Intelligence Forwarded by Sir Alexander Burnes Relating to Progress of the British Invasion of Afghanistan (First Anglo-Afghan War, 1839-1842) [‎123r] (21/60)

Content

Copies of intelligence despatches from Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat [Kalat, also spelled Khelat in this volume], to William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister at Shah Shoojah’s Camp [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk], (copied to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay [Mumbai]).

The intelligence chiefly covers:

• Burnes’s negotiations with the Khan of Kelat, with regard to the latter facilitating the progress of the British Army of the Indus and its protection through his territory into Afghanistan, notably through the Bolan Pass; the Khan’s attitude towards Shah Shoojah; conditions of his agreement to co-operate with the British; and the subsidy to be paid to him by the British
• The situation in Candahar [Kandahar] and the overtures and veiled threats sent by Burnes to Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ruhm Dil Khan [Ruhim Dil Khan], the moollahs [mullahs] and authorities in Candahar, advising them to support the British advance into Afghanistan and Shah Shoojah
• Overtures and veiled threats sent by Burnes to the tribal leaders and inhabitants of Pisheen [Pishin] advising them to support the British advance
• The likelihood of Persia [Iran] and Russia aiding Dost Mohammed [Dōst Moḥammad Khān, Bārakzay] against Shah Shoojah and the British
• The difficult terrain and problems with the supply of grain, forage and water for the Army of the Indus.

The item also includes a copy of the ‘News letter’ 12 April 1839, conveying intelligence on affairs in Lahore, Peshawur [Peshawar], Scinde [Sindh], Candahar, Khelat, Herat, Ava, the Army of the Indus, Nipal [Nepal], and Bushire [Būshehr] (ff 137-142).

Extent and format

1 item (29 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are not in chronological order.

Written in

English in Latin script

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