NAM.1981-08-9-1-1

Volume of 19 MS letters and copies inscribed ‘1876 The Russians in Central Asia, Possibilities of Action against’. From the Papers of Gen Sir Frederick Haines (1819-1909) as Commander in Chief in India 1875-1881. Associated with 2nd Afghan War (1878-1881) and North West Frontier. Lytton to Haines 12 Jun, enclosing papers (not present) on negotiations between the Indian Government and Amir Sher Ali. Haines to Lytton (copy) 13 Aug, discussing Russian plans for an invasion of India that had fallen into the Indian Governments' hands. Lytton to Haines 16 Aug, the Russian plans, the state of the negotiations with the Afghans, army reorganisation. Lytton to Haines, no date, enclosing a letter (not present) to be sent on to Sir Henry Norman. Lytton to Haines, 26 Oct, having heard from Salisbury that war with Russia is imminent, would like to know if India can "strike a capital blow in Central Asia". Lytton to Haines 27 Oct, the Russians are strengthening their Central Asian army. Lytton to Norman (copy) 6 Dec, discussing at length the military and political aspects of operations against Russia in Central Asia, with reference to the attitude of the Afghan authorities to such operations. Haines to Lytton (copy) 8 Nov will meet him at Peshawar, and discusses preparations for operations against Russia. Lytton to Haines, "Friday" (received 24 Nov), agenda for working lunch with Roberts and others. Lytton to Haines "Saturday", latest news from Cabul. Haines to Lytton (copy) 29 Nov, enclosing papers (not present) on "operations being undertaken beyond our frontier". Lytton to Haines 10 Dec, further consideration of the role of Afghanistan in operations against the Russians, and views of Norman on the matter. Copy of telegram from Lt Col C M Macgregor to Lt Col O T Burne 4 Dec (enclosure to last), reporting on Turkish forces and fortresses in Asia Minor. Haines to Lytton (copy) 31 Jan 1877, enclosing (not present) a memorandum on Central Asia for use at a Council Meeting. Haines to Lytton (copy) 19 Feb 1877, asking him to organise an expedition to explore the Takh-I-Subman Mountains. Lytton to Haines 23 Feb 1877, asking for answers to questions (not present) on ‘a separate Trans Indus Frontier Government’. Lytton to Haines 20 Mar 1876 (recte 1877), still considering the means of delivering a knock out blow against Russia in Central Asia, and rewards to the Army at the Imperial Assemblage. Haines to Lytton (copy) 25 Mar 1877, replying to last, with particular reference to the extension of the Order of the Star of India.

2nd Afghan War (1878-1880)