Printed paper: A Century of Famines, being particulars of all the famines that have visited India since the year 1770, and an enquiry into the best means of providing against them by F.C. Danvers. India Office, 27 December 1877. 33pp.
Pamphlet: Indian History and Colonel G.B. Malleson, C.S.I. being a correspondence between the author of “Kaye Rewritten” and Major General C.L. Showers.
Appendix pp.31-33 of the proceeding against Major-General C.L. Showers (when Captain) about his conduct while in the Rajputana Agency.
4 copies of offprint from the United Service Journal, October 1890: The Meywar Bhil Corps by Lieut. H.L. Showers.
2 newspaper cuttings from The Times.
An obituary of Sir Barnes Peacock.
A letter about the Indian National Congress from W. Digby, Secretary of the English Committee of the Indian National Congress.
Letter from H. Wylie to General C.S. Showers, 30 January 1865.
Letter before embarking on ship 1904.
MS note system for Rouge et Noir and Pair et Impair.
2 woodcuts.
Copy of a letter from E.J. Rapson in the Coin Dept. British Museum, to the Office of the Superintendent Imperial Gazetteer of Baluchistan, about coins sent to B.M., 12 September 1902.
Japanese fairy-story Shitakiri Suzume.
Offprint from J.R.A.S. Vol. XVI Pt.l Pujahs in the Sutlej Valleyby William Simpson.
Envelope marked ‘Newspaper cuttings. Kipling’s articles to Morning Post’ Series of “Brazilian Sketches”. 1927.
Child’s sewing card.
Reprint from Numismatic Chronicle, Ancient silver coins from Baluchistan, by E.J. Rapson 1904. (See 43).
Sermon: Wisdom of the World and Wisdom of Christ by The Rev. E.M. Walker. 1918.
Letter from Lt. General Sir Francis Tuker about Charles Lionel Showers at Malown Fort, 15 April 1815, together with letter from L.J. Showers to his mother Mrs. Christian Showers. 1956.
Article from The Windsor Magazine, Nepal and her contribution to the War by Saint Nihal Singh. (No date, but probably 1917/18).
Newspaper cutting: Tales of the Trade III. Ravages and Repairsby Rudyard Kipling.. The Times June 1916. (about 2 submarines).
Newspaper cutting from The Homeward Mail, 13 November 1909. The Viceroy’s Tour (Lord Minto). An interesting day at Alwar (October 27), (Col. and Mrs. Showers present).
Newspaper cutting about Jemadar Jalal of the Mekran Levy Corps who was awarded the Indian Order of Merit 2nd Class. No date.
Newspaper cutting The Eyes of Asia I. The fumes of the heart, by Rudyard Kipling. 1917.
Pamphlet: Selection of papers on various subjects. Agra. 1857, 1858. Allahabad, Mission Press 1859.
Scattered chapters on the Indian Mutiny. The fatal falter at Meerut by D. O’Callaghan. Calcutta 1861. Given to General C.L. Showers by the author.
A MS notebook of ‘original thoughts’ belonging to Colonel C.L. Showers – date c. 1850.
Envelope, letters and article “Eighteen Months in Nepal” by H.L. Showers, published in Blackwoods Magazine 1916. (The 3 letters are from George Blackwood).
Showers Family Papers: Box 7
Rajputana, Nepal, Baluchistan: 1872-1913
File 1
Form of passport from Lt. Col. H.L. Showers and Mrs. Showers to travel to England from Nepal. (Single sheet). 8 September 1913.
Envelope marked ‘Tom’ containing hair from a pet pony’s tail.
Tiny pink envelope marked ‘General C.L. Showers, 15 September 1895, Geneva’ and containing a lock of hair.
MS by General C.L. Showers “Romance of Modern Indian history illustrated by a recent revisit to India”. This appears to be part of a short story. (7pp).
Grant of the dignity of C.I.E. on Major Herbert Lionel Showers, 26 June 1902.
Pamphlet entitled: A list of the principal vernacular names and words which occur in English correspondence compiled with a view to securing uniformity in the spelling of such words, by Major H.L. Showers, C.I.E. Political Agent, Kalat.
Kendall Dent’s Time Chart of the world.
Envelope containing wedding invitation and newspaper cuttings of wedding between Major Archibald Stirling and Marjory Stewart, 14 December, 1929.
Service sheet of service of dedication of window in memory of Anna Selina Stirling, 31 December, 1926.
TS copy of letter to Board of Trade from General C.S. Showers about a miscarriage of justice in Devonshire, 28 November, 1889, and reply dated 31 March 1890.
Newspaper cuttings: 2 from The Daily Telegraph, March 24 1885 The Fight near Tamai… mentioning Showers and McNeil’s zareba; and Russia and Afghanistan.
File 2
Timetable of Passenger lines to and from Calcutta, Madras, Colombo and London – 1913.
Passenger list of Austrian Lloyd Trieste S. Gablonz, 5 April 1914.
Writing paper from The Residency, Katmandu.
Gift card to L.H. Showers from the Maharaja of Nepal.
Christmas card from Lt. General Bahadur Rana, 1913.
Gift card to Mrs. Showers from the Maharani of Nepal.
Greeting card with tigers.
Christmas card from Lt. General Kaiser Shumsher Jung, Nepal, 1921.
2 Christmas cards from the Maharaja of Nepal (Photograph of himself with Prince of Wales) 1922 and the Nepalese Army 1923.
Letter and envelope to Mrs. Showers from H.H. the Maharaja of Alwar, when the latter was in London.
Piece of music MS entitled Zakhmi Dil.
Embroidered folder containing:-
2 Christmas cards from Colonel and Mrs. Showers (while in Jaipur).
Printed pamphlet entitled ‘3rd anniversary speech, 10th December 1906, Alwar’, being the speech by His Highness the Maharaja Sahib Bahadur on the occasion of the third anniversary of his succession being a review of the state of Alwar.
MS letter from the sub-postmaster Mastung to the Political Agent Kalat (Col. H.L. Showers), 8 May 1905, asking for a better house.
