that Her Majesty's Government considered his declaration to me 
 so far satisfactory that if he felt that he had powers to negotiate a Treaty of 
 Peace with Her Majesty's Government, upon the bases already known to him, 
 and would take upon himself the responsibiHty of coming to England in order 
 to communicate directly with the British Government, he would be courteously 
 received, and his communications listened to. 
 
 Ferokh Khan inquired immediately what I meant by the bases ah-eady 
 known to him. I replied that I considered them to be: first, the terms which 
 had been agreed to between himself and Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constan- 
 tinople, respecting the retreat of the Persian troops from Herat and Affghanistan, 
 and the ceremonies to be observed on Mr. Murray's return to Tehran ; and, 
 secondly, the conditions which he had not been empowered to discuss at Con- 
 stantinople, but which he had passed in review with me at our first interview. 
 
 Ferokh Khan then observed, that he regretted that Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment had not empowered me to discuss these matters with him. He asked 
 whether it would not be possible to sign at Paris a document specifying the 
 exact demands of Her Majesty's Government, if he could agree to them. 
 
 After some further convei'sation, he asked me to tell him as a friend what I 
 recommended him to do. I repUed that, without a better knowledge of the 
 instructions under which he was acting, it was impossible for me to offer advice. 
 If he would accept the terms on which Her Majestj^'s Government were deter- 
 mined to insist, I should strongly recommend him to undertake the journey to 
 London. If, on the other hand, he merely meditated an escape from those 
 conditions, in honesty I must tell him that he would fail, and would do better to 
 remain where he was. 
 
 I then again inquired as to the nature of Ferokh Khan's powers, and he 
 again assured rne that they were ample, offering, at the same time, to show them 
 to me. They were shortly afterwards produced, and, as a copy has since been 
 furnished to me, I inclose it, together with a translation. Your Lordship will 
 observe that the powers are dated before the departure of the Ambassador from 
 Tehran ; that they enable him to discuss the questions of Herat and Affghanistan, 
 and the differences which have arisen between Persia and Great Britain. I 
 inquired whether he should consider himself at liberty, under those powers, to 
 conclude a Treaty of Commerce. He replied in the affirmative, and gave me to 
 understand that he had other powers than those, both from the Shah himself 
 and from the Sadr Azim, but he probably meant that he had instructions. 
 
 I explained likewise that military operations would be continued until any 
 Treaty, signed by him, had received the ratification of the Shah. 
 
 A somewhat lengthened conversation terminated by Ferokh Khan thanking 
 me for the communication which I had made him, expressing, at the same time, 
 his sense of the kindness with which I had treated him. He said that he would 
 reflect on my proposal, and that I should hear from him again in a day or 
 two. 
 
 Inclosure in No. 182. 
 
 Full Poiveis from the Shah to Ferokh Khan. 
 
 (Translation.) 
 
 AS it has always been the earnest desire of our Gracious Majesty, the 
 Shah-in-Shah, &c., of Persia, to increase and strengthen the bonds of friendship 
 and alliance, as well as to remove every source of doubt connected with the 
 British Government, which always has been, and is, the ancient friend of Persia; 
 therefore, agreeably to the issue of this auspicious power to his Excellency 
 Ferokh Khan, our Chief Keeper of the Robes, Ambassador Extraordinary of the 
 Persian Government, decorated with the Royal Portrait ornamented with 
 
236 
 
 diamonds, and also with the Cordon, we have given him special and full powers 
 (that he should discuss*) with the Ministers of that Government (Great Britain) 
 the circumstances connected with the rupture of relations by the Minister Pleni- 
 potentiary (Mr. Murray) of that Government (England), and also concerning 
 the affair of Herat, and also an arrangement of the affairs of Affghanistan; every 
 promise and agreement, and arrangement, that he shall make will be agreed to 
 and ratified by our Majesty with the greatest satisfaction ; and in the fulfilment 
 of these (arrangements), in which will result contentment to the Ministers of 
 both parties, whatever is necessary to friendship will be observed. 
 Written in the month of Shawal, 1272. 
 
