Description

Telegraph from Baghdad to Khanuakin.- Pierson (Francis, Royal Engineers) Sketch of Road from Baghdad to Khanuakin [Khanaqin], pen and ink map, signed and dated by Pierson, ink notes in margins, ink note on verso, "Appendix (A)", folds, 1 small hole along fold, watermarked Hodgkinson & Co. 1859, 415 x 325mm., 29th February 1864.

A map for a feasibility study for a London to India Telegraph. "The red line marks the proposed direction for the Telegraph. Note. There may be some error in the representation of the road between Bakooba [Baqubah] & Sheraban, owing to the loss of my note book. It is however, approximately accurate. FP."

The expansion of the British Empire in the 19th century required a fast and reliable system of communication to enable the British government in London to issue instructions and receive information quickly from the government of India. The Indian Mutiny of 1857, followed by the annexation of India in 1858, emphasised this need. By 1856, cables had been laid linking Britain with North Africa and the Ottoman Empire. A scheme to lay a cable through Mesopotamia to the head of the Persian Gulf failed when the Turks refused to grant permission.

Lot 185

Telegraph from Baghdad to Khanuakin.- Pierson (Francis, Royal Engineers) Sketch of Road from Baghdad to Khanuakin, pen and ink map, signed and dated by Pierson, ink notes in margins, folds, small hole along fold, watermarked 1859, 415 x 325mm., 29th February 1864.  

Estimate: £300 - 400

Description

Telegraph from Baghdad to Khanuakin.- Pierson (Francis, Royal Engineers) Sketch of Road from Baghdad to Khanuakin [Khanaqin], pen and ink map, signed and dated by Pierson, ink notes in margins, ink note on verso, "Appendix (A)", folds, 1 small hole along fold, watermarked Hodgkinson & Co. 1859, 415 x 325mm., 29th February 1864.

A map for a feasibility study for a London to India Telegraph. "The red line marks the proposed direction for the Telegraph. Note. There may be some error in the representation of the road between Bakooba [Baqubah] & Sheraban, owing to the loss of my note book. It is however, approximately accurate. FP."

The expansion of the British Empire in the 19th century required a fast and reliable system of communication to enable the British government in London to issue instructions and receive information quickly from the government of India. The Indian Mutiny of 1857, followed by the annexation of India in 1858, emphasised this need. By 1856, cables had been laid linking Britain with North Africa and the Ottoman Empire. A scheme to lay a cable through Mesopotamia to the head of the Persian Gulf failed when the Turks refused to grant permission.

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