File 3
Pamphlet: Life of a soldier of olden time: an unwritten page of history – (From the Friend of India, 29 September and 6th October 18__). (sic) Lahore, 1873. 1pp.
The siege of Delhi in 1857: a short account compiled by Lt. General A.G. Handcock, C.B. 4th new ed. Allahabad 1907.
Small Christmas card from General Mohun Shum Shere Jung Bahadur Rana.
Letter from the Majarajah of Nepal to Mrs. C. Showers, 23 January 1918, Christmas card from the General Mohun Shum Shere Jung in Nepal.
Annals of the Indian Rebellion 1858-59: Part II June 1859. Calcutta 1859.
Copy of The TimesThursday, November 7, 1805 (Report on Trafalgar).
Head’s reprint of The Timesof Thursday, June 22, 1815 containing the account of the Battle of Waterloo.
Showers Family Papers: Box 6
Envelope A:
TS article ‘Sedition in India’, by Major H.L. Showers, submitted to Maga (Blackwoods) and refused; dated London, 15 February 1908. 32 pp. Also 1(a) – 1(d) letters from A. Martindale, 27 February 1908; William Blackwood, 4 and 15 August 1908; Sir Charles Crosthwaite, 8 August 1908: all referring to this article.
Several cuttings from The Times, 1908 referring to India and Asia and sedition particularly.
Three papers (3a – 3c) by Mrs. Christian Showers: Baluchistan. 5 pp.; A tour in Mekran 1903. 6 pp.; The holy valley (life in Nepal 1912-14). 22 pp.
Envelope B:
Miscellaneous papers belonging to Colonel L.J.G. Showers, relating to Colonel H.L. Showers:
Letter from George W. Hayward to Colonel H.L. Showers from Gilgit about expedition in Pamirs. 17 February 1870.
Extract about another expedition to the sources of the Touse on the southern face of the Baring.
MS on blue foolscap paper in the writing of an old person (shaky hand), “A letter from the people & Baba Loke of India to ….. John Bull of Englishstan”.
Copy of Mrs. Showers’ article “The Holy Valley – impressions of Nepal” printed in The “Khaki” Calendar of Naval and Military Events, September 1916.
MS on the same blue paper and same writing as the previous item (3) entitled “Notes, explanations and remarks on each of the places mentioned in the route map”, together with a paper, “A rough sketch of Chylass, Ghilghit, Iskardo and Leh”.
Article from the Imperial Gazetteer of Baluchistan, called “Gabrbands in Baluchistan”, by E. Hughes Buller. 1906.
Article in The Indiaman, 5 November 1915 called “New recruiting fields: the Baluchi and Rajput Tribesmen”, by Lt. Col. H.L. Showers.
Envelope C:
Papers relating to L.J. Showers:
Letters from Colonel L.J. Showers to his mother written from India as Lieutenant in the lst Battalion lst Regiment King George’s Own Gurkha Rifles, March 1930. Dharmsala as Quartermaster; news of riots in Peshawar and Calcutta; goes to Amritsar to help the Government in keeping peace; 30 May 1930, account of mutiny of two Garhwalie platoons (and rioting in Peshawar) and dispersing of troops in the Punjab to restore and keep peace; description of moving regiment.
Map of Amritsar drawn by L.J. Showers with picquets etc. for his signallers and description of how they kept order; in Amritsar for some time with regiment; daily life; heat; outbreaks of rioting; small arms school, Pahmali; panther shooting; 1931, Jula Talao Post Peshawar; describes the troubles round Peshawar in letter to Sir Norman – during the summer of 1930 and describes the methods of combating the raids (posts from the Khyber to Kohat) and roadmaking; announces he is to be adjutant.
Group of Nepal letters in envelope – twenty years after his parents had been there.
Miscellaneous letters undated. Rough sketch of Khajiri Field Force.
Envelope D:
Xerox copy of Mrs. Christian Showers-Stirling’s notes on her life, begun 1960, corrections made 1969.
Born 1879.
Goes to India in 1902 via London, Bombay, Karachi to Quetta, where she lived with her uncle and aunt. Her uncle was in the army and in Western Command. Goes to Delhi Durbar in December.
1903 Lord Curzon’s Durbar and investiture. Engaged to Major Herbert Showers who is in the Political Service, Naini Tal – describes life there. Married there July 1903. Tours with her husband in Kalat and Quetta. Goes with her husband to gather all the tribal heads to meet Lord Curzon at Pasni, and on to Karachi. Turbat, Jatt, Las Bela and Karachi.
First child born. As Political Agent’s wife, Mastung. Her husband starts silkworm industry. More touring in the area after leave. Returns to Kalat. Second child born in Quetta.
Life in Quetta and Kalat 1906. In Jaipur as wife of Officiating Resident – visits etc.
In 1907 leave Jaipur. Go to Agra for the Durbar in honour of the Amir of Afghanistan’s visit. Gwalior. Leave.
As wife of Political Agent in Alwar, 1908-09.
Jaipur 1909. Leave and return to Jaipur for Viceregal visit (Lord and Lady Minto); description of this visit, and plan of other V.I.P.s visits.
Jaipur touring 1910; visitors; incidents in Residency life in Jaipur and Mount Abu. Staying with Viceroy; Crown Prince of Germany’s visit; Prince Antoine d’Orleans Braganza; Warren Hastings’ ghost. Tonk. Simla life.
Delhi Durbar 1911. Incident of Maharaja of Baroda. Visit of King and Queen to Jaipur. Further touring and visiting minor rajahs.
Transferred to Nepal 1912. Leave for a month to collect children. Residency at Katmandu. Tours, big game shooting etc.
The King of Nepal’s coronation, 1913. Residency life. Leave Quetta 1913 as Judicial and Revenue Commissioner’s wife. Meet Sitwells.
In 1914, Resident at Udaipur (where her husband’s father had been in mutiny times i.e. C.L. Showers). Camp in Chitor Fort but it had a terrible atmosphere.
Her husband’s illness and retirement 1915 and death 1916. The remainder of the journal recounts her life in England.
Folder relating to to the death of Captain H. Showers in 1880:
Letters to Edward Melian Showers in Bengal relating to his brother Howe’s death, 26 March 1880. (Captain H.F. Showers, 1st P.I.).