 No. 183. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Cowley. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, February 6, 1857. 
 
 HER Majesty's Government have fully considered your Excellency's report 
 of your further communications with Ferokh Khan, contained in your despatch 
 of the 5th instant, and they entirely ap])rove the course which your Excellency 
 has adopted in carrying out the instructions conveyed to you in my despatch of 
 the 3rd instant. 
 
 The result of your communications with the Persian Ambassador inclines 
 Her Majesty's Government to hope that an arrangement may he entered into 
 with him by which friendly relations may be estabhshed between England and 
 Persia. 
 
 Your Excellency will explain to Ferokh Khan that wherever the nature of 
 the subject admits of their so doing. Her Majesty's Government are willing to 
 undertake towards Persia engagements corresponding with those wjiich they 
 require Persia to undertake towards themselves ; that Her Majesty's Government 
 are prepared, if other Powers in amity with Persia agree to do so, to renounce 
 the right of protecting Persian subjects, except such as may be actually in their 
 service ; and that Her Majesty's Government, although put to great expense by 
 the disregard which the Persian Government has shown for its engagements in 
 regard to Herat, asks no pecuniary indemnity of any kind. 
 
 No. 184. 
 Lord Cowley to the Earl of Clarendon. — {Received February 10.) 
 
 (Extract.) Paris, February 8, 1857. 
 
 I HAD the honour to receive, yesterday morning, your Lordship's despatch 
 of the 6th instant. 
 
 Previously to receiving that despatch, Ferokh Khan had requested to see 
 me again on the subject of the invitation which I had conveyed to him in the 
 name of Her Majesty's Government, to proceed to London if his instructions 
 permitted him to do so, and if his powers were sufficiently ample to allow him 
 to conclude a Treaty on the basis already known to him, and I had fixed Saturday 
 afternoon to receive him. He came at the appointed hour, unattended by any 
 one of his own suite, but accompanied by Captain Lynch. 
 
 His Excellency expressed uncertainty as to his intentions. He said that his 
 position was most embarrassing ; that he was alone in a strange land, at a great 
 distance from his own country, without any one to whom he could turn for 
 advice ; therefore he said that he had again come to apply form inc. I told Ferokh 
 Khan, in reply, that I could but repeat v,hat I had said to him before; but that 
 I was willing to enter with him at ci.ce into such further discussions as the 
 present state of the questions at issue rendei-ed necessary. 
 
 After some little hesitation, Ferokh Khan decided that he would remain at 
 Paris for the present, reserving, however, to himself, the privilege of going to 
 England hereafter, should he deem it advisable. 
 
 • These words are omitted in the Persian, tUc^'i iirplied }n the context. 
 
 ersian, tU' 
 
237 
 
 I then proposed to put in writing, and to send to him, the conditions of 
 Her Majesty's Government. I said that I should make them as complete as 
 possible, so as to avoid all possibility of misunderstanding in future. 
 
 No. 185. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Cowley. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, February 10, 1857. 
 
 HER Majesty's Government entirely approve the language held by your 
 Excellency to Ferokh Khan, as reported in your despatch of the 8th instant, 
 with regard to the negotiations for peace with Persia. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
 No. 186. 
 Lord Cowley to the Earl of Clarendon, — (Received March 5.) 
 
 (Extract.) Paris, March 4, 1857. 
 
 I HAVE the satisfaction to transmit herewith to your Lordship a Treaty 
 of Peace between the Queen and the Shah of Persia, signed this day by the 
 Persian Plenipotentiary and myself. 
 
 No. 187. 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Cowley. 
 
 (Extract.) Foreign Office, March 6, 1857, 
 
 I HAVE received your Excellency's despatch of the 4th instant, inclosing 
 the Treaty of Peace between Her Majesty and the Shah of Persia, signed on 
 that day by your Excellency and the Persian Ambassador. 
 
 It is my agreeable duty to convey to your Excellency the entire and 
 cordial approval of Her Majesty's Government of the remarkable ability and 
 judgment with which you have conducted the negotiation with the Persian 
 Ambassador, which various circumstances combined to render difficult, and to 
 the successful issue of which the patience, moderation, and firmness displayed by 
 your Excellency so essentially contributed. 
 
