Archief CS - Papers of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Stoddart

2 letters, one newspaper cutting and an envelope.

The archival history is unknown.

The immediate source of acquisition is unknown. They were kept in an envelope from The Journal of Near Eastern Studies, University of Chicago Press, but it is unlikely that this was the source.

The Papers consist of copies of letter sent by Stoddart, a newspaper cutting about his death, and the original containing envelope. These are:

• Copy of a letter from Stoddart to Crawford to inform that he had been appointed Commander of the Escort, a position gained for him by Mr Ellis, which is not onerous and has increased his yearly salary. He also writes that he will stay in Persia unless a more attractive opportunity opens for him. He asks for news from England. Typed, 2 pieces, dated 17 April 1837.
• Copy of a letter from Stoddart to Crauford (different spelling to letter above) from 'Bokhauran' (Bukhara) in which he writes that his appointment to Bokhauran should have made him his own master and therefore at liberty to write more freely. However four days after his arrival he was imprisoned and from 21 December 1838 until February 1841 was unable to write at all. Now however, he is at liberty. He gives news of Heraut (Herat) and Kabool (Kabul) and the military manoeuvres of the Persian and English armies. He writes that he is now well-treated and bears no ill-will. He asks for news to be sent via the Foreign Office. Typed, 3 pieces, dated 1 May 1841.
• 'The Murder of Lieut. Col. Stoddart and Capt. Conolly, in Bokhara' - a newspaper cutting from an unknown newspaper giving the details of the execution of Stoddart and Conolly on 17 June 1842.
• The original containing envelope with the title, 'Murder of Lt. Col. Stoddart by the Amir of Bokhara on 17.6.1842 - & of Captain Conolly'.

Open. Please contact the archivist. Details can be found here : https://royalasiaticarchives.org/. The archive is open on Tuesdays and Fridays 10-5, and Thursdays 2-5. Access is to any researcher without appointment but it will help if an appointment is made via phone or email. Please bring photo ID.

Digital photography (without flash) for research purposes may be permitted upon completion of a copyright declaration form, and with respect to current UK copyright law.

• Engels

This catalogue was created by Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2025.