Letter from Julia Lambert at Kalin office to E.M. Showers (her cousin) about the death of Captain Howe Showers. 28 March 1880.
Copy of telegram dated 27 March (1880) in Mrs. Lambert’s handwriting, sent to Major Halliday from Captain Wyllie enclosed with above letter, giving news of the death of Captain Howe Showers.
Envelope addressed to E.M. Showers, Esq., D.S.P., Krishnagar, Bengal, from Quetta, posted April 1 (1880), and received Krishnagar, April 8, and containing the following letters from J.C. Fullerton, resident surgeon in Quetta.
Describes how Captain Howe Showers, returning from Sibi to Quetta, not by the regular route, was attacked and killed by tribesmen, and how his body was recovered and buried. 30 March 1880.
Letter dated 31 March 1881 to E.M.S. enclosing lock of Howe Showers’ hair [not discovered] and telling him that 400 Panerzai Kakas were in arms, and a punitive expedition was being sent to them.
Letter from J.F. Fullerton about impossibility of getting gravestone at Quetta and advising E.M.S. to have one sent by rail. Also describes the punitive expedition carried out.
Note from J. Lambert to E.M.S. possibly about method of payment but difficult to decipher, 18 April (1880).
Letter from Major W. Marshall, 4th Bombay Rifles, President of Committee of Adjustment to E.M.S. dated 2 April 1880, asking of he will take over the administration of the estate of Captain Howe Showers.
Committee of Adjustment in Quetta to Brigadier General Brooke, saying that E.M.S. will administer Captain Howe Showers’ estate, and mentioning some of his possessions which were not sold but kept for the family. 20 May 1880.
Letter from Brigadier General H. Brooke to E.M.S. offering help in returning Captain Howe Showers’ effects to England and mentioning Captain Showers’ character. Envelope which enclosed item 5.
Letter from Major W. Marshall in Quetta to E.M.S., 11 June 1880, asking about final winding up of Captain H. Showers’ estate.
Letter from Mr. Thomas Hope, Assistant A.G.G., Quetta, from Camp Sibi, 2 March 1881, to a female relation of Captain Howe Showers about the disposal of his personal effects which had not been carried out, and mentioning the gravestone.
Envelope dated Quetta 16 April, Krishnagar 23 April.
Memorandum dated 7 June 1881 to E.M.S. at Krishnagar from Col. C. Beadon in Lahore, informing him of sculptors in Lahore.
Postcard to E.M.S. from Delhi, about a sculptor in Delhi for gravestone.
Quotation from sculptor in Delhi to E.M.S. for different designs of tombstone and lettering, 24 June 1881.
Letter from sculptor Nund Ram & Son, in Delhi, 8 August 1881 to E.M.S. asking him to correct the inscription copy.
Receipt from Nund Ram for an advance of 50 Rupees on total sum for large tombstone.
Letter from J.C. Fullerton to the Officiating District Superintendent of Police, Krishnagar, 4 September 1881, giving instructions for sending up Howe Showers’ tombstone.
Postcard from the sculptor of the tombstone saying it is ready for dispatch, 26 December 1881.
Letter enclosing balance of account for the tombstone and carriage to Quetta, 6 January 1882 from the sculptors in Delhi, Nund Ram & Son.
Payee’s acknowledgement for money order for balance of account of 86 Rupees 12 annas dated 19 January 1882.
Note from Nund Ram & Son to E.M.S. saying tombstone had been dispatched, 3 February 1882.
Receipt for balance of payment to Nund Ram & Son, 3 February 1882.
Letter from the A.A.G.G. Sibi about transport of tombstone to Quetta from Sibi, 6 May 1882.
Original reference from Sir Robert Sandeman, Agent to the Governor-General, Baluchistan, about Captain H.F. Showers, who had been murdered 14 March 1880.
TS extract from Shadbolt’s ‘Afghan campaign 1878-80’, about Captain H.F. Showers, lst Punjab Infantry, murdered 1880.
Showers Family Papers: Box 5
“Resident’s personal file” :- (Major Showers’ personal papers):
Takes over July 1906. Telegrams about wife’s enteric; delay; letters about leave etc. Telegrams about quantity of silkworm eggs, and letters about seri-culture.
Cutting from The Baluchistan Gazette 12 October 1906 describing the visit of the Viceroy, Lord Minto, to Quetta, including congratulatory speech to the Khan of Kalat on peaceful period and mentioning development of the silk industry at Mastung and the forthcoming visit of the Amir of Afghanistan.
Telegrams etc., about leave.
Judgements. Duplicate judgement of case of forgery of 26 June 1896 in the court of the District Magistrate Ajmer, Captain H.L. Showers as District Magistrate. Also for 18 August 1896.
“Residency Jaipur”:- containing papers on the history, religious history and anthropology of Rajputana; also notes on the statues in the Residency gardens; a brief sketch of the Sheikhawati Federation (between Bikaner and Patiala North of Jaipur) and brief historical notes on Sheikhawah by the Nazim of Sheikhawah. MS.
Envelope containing 37 items:-
Decorated page partly in Urdu, 1900.
Second decorated page partly in Urdu, 1900.
(a) Newspaper cutting from The Pioneer, Thursday 28 July 1910, describing the visit of the Agent to the Governor-General in Rajputana, Mr. E.G. Colvin, C.S.I. to Jaipur.
(b) Two letters partly in Urdu.
Newspaper cutting from Times of India, 27 December 1910 – description of the visit to Jaipur of the Crown Prince of Germany during his tour in the East.
Printed papers: Camp diary kept by Col. C.E. Yate, Agent to the Governor-General and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan, to the Secretary to the Government of India Foreign Department, from 1 December 1901-25 January 1902. Kept during tour in Mekran and Las Bela, recording the information collected regarding those districts and the coast ports. 15 December 1901 Turbot. Records siege by Nazim of Turbot of Muhammad Ali Din Muhammad in the Nodiz Fort. Yate awaits Lt. Col. Showers, Political Agent of Kalat with escort and guns, and describes the attack and capture of the Fort. (pages 1-11, 15-16, 19-31 missing.) Continues with tour diary.