 No. 188. 
 Lord Cowley to the Earl of Clarendon. — (Received March 12.) 
 
 (Extract.) Paris, March 4, 1856. 
 
 I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith the translation of a note which his 
 Excellency addressed to me on the 2nd instant, together with a copy of my 
 reply, dated the 3rd, relative to the abandonment by Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment of certain of the conditions which had been originally put forward as those 
 on which peace with Persia might be restored. 
 
 The conclusions at which I have arrived with Ferokh Khan on these points 
 are the result of much discussion ; but I have thought it expedient, in order to 
 avoid the possibility of future difficulties, that they should now be consigned to 
 writing. Hence the exchange of notes to which this despatch refers. 
 
 The original note of Ferokh Khan is likewise inclosed. 
 
238 
 
 Inclosure 1 in No. 188. 
 Ferokh Khan to Lord Cowley. 
 
 (Translation.) 5 Rejeb, a.h. 1273. (March 2, 1857.) 
 
 His Exceller.cy, the abode of greatness, the support of friends, the kind, the 
 
 revered. 
 
 FROM the communications which liave hitherto taken place, it is evident 
 that the British Ministrv consider his Excellency, &c., the Grand Vizier of 
 Persia to be an obstacle to the friendship of the two exalted States of Persia and 
 England ; whereas everything that he has hitherto done has been by the command 
 of His Majesty the King, his benefactor. His Majesty, my benefactor, however, 
 has not considered the incidents which have occurred as being contrary to the 
 Treaty which is the basis of the friendship between the two States. For this 
 reason His Majesty has specially commissioned me to explain the real state of 
 this matter to the British Ministry, and to assure them that the continuation of 
 his Excellency in the office of Grand Vizier will not be detrimental to the friend- 
 ship of the two States, but that it will, on the contrary, be the very best means 
 of preserving and confirming that friendship. I thei-efore feel certain that the 
 British Ministry will no longer insist upon a change in the Grand Viziriate. 
 
 As regards any compensation to the inhabitants of Herat, it may be said 
 that since the marching of the Persian army in that direction was solely caused 
 by the obstinacy of those very inhabitants of Herat ; and as the commissioning 
 an army was not intended as an act of enmity against them, but simply for their 
 protection, therefore no injury whatever happened to the inhabitants of Herat 
 from the Persian troops, since each month remittances of cash have been made 
 to Herat from the capital, and from Khorassan, for the wants of that army ; and 
 at no time, either before or after the conquest of Herat, did any molestation or 
 injury happen to the inhabitants ; on the contrary, they have been the objects of 
 eveiy sort of consideration and kindness. Besides this, it has been fully ascer- 
 tained, since my departure from Constantinople, that His Majesty, my bene- 
 factor, after the conquest of Herat, exercised every species of favour and 
 benevolence towards them, so much so that, in the view of encouraging the 
 agriculture and cultivation of the country, he has sent considerable sums of 
 money thither. 
 
 I am quite sure, that upon the representation of these my sincere explana- 
 tions, perfect confidence will be felt that the inhabitants of Herat, instead of 
 suffering injury and loss, have derived great benefit and advantage therefrom ; 
 and that, in consequence, the British Ministry will not renew the propositions 
 and discussions entered upon at Constantinople. 
 
 In respect of Bender Abbas, as I have already often mentioned, the nego- 
 tiations between the Persian Government and the Imaum of Muscat have been 
 completely satisfactory to both parties. And for this reason, the renewal of said 
 negotiations would lead to no other result than to be the source of fresh 
 difficulties. 
 
 It is also evident that, according to the agreement made at Constantinople, 
 and according to the paper given to the Persian Government by Meerza Hashem, 
 in respect to his renouncing the asylum of the British Mission, he will here- 
 after have no connexion with the British Government, but will be, as formerlj'-, 
 in the sei-vice of the Persian Government. 
 
