Letter from Muzaffar Jang (Reza Khan) to G. G. Ducarel, asking for news of his safe arrival [in England]

Name:

Moīn ud-Daula Khān-Khanān; [illegible] Mīr Muhammad Reẓā Khān Muzaffar Bahādur Jang; Gerard Gustavus Ducarel; John Shore

Date:

1785-01-23

Description:

Letter to G. G. Ducarel, asking for news of his safe arrival [in England]. An envelope with a relatively large and grandiose seal that belonged to Moīn ud-Daula Khān-Khanān [illegible] Mīr Muhammad Reẓā Khān Muzaffar Bahādur Jang. The envelope is addressed to Ducarel using the elaborate appellations that include “God of bounty, pole of governance.” Inside is a crisply burnished letter that has been decorated with flecks of gold. Chain lines are visible. The letter is extremely affectionate and friendly, mentioning the desire to hear news of Ducarel. It also mentions that the writer is in regular contact with John Shore. “This sincere friend will have eyes on the road and hands in prayer that this friend is delivered by God to his destination, that place." Shikasta Persian script.

Language:

Persian

Provenance:

Palmer Family Archive, Devon, England

Subject:

Correspondence; Persian; Mughal; Early Modern; Penmanship; Bihar; British India; 18th century; Masculinity; Friendship; Affection; Sentiment; Letter; Love; Poetry; Power; Empire

Physical Description:

1 letter, when folded (addressee showing): 3.5'' W x 7.4'' L; when opened: 5.9" W x 14'' L.

Geographic Subject:

India -- Bengal

Rights:

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Physical Location:

UA SNED 16A, UA SNED 16B

Collection:

Lord and Lady Palmer Collection