Printed reports on tour from Lt. Col. H.L. Showers, Political Agent, Kalat, to the Hon. Colonel C.E. Yate, Agent to the Governor-General in Baluchistan, Camp Tump, 8 January 1902, on suppression of outlaws on border; Persian raids into Kalati Mekran; boundary dispute; individual chiefs; keeping law and order in general. (11 pp.)
Programme of events arranged for the Viceroy’s visit to Jaipur, 28-30 October 1909, together with information about Jaipur Residency and, for those visiting, memo of instructions for native servants accompanying the Viceroy. (9 pp.)
Letter of good wishes to Major H.L. Showers, the Resident at Jaipur from the Maharajah S. Madho Singh, 31 December 1906.
Letter from Quetta posting H.L. Showers to Central Provinces, 14 September 1900.
Covering letter from Colonel Showers at the Kalat Agency, with notes of his conversation with Major Ramsay about Kalat affairs. (Notes not yet found, 14 September 1970. Ed.)
(a) and (b) Seating plan, one in MS the other TS including His Imperial Majesty Prince George of Battenburg and the Hon. John Fortescue. n.d.
Two MS draft letters to Sir Louis Dane (Lieutenant Governor of Punjab):-
6 September 1906 from Colonel Showers – expressing his wishes for his future; to return to the Frontier etc. particularly Gilgit, and not to Kalat.
20 September 1907 – similar letter.
Printed article: ‘The Meywar Bhil Corps’, by Lt. H.L. Showers, Assistant to Agent to Governor-General. Rajputana, n.d.
MS letter from the Nazim of Mekran, 29 October 1915, in answer to Col. Showers’ letter which reached him in the middle of the battle of Gomazi near Tump, between Baran Zais and himself; description of this battle.
MS letter from W.S. Davis to Col. Showers, 14 June 1904, about dispute over local and language allowances.
MS letter of appreciation from H. Butler, Foreign Office, Simla, to Col. Showers.
(a) to (d) MS of telegram of congratulation 7 May 1902, on Mekran operation. Letters of congratulation on C.I.E. from E.F. Orton and J.W. Tighe; newspaper cutting from the Baluchistan newspaper 4 July 1902 with congratulatory paragraph. All these consider C.I.E. insufficient recognition for Mekran operation.
Letter of acknowledgement about notice in Jaipur Gazette, 28 April 1909.
Newspaper cutting describing the warning issued by the Maharaja of Bundi, Rajputana, against sedition. Not date but – relating to preceding item.
Newspaper cutting about Col. Showers.
Letter of farewell from Maharaja of Alwar from Lansdowne Palace, Alwar. 14 October -.
Small account book without cover, 1892-93.
(a) newspaper cutting from The Pioneer, Monday 11 September 1911, with article “Farewell to Colonel Showers” (from Alwar as Agent, on amalgamation of state into Eastern Rajputana) describing state banquet given by the Maharaja, and
(b) TS of Showers’ speech.
Newspaper cutting from The Pioneer, Friday 29 March 1912, with article describing the farewell to Colonel Showers, Resident in Jaipur, about to take up appointment as Resident in Nepal.
Miscellaneous papers:-
5 September 1902. Appreciation of Government for Major Showers’ services in dealing with Persian Government representatives.
Letter from Col. C.E. Yate in Quetta (A.G.G. Baluchistan) 30 July 1903 about Maharaja’s wedding present.
I. and II. Reports Nos. 1906E and 1904E from the Indian foreign secretary, Simla, 15 September 1902 about the British-Persian negotiations regarding compensation for the raids committed by Muhammad Umar, Nausherwani, in Baluch-Mekran, and the conciliatory part played by Major Showers in this border dispute.
Prescription for Col. Showers, 5 June 1915.
Report by Lt. Col. A.C. Yate, 29th (D.C.O.) Baluch Infantry, on his arrest by an Afghan picquet and detention at Fort Baldak, 6-26 April 1903. (Lt. Col. Yate was brother of the A.G.G. Baluchistan.)
Letter of congratulation from the A.G.G. Baluchistan on Col. Showers’ settlement report on the Sarawan area. 11 April 1903.
Reports on the redistribution of work in the Kalat Agency and the increase in the powers of the native assistant, and assistant Political Adviser, Jhallawan. 31 October 1904.
Five letters (25h-l) from Sir Charles Bayley, Resident at Indore 1900: about various cases, and protest at Showers being moved so quickly to Kalat; note wishing H.L.S. good luck at Quetta; to Mrs. Showers 1903 with wedding present; to Col. Showers about going to Indore.
Miscellaneous letters to Major Showers:-
1 August 1907. From the Jam of Lasbela.
10 September 1907. From G. Macalister, in Jaipur.
17 September 1908. From H. Butler in Simla to Lady Gaselee – about Major Showers’ appointment to Alwar.
5 March 1918. From C.E. Stothad, Jaipur, to Mrs. Solomons – about memorial tablet to Colonel Showers.
Drawing from a magazine of Colonel Showers and the Governor-General of Kirman watching the destruction of Magas Fort.
30 September 1904. Note made by Major Showers: ‘Drummond has joined the H.B. faction – not loyal’.
Printed confidential report from Lt. Col. H.L. Showers, Officiating Resident in Nepal to Lt. Col. Sir A.E. McMahon, Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department. 15 June 1913.
Report on the course of events in Nepal 1912-13.
Original and translation of laudatory address to Col. Showers.
Letter from the Prime Minister of Nepal (H.E. Maharaja Sir Chandra Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana) to Colonel Showers 10 May 1915 and –
30 November 1915, a second letter bemoans the fact that Colonel Showers is not returning; both letters mention sending troops to fight in the war.
Photograph of the Residency, Nepal.
Christmas card from the Prime Minister of Nepal.
Letter of appointment as C.S.I. from Lord Hardinge of Penn the Viceroy, 11 December 1911.
Letter from Colonel Yate to Mrs. Showers on his progress in health.
Letter from Lord Hardinge to Colonel Showers regretting that he is not able to return to India.