 Inclosure 2 in No. 188, 
 Lord Cowley to Ferokh Khan. 
 
 Paris, March S, 1857. 
 
 THE Undersigned, Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador at the Court of the 
 Emperor Napoleon, has had the honour to receive the note which his Excel- 
 lency Ferokh Khan, Ambassador from the King of Persia at the same Court, 
 addressed him on the 2nd instant. 
 
 The object of Ferokh Khan is to induce Her Majesty's Government to 
 
239 
 
 desist from certain of the conditions, which had heen communicated to him at 
 Constantinople, as those on which Her Majesty's Government would be ready 
 to make peace. 
 
 The conditions he mentions are that respecting the dismissal of the Sadr 
 Axim, that concerning an indemnity to be paid by the Persian Government to 
 the Heratees, and that relating to the mediation of Her Majesty's Government 
 for the settlement of the differences which had arisen between the King of 
 Persia and the Imaum of Muscat, respecting the tenure by the latter of Bender 
 Abbas. 
 
 The Undersigned comprehends from the note of his Excellency Ferokh 
 Khan, coupled with the verbal explanations which the Undersigned has had the 
 honour to receive from his Excellency, that the King of Persia makes it a 
 personal request of the British Government, that the first of these conditions 
 should not be insisted upon ; that with regard to the second, his Excellency has 
 learnt that since the engagement which he contracted at Constantinople, consi- 
 derable sums of money had already been sent by the King of Persia to Herat, 
 and that consequently more profit than loss has accrued to the inhabitants of 
 that town from its occupation by Persian troops, and he hopes, therefore, that 
 he may be released from the promises which he made on this point at Constan- 
 tinople. With respect to the mediation of Great Britain in the matter of Bender 
 Abbas, his Excellency Ferokh Khan observes, that the question is already 
 satisfactorily settled between the parties interested, and that consequently no 
 mediation is necessary. 
 
 The Undersigned cannot but regret that his Excellency Ferokh Khan 
 should not have repeated in writing that which he has so often given the Under- 
 signed to understand, while conversing on these matters, namely, that if these 
 conditions were persisted in by Her Majesty's Government and agreed to by the 
 Persian Government, the King of Persia's dignity and independence would be 
 greatly compromised in the eyes of his subjects, because it is for this reason that 
 Her Majesty's Government have determined on desisting from them, being most 
 unwilling by insisting on obnoxious stipulations, not absolutely necessary to the 
 attainment of peace, to do aught that would either influence the sentiments of 
 the Persians towards their Sovereign, or injure the power and welfare of the 
 Persian dominions. It is the desire, as it is the policy, of Her Majesty's Govern- 
 ment, that Persia should be strong, prosperous, and independent, and they 
 cannot give a greater proof of their sincerity in this respect than by the modera- 
 tion of their demands, while in possession of a valuable portion of the Persian 
 territory. 
 
 The Undersigned has, then, the pleasure to inform his Excellency Ferokh 
 Khan that Her Majesty's Government will not insist on his acceptance of the 
 three conditions to which his Excellency's note refers ; and with regard to the 
 future position of Meerza Hashem, which is likewise alluded to by his Excel- 
 lency, the Undersigned has the honour to assure him that if Meerza Hashem 
 has, as is reported, renounced the service of Her Majesty's Mission at Tehran, 
 Her Majesty's Mission on its return to Tehran will not attempt to exercise any 
 protection over him. 
 
 The Undersigned, &c. (Signed) COWLEY. 
 
 No. 189. 
 
 The Earl of Clarendon to Lord Cowley. 
 
 My Lord, Foreign Office, March 14, 1857. 
 
 IN reply to your Excellency's despatch of the 4th instant, forwarding 
 copies of the correspondence which you had with Ferokh Khan relative to the 
 •withdrawal of certain conditions of peace by Her Majesty's Government, I have 
 to state to your Excellency that Her Majesty's Government entirely approve of 
 your having committed to writing the discussion with the Persian Ambassador 
 upon this subject. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 (Signed) CLARENDON. 
 
t^ 
 
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