'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎44v] (88/344)

68
Part III—Chap. XIX.
Khan Sarri, was directed to hold himself in readiness for proceeding
against Sheik Rehma, and that Zukki Khan declared his intention of avail-
ino- himself of the assistance of another tribe of Arabs near Nakhelu, who
were upon bad terms with Sheikh Rehmi and whom he expected to make
subservient to his designs upon that Chieftain. On the other hand, it was
rumoured that Zukkee Khan was unwilling to undertake this expedition and
that he had spread abroad the above report merely to conceal his real senti
ments.
161. Concprnins? the plundered property, our agent at Shiraz learnt
that a person of the name of Mirza Banker, then at Gombmn, meeting
Sheikh Rehma purchased from him goods to the amount of 6,000 lomans
at a Ion* credit, 800 Tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. worth of which he immediately made over to a
person at Yezd on account of an old debt due by him to Ilaji Ibrahim
Shirazi (Oheragh Ali Khan's Agent), but that after the aDoyementioaed
appropriation, Mirza Banker was unable to make a fanat agreement with
Sheikh Rehma for the whole quantity originally purchased and returned hack
the rest of the goods. None of the Shiraz merchants appeared to have made
any purchases, but some Hyderabadis (Scindians) bought 23 bales and
disposed of them again to a person of the name of Ilaji Mulla H ussi-id
at two years' credit. Some other fezd merchants had also purchased small
quantities from the Sheikh, but a considerable part still remained in the
Sheikh's own possession, but was, as reported, deposited at the Island ot
Ormus and Kumeize.
162 The following memorandum submitted by Captain Seton, Eesident at
Dept*Diary " ' Maskat, on July 1801, contains a description of the island of Busheab and its
No. 158 of 1804, fortifications, when occupied by the Sheikh ot Nakhelu and his proposals for
sending an expedition against Bnsheab
The Island ot Bosheab to which Shaik Rehmeh haa retired is opposite to Nukheeloo,
distant from the main abont 10 nr 12 miles, the water ronnd it is deep with good anchorage
except at the northern end, where lies a reef with rocky bottom.
The number of men on the island are few; but Shaikh Rehmeh's family when collected
amount to 1,000 musquets, and he is connected with the Shaikh of Kas>ul K iimeh and
Izabara on the Arab main and those of Charek Usselao and Congoon on the Persian mam.
The island has no fortifications but a mud wall round the houses.
Should he find a larger force comin? against him than he could well resist, he would
withdraw with his family and property to the Arab main.
It is therefore requisite that more vessels than one should be employed as one must
remove outside to prevent the communication with the Arab C )ast and one within the ibland
to prevent it with the Persian main and also to prevent his running away.
It is also requisite that the expedition should be such as would ensure success, as an
unsuccessful one in the present disturbed state of the Gulf would be the sign for a genera
plunder on the English trade. Should the Mormngton and Teignmouth with one gun-boat
be the vessels employed, they could carry over and above their complement of marines amount-
ins on the three vessels to about one hundred 30 artillery and 30 mfantry with two fie d
pieces and their ammunition, forming a force of 600 musquets and two iruns. To w.uc i cou
be added six hundred Sindi and Arab sepoys Term used in English to refer to an Indian infantryman. Carries some derogatory connotations as sometimes used as a means of othering and emphasising race, colour, origins, or rank. to be hired at Muscat, the monthly expense of
which would be 6,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. .
The small boats and transports for which to be furnished by the Emam.
The time required from leaving Muscat would be two months.
The Emam's presence with his vessels and the 500 men who generally accompany him
would be efficacious in ensuring success, but our own force should be sufficient to admit ot his
remainino- inactive as I am fully convinced he would never proceed to extremities against
Shaikh Kehmeh but lose time in negotiating, disperse his people and allow Shaikh Rehmch o
effect his escape, be assisted with such a force as it would be dangerous to attempt.
Should an expedition on the above plan not be adopted and a single vessel sent, it must
confine itself entirely to negotiations or remain at Busheab, cruizing against those that
approach the island and by destroying their boats and shipping reduce them to distress, but
there is little chance of any good resulting from this plan, as a single vessel could do u itt e
from the proximity of Shitwar and other island towards blockading the place.
163. The Bombay Government were, however, averse to sending an
expedition against a Sheikh, who was a subject of the King of Persia, and
wished to rely upon the Persian authorities for making the necessary reparation
The persistent representations of our acting Resident at Bashire (Mr. lirucf)