TS memo of medical case written by Colonel Showers, hoping to be able to finish his work in Udaipur.
Showers Family Papers: Box 4
Personal files of Captain H.L. Showers kept while he was Political Agent:
Baluchistan Agency, 1898-99. Takes over in March 1898 from Captain M.A. Tighe, in Karachi. Transferred to Zhob as Political Assistant, September 1898 (Political Agent 1899). Consists of pay slips, travelling allowances, leave, examinations, telegrams, etc. while Captain.
Quetta, 1900. Peshin Agency personal file.
Printed correspondence and reports about the Mekran border troubles, their history and consequences; Showers’ report of a tour of the district which is very detailed; appendices on geographical features etc. of the tour:
Correspondence about enlisting Brahuis and Baluchis; camp diary of Col. C.E. Yate, A.G.G. Baluchistan, 1 December 1901-25 January 1902, which describes the engagement at Kataluk (see envelope) in which Colonel Showers took a major part.
Further correspondence between the A.G.G. Baluchistan and Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department, about the Persian border situation (1901); includes Colonel Showers’ report on his tour of the Mekran area, 1900.
Kalat Agency, 1901. Personal file:
MS copies of letters about pay, furlough, etc.
Another copy of report on Mekran tour.
Printed correspondence between the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department and the Ambassador at Tehran, Sir A.H. Hardinge, about the border disputes between Baluchistan and Persia.
Printed regulations for rates of pay, allowances etc.
Reports and correspondence arising therefrom, from Major H.L. Showers, Political Agent, Kalat, to Colonel C.E. Yate, A.G.G. Baluchistan, 12 December 1901, on his tour through the Jhallawan country, and the question of establishing more effective control over the tract.
Conferment of C.I.E. telegrams etc.
Further copy of the report on the Nodiz Fort incident, including for the first time a plan of the Fort.
Copy of full report of Major Showers’ report of his tour in Mekran and Mashkel, Part I.
Report of his operations on the Perso-Baluch Frontier, Part II.
Report by Major H.L. Showers of tour of the Jhallawan area made March 1903 primarily for settlement of dispute between Mengal and Chutta tribes for possession of the Saruna Valley, but also as a general survey of the BaluchistanPersian border area.
Copy of Major Showers’ report on tour of Mekran, October 1903 – January 1904, with proposals which were approved – see subsequent correspondence in the file.
Route reports, Palantak to Pasni via Panjgur and Turbat, December 1903.
Showers Family Papers: Box 3
Large letter book B – C.L. Showers:
(14 miscellaneous cuttings, unconnected with India, lie between the first five sheets.)
B1. Letter from Secretary to Government of India, to Captain C.L. Showers and Bikaneer Horse about capture of Jawahir Singh, and the cooperation of the Maharajah of Bikaneer, 20 August 1847.
B2. Report of further captures, and consequences to health, 24 November 1847.
B3. Copy of Showers’ report on the capture (B1) to the A.G.G. Rajpootana, 11 August 1847.
B4. Letter about capture of the last of the chiefs of the Seekur Baraoteas, from A.G.G. Rajpootana to Lt. C.S. Showers, 24 January 1848.
B5. Laudatory poems in vernacular addressed to Captain Showers with translations, after capture of Neemuch.
B6. Copy of Mountstuart Elphinstone’s minute on Captain Sutherland’s plan for educating a native civil service. 1824.
B7. Part of MS letter to Sir John Strachey, written from Peshawar, 9 June 1879 about proposed reduction in expenditure.
B8. Copies of letter from C.J. Lyall as Under Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Agriculture, 26 July 1875, together with reports, on the quality of cotton Colonel Showers had grown.
B9. Pencil notes on article on night sentry duty.
B10. Copy of letter to Lord Dufferin.
B11. Printed report on Gwalior affairs for 1868 from Colonel Showers, 20 January 1869. 8 pp. including appendix. Another copy differently printed, no appendix.
B12. Newspaper cuttings: The Mofussilite, Friday 27 March – about Major Showers’ pamphlet ‘The cotton question’; The Himalaya Chronicle, 14 August 1875 on indigenous cotton (also an article on natives in the Civil Service); The Mussoorie Season, 25 October 1873 on inspecting Colonel Showers’ cotton fields.
B13. Two letters acknowledging pamphlet on the Persian question, 1885.
B14. Lord Rosebery’s reply to request to put General Showers’ son’s name on list of candidates for consular employment.
B15. Another copy of report on Gwalior, 1869.
B16. Memorial to Viceroy Lord Ripon from members of Manchester Chamber of Commerce on compensation for Maj. Gen. Showers’ expenses in cotton experiments.
B17. Notes for a lecture or article.
B18. Cutting, n.d. about Kaffars (sic).
B19. Notes for article or report on an Afghan village.
B20. Long MS article on Kaffiristan and the Kaffirs by A. Gardner, 20 October 1869. 12 pp.
B21. Letter from R. Cobden to Colonel Showers about taking his case to Parliament, 28 February 1865.
B22. MS article on Lord Lytton’s Government and its apologists, 27 March – 21pp.
B23. Letter from W.R. Masarron, 6 August 1868.
B24. Two extracts about Sir George Lawrence. 8 pp. plus 1 p.
B25. Letter about Colonel Malleson’s book, 24 August 1881.
B26. Acknowledgement from War Office, 23 December 1880.
B27. Appointment as Major General, 20 September 1877.
B28. Copy of Colonel Showers’ paper to the British Association on the Meenahs of Central India, 19 Sept 1864. 7pp.
B29. TS copies of correspondence with Department of Agriculture Dehra Doon, 1875, about indigenous cotton seed.
B30. TS copies of further correspondence about cotton seed with A.O. Hume, 5 June 1875, and others.
B31. TS copy of article (nothing to do with India).
B32. ‘Hints for the conduct of business in a political residency under the Indian Foreign Office’, by Major General C.L. Showers, 15 June 1882. TS. 6 pp.
B33. Letter from H. Thompson about General Showers’ son, 1885.
B34. TS copy of General Showers’ letter to the Daily Chronicle on the Kandahar question, 2 March 1881, plus extract of editorial response.
B35. MS of letter to The Times.
B36. MS copies of extracts from various boundary settlements and the quashing of a proceeding, 1878.
B37. Copy of letter and associated correspondence to the Under Secretary of State for India, 15 December 1883, about the revolt of the Thakoors against the Maharajah of Bikaneer.
B38. MS memorandum on the war with Persia by C.L. Showers, 19 November 1856. 6 pp.
B39. MS ‘Substance of a Persian letter from an eyewitness of the events at Delhi on the 11th and 12th instant May, on the siezure of the city by mutineers of the native army – addressed to and communicated through the Vakeel of the Ulweer (sic) State dated 12 May 1857 and translated by C.L. Showers.’
B40. Verses from Faust.
B41(a) and (b). Second MS copy of two items in A17.
B42. Printed memorandum by Colonel Showers, Peshawar, 10 May 1870 on suggestions for improvement of meat consumed by the troops in Peshawar.
B43. Letter from A.W. Hume to General Showers about his son’s cadetship, 23 October 1880.
B44. Letter of congratulation, 17 January 1868 on Showers’ appointment to Gwalior.
B45. Copy of letter from Archbishop Whateley to a friend on the subject of mesmerism, 1844.
B46. Quotation.
B47. Second copy of B42.
B48(a) and (b). Two copies of a printed memorandum: ‘Cholera in connection with barracks by Colonel C.L. Showers. Peshawar, April 1870.
B49. MS draft of a letter to the Daily News entitled ‘Mr Slagg M.P., Parliament and the Government of India’. 17 March – 8 pp.
B50. Printed proof-sheet of letter to The Times from Major General C.L. Showers on the reduction of the native armies of India. Lahore, 20 March –
B51. MS, no signature nor date, written from Junior United Service Club about increase in crime.
B52. Printed paper: ‘Army organization commission’, by Major General C.L. Showers. 4 August 1879. 13 pp. Appendix: ‘Memorandum on the maintenance of the lines of communication of the British columns in the field, forming the army of Afghanistan.’ Lahore, 4 December 1878. 3 pp.
B53. MS copy of letter of instructions on sowing and cultivating cotton. Pencil initial signatures of Showers.
B54. Cutting from The Times, 18 June 1883 on ‘The Berlin congress: a retrospect’.
B55. Printed proclamation in -Urdu and English issued by the Government and H.H. the Maharajah Jyajee Rao Scindia, Gwalior, 9 September 1868, on relief measures for famine.
B56. Page from The Statesman 16 August 1877 – reference to Colonel Showers’ pamphlet on cotton in the leader.
B57. Cutting from The Times 7 October 1885, about seabirds.
B58. Cutting 4 May 1890, relating to dual ownership of land in India.
B59. Letter from J. Crawford to Colonel Showers about his paper on the Meenahs, 29 July 1864.
Showers Family Papers: Box 2
Envelope A – early history of Colonel H.L. Showers:
Certificate of enrolment with Mussoorie Volunteer Rifle Corps. 1877-79.
Copy of questions to be answered by a candidate for first appointment to a commission in the Auxiliary Forces. 6 May 1881.
Copy of certificate of H.L. Showers’ studies at Dehru Dun and Landour School from H.A. Donald. 29 July 1879.
Certificate of studies from H.A. Donald, Mussoorie. 20 July 1880.
Letter from H.L. Showers in 9th Foot (Norfolk Regiment) attached to the 17th B.N.I. from Suakin, Sudan, 25 March 1885, to his father. Describes an engagement in which the B.N.I. gave way and asks why this was. (copy) 4 pp.
TS copy of part of another letter from H.L. Showers, 15 April 1885, to his father.
MS letter from C.L. Showers, to H.L., 3 December 1887, about oratory.
MS letter from H.L. Showers to his father from Buklol, 27 December 1886.
Letter from H.L. Showers to his father, 25 December 1889, Rajputana, about promotion and trying to get into the Political Service; sets out his qualifications.
An epilogue to be spoken at a play; a song written on board R.M.S. Oriental, 26 March 1891.
Collection of nine miscellaneous letters to H.L. Showers and his father.
Envelope B – contains notes etc. on the lives of various members of the Showers family:
Envelope containing extract (copy) of a letter about Colonel (later Brigadier) St. G.D. Showers written 14 August 1857, and his exploits during the siege of Delhi.
Unnamed, undated extract MS about Colonel Showers during siege of Delhi.
MS copy of extract of dispatches relating to the death of Captain C.L. Showers of the 19th Regiment Bengal Infantry, in the attack on Malown on 15 April 1815.
Newspaper cutting from The Statesman October 1833 about the credit due to Captain C.L. Showers rather than General Ochterlony for the success of the assault on Malown.
Photograph of Captain C.L. Showers’ memorial tablet in St. John’s Church, Calcutta.
Large letter book A – Lt. Gen. C.L. Showers:
Contains largely the MS material referred to in his pamphlets and book A missing chapter of the Indian mutiny – the letters and statements in support of his action at Neemuch and Neembahera in 1857, which actions led to his dismissal from the Political Service, and transfer to the Military:
A1. Letter from J.D. Cunningham, Loodiana, 15 December 1849, about his own memorial and re-instatement; has seen Lord Dalhousie.
A2. Part of a letter to General – from Camp Ramnuggur 28 February 1849 describing a successful action by the British against Sikh and Afghan forces at Gujerat. It seems to be a copy, corrected before re-writing by C.L. Showers. See A4.
A3. MS extract.
A4. Set of papers, originally tied together, comprising copies of appendices A – D, No. 44 from the Secretary to the Government of India, to Captain C.L. Showers, Rajputana, 30 January 1849 – orders to march to Lahore with Rajput Horse; operations near Wazirabad. Appendix D – letter of recommendation for services in campaign from General F. Markham. Copy of memorial of Captain C.L. Showers (14th B.N.l:) A.G.G., Rajputana, to the Court of Directors dated 2 February 1850, camp near Neemuch – pleading he was not mentioned in the Gazette for brevet promotions; describes the battle of Gujerat in detail.
A5. Report from Captain C.L. Showers, Officiating P.A. Jaipur, to Col. J. Low, A.G.G., Rajputana, Jaipur 30 November 1849, replying to request to report on the debts due by the Jaipur Government, and anything else interesting. Detailed account of finance, including Maharaja’s private purse, and the necessity for assuming management of his affairs during his minority; statement of estimated revenue. 16 pp.
A6. Memorandum …. by Captain Showers … regarding his employments in the Punjab during the campaign of 1848-49; further accounts of events before and during the battle of Gujerat and defending the independent action he took; copies of orders received during campaign and after with pencil annotations – – by Showers. 12 pp.
A7. Extract from a letter from the A.G.G., Rajputana (Lt. Col. Sutherland) to Undersecretary Foreign Department, 23 April 1846. Reference to C.L. Showers. 4 pp.
A8. Second extract from the same, applying for the services of C.L.S., 23 June 1847. 1 p.
A9. Appointment to Rajputana Agency, 6 July 1847. 1 p.
A10. Copies of letters from the A.G.G. to Lt. C.L. Showers about his kind treatment of outlawed chiefs (Seekur family) 3 November 1847. 7 pp.
A11. Unfinished diary written on folded sheets, of military operations around Ferozepur.16 pp.
A12. Copy of draft (much corrected) of official letter from Captain Showers, Officiating Political Agent, Jaipur to Colonel Sir Henry Lawrence A.G.G., Rajputana, 2 May 1855. Observations on the state of Jaipur December 1854 – May 1855. 46 pp.
A13. Three empty envelopes addressed to Captain Showers. 2 with seals; post mark on one: 28 May 1857, Neemuch.
A14. Letter to Captain Showers from General Markham congratulating him on ‘your successful affair at Neembhaira’ etc.
A15. Two letters in a form of Hindi, 1857.
A16. Three letters from Sir Henry Lawrence about salary etc.
A17. Copies of narratives of occurrences in Delhi written ‘by a native residing within the walls of the city commencing 11 May 1857’. 6 pp. Native news from the city of Delhi 22 July 1857. (copy) 2 pp. Letter from a friend from Delhi. n.d. 5 pp.
A18. Letter from Captain J.D. Macdonald, Doongra 6 June 1857 asking for help. 1 p.
A19. Copy of Dr. Murray’s narrative of the mutiny at Neemuch 3 June (1857). 7 pp.
A20. MS drafts and copies of supporting letters, of memorial to the Secretary of State, by Major Showers, on the Neembhara affair in 1857 and its consequences. 8 pp.
A21. Copy of general report on Meywar during the recent rebellion in India 1857-58. 82 pp.
A22. Purport of a Khureeta from Captain Showers, Officiating Political Agent, Meywar, to the Muharaj Tookoo Rao Holkar (sic) 14 July 1857, and reply 26 July 1857.
A23. Copy of a letter from Captain Showers to Colonel Durand, A.G.G. Indore, references of good conduct during the mutiny of various individuals. 2 pp.
A24. Copy of a letter from Captain Showers in Neemuch to Brigadier General G.S.P. Lawrence, Officiating A.G.G., Rajputana 28 September 1857. Account of the proceedings and military operations which resulted in the occupation of Neembahera. 8 pp.
A25. Correspondence between Major W.F.Eden, Officiating A.G.G. Rajputana, the P.A. Gwalior, the Superintendent Neemuch, the Secretary to the Governor-General Cecil Beadon and Captain Showers etc. about the investigation into the supposed buried treasure at Neemuch, 13-28 January 1860: (Captain Showers accused of exceeding his legitimate sphere of duty, and his reply etc.) 29 pp.
A26. This item was returned to Colonel L.J. Showers in 1970.
A27. Copy of a letter from F.B. to his mother and signed as a true copy by C.H. Barnes of the 2nd Horse Artillery, about mutineers at-Kotah. 13 – 1857.
A28. Extract of letter about the fight before Delhi on 14 July 1857 with statistics of killed or wounded.
A29. Two letters in -Urdu.
A30. Thirteen letters from the Nawab of Jowra to Captain Showers from Jowra 11 July 1857-14 June 1858 – references to Delhi; the Mundesore rebellion; requesting help from mutineers still at large who have plundered Malaghur, and are in Partabgarh and Bundeswara; regretting death of Sir Henry Lawrence, and the ‘Nimbhara transaction’ etc.
A31. Copy of substance of a native letter … events at Delhi …. 11th and 12th May (signed) by C.L. Showers. 5 pp.
A32. Part of a letter from General Durand.
A33. Letter from Captain Showers Officiating Political Agent, Meywar, to Brigadier General G.S.P. Lawrence Officiating A.G.G. Rajputana, Udaipur, 5 March 1858, giving information relevant to military operations in the Kotah region. 9 pp.
A34. Dispatch from General G. Lawrence asking Captain Showers for report on his pursuit of the Neemuch. mutineers, 17 August 1857.
A35. Copy of a letter from General Chamberlain, camp before Delhi 13 July 1857, giving statistics of forces.
A36. Extract of a letter from Colonel Keith Young 12 August 1857.
A37. Copy of letter in romanized vernacular from the Nawab of Jowra, n.d. n.p.
A38. Letter from – Neemuch 31 May -1857 about the conditions of Neemuch – reporting news from Colonel Durand all quiet at Agra and giving other military news.
A39. Letter from Colonel Ebden to C.L. Showers 1 June 1857 from Mount Abu reporting Colonel G. Lawrence’s orders about attitude towards mutineers and urging frequent communication.
A40. Letter from Colonel Sir Richmond Shakespear, Baroda, 9 August 1857 about Durand’s tactics near Lucknow; Lawrence and Hutchinson etc.
A41. Letter from Colonel Abbot 17 July 1857 – testimonial to second officer.
A42. Seven letters from Colonel Durand, 1857:
Indore, 26 May – no troops for Rajputana.
Indore, 29 June – no European troops available; news of Gwalior rising; his own position.
Camp Burware, right bank of River Narbudda, 29 July – about advance to Mhow; other mutiny news.
Mhow, 9 August – incomplete letter asking for news of Delhi; Brigadier Stuart there.
Mhow, 27 August – uneasy quiet.
Mhow, 16 September – reinforcements arrive; Mundesore insurrection growing less.
Camp Mundesore, 27 November – regarding fugitives and military operations.
A43. United Service Gazette, 22 November 1884 – obituaries of General Sir George St. Patrick Lawrence and Colonel Barnes; the latter fought at Neembahera, 1857.
A44. From Secretary to the Government in India to A.G.G., Rajputana, 2 October 1857 about Captain Showers’ presence at Neemuch.
A45. From Captain Showers to Brigadier General G. Lawrence justifying his actions in Meywar and Neemuch, 1 December 1857. 3 pp.
A46. From Brigadier General G. Lawrence to Captain Showers 14 November 1857 – covering letter for (A44) and the letter of the Secretary to the Government of India to Lawrence, 18 September 1857 on the same subject.
A47. Letter from Captain John O. Brooke, Khewarah, 29 October 1857.
A48. Copy of letter from Sir Arthur Becher, Camp Delhi, 9 September 1857, to the Assistant Agent to the Governor-General, describing beginning of the siege of Delhi.
A49. Letter from Charles E. Barton, Khukun, 5 June 1857 – early days of mutiny.
A50. Letter from Captain Showers to Brigadier General G. Lawrence, 5 February 1858, about gratuity distributed at Neemuch without permission and reason for doing so.
A51. Letter from Captain Showers and others to Brigadier General G. Lawrence requesting reward for the Meywar Bheel Corps 29 March 1858. 7 pp.
A52. Further long explanatory letter about his actions at Neemuch etc. from Captain Showers to Brigadier General G. Lawrence, 23 December 1857. 6 pp.
A53. Letter from Captain Barton to C.L Showers, Neemuch, 14 June 1857 – defection of Bhurt pur troops etc.
A54. Letter from J. Brooke about Gwalior mutiny and other mutiny news, Chola Ladree. n.d.
A55. Letter from C.L. Showers’ brother 25 March 1857.
A56. Two extracts, no name, no date.
A57. Copies of letters from Captain Eden to Brigadier General Lawrence, 11 September 1857, and to Captain Eden from Colonel Young pp. Col. Durand, Delhi HQ, 15 September 1857 – about taking the city.
A58. MS papers connected with the removal of Major C.L. Showers from the Political Department:
Extract from letters, from the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, and Under Secretary of State for India, 1860 and 1862.
Printed memorandum of Major C.L. Showers’ services in the Political Department, 6 August 1862. 8 pp.
A59. Letter of complaint from Captain Showers, written Oodeypore, 22 June 1858 to Mr. Edmonstone about pursuit of rebels authorized by Brigadier General Lawrence into Meywar and the conduct there of the officer commanding. 11 pp.
A60. Captain Showers to General Lawrence, Oodeypore, 30 April 1858 – commending a Naick and four sepoys.
A61. Letter from Captain Eden, 18 June 1858.
A62. Letter from St.G.D. Showers to his brother C.L. Showers, Agra, 26 June 1858 – about pursuit of rebels.
A63. Recommendation for bravery for two officers by C.L. Showers, 18 August 1859.
A64. Report by C.L. Showers to Brigadier General G. Lawrence, 8 April 1858 – justifying his construction of entrenchments at Neemuch. 13 pp.
A65. Secret correspondence relating to the crisis confided by Maharana Soroop Singh of Udaipur to Captain Showers, Resident Meywar, for submission to the Governor-General, Oodeypore, 21 February 1858. (Original torn; copy.) 15 pp.
A66. Letter from the India Office 14 April 1862 about Captain Showers’ removal from Political Department.
A67. Copy of letter of dismissal from Major Eden Officiating A.G.G., Rajputana to Captain Showers, 14 March 1860 – enclosing copies of letters from the Secretary to the Government of India with those of the Governor-General.
A68. Copy of MS of Captain C.L. Showers’ memorial. 37 pp.
A69. TS ‘Colonel Malleson and General Showers’; a review, no author, no date. 6 pp.
A70. Letter from Sir John Strachey- about pamphlet 28 June 1860 (with envelope and stamp.)
A71. Satirical rhyme ‘Who caught Tantia Topee ….’ composed by a sergeant of the 3rd Bengal Europeans, January 1860.
A72. Printed copy of ‘Memorandum of Major Showers’ political services in Rajpootana. Simla, 8 September 1863.
Showers Family Papers: Box 1
Items 1 – 17: Xerox copies of seventeen letters from Colonel Howe Showers, 1826-28, to his son, later Major General St. George Showers, written after the father had become ill at Allahabad and was on his way home down the Ganges, first to Calcutta and then to England, where he was soon to die. The letters are purely personal, and admonitary, and reflect anxiety about promotion and preferment, and the necessity of good behaviour and patronage to obtain both.
Printed papers about Lt. Gen. C.L. Showers:
Newspaper cutting from The Home News 27 September 1895, with obituary of Lt. Gen. Charles Lionel Showers.
Memorandum of Colonel C.L. Showers’ services in the Political Department, 14 pp.
Memorandum on Colonel C.L. Showers (regarding his removal from the Political Service). 18 pp.
Appendix to the memorandum above, pp. 27-49. Reprints of letters etc., about Colonel Showers’ action at Neemuch and Neembahera.
Proposal of a plan for remodelling the Government of India by Captain Charles Showers, Bengal Army, Political Agent for the States of Rajpootana (sic). London, 1853.
‘The Central Asian question’, by Charles Lionel Showers. London, 1873.
‘The Central Asian question and massacre at the Cabin Embassy’, by Major-General C.L. Showers. London, 1879.
‘Commercial treaties and foreign competition; a treatise on “fair trade”‘, by C. Halford Thompson. London, 1881.
Indian history and Colonel G.B. Malleson, C.S.I. being a correspondence between the author of ‘Kaye re-written’ and Major-General C.L. Showers. London, 1881.
a, b. The Cossack at the Gate of India by Lt. Gen. Showers. 2nd ed. London, 1885. (2 copies)
Book: A missing chapter of the Indian mutiny by Lt. Gen. Lionel Showers. London, 1888.
