'Travels in Assyria, Media, and Persia, including a journey from Bagdad by Mount Zagros, to Hamadan, the ancient Ecbatana, researches in Ispahan and the ruins of Persepolis, and journey from thence by Shiraz and Shapoor to the sea-shore. Description of Bussorah, Bushire, Bahrein, Ormuz, and Muscat, narrative of an expedition against the pirates of the Persian Gulf, with illustrations of the voyage of Nearchus, and passage by the Arabian Sea to Bombay.' [‎500] (531/582)

500
SEPARATION OF THE SQUADRON.
north-west gale, which, by carrying her straight into the regular
monsoon of the season, would have ensured her passage to Bombay
in six or seven days. She had been led about, however, from Ras-
el-Khyma to Angar, and from Angar to Ras-el-Khyma again, with
out either necessity or advantage; and even now had again been
taken fifty miles on an opposite course to that of her destination;
during all which delay, the north-west gale, and with it the chance
qf a quick passage, had ceased, and the prospect now before them
was that of a long and tedious voyage. This was an evil of the
utmost importance; for, as the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. had ex
pressed its intentions of preparing and assembling forces for an
expedition into the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , its departure would depend
entirely on the advices received as to the result of the present
negotiation ; and the season of the fair weather monsoon being now
far advanced, the delay of a fortnight would render it too late to
embark them during the present season, the loss of which sea
son would occasion a suspension of all operations for at least six
months.
At noon we observed in lat. 25° 22' north, and were in long.
54o 43' east, still calm, in fifteen fathoms water, and no land
yet in sight in the point of bearing to which the squadron were
directed, though the high land of Ras-el-Khyma and the island of
Bomosa were still visible. The signal being made for command
ers to visit the Commodore, preparatory to our parting company.
Colonel Corsellis and myself, who had been promised a passage
to Bombay in whichever vessel might be first dispatched, were
transferred from the Mercury to the Vestal, and soon after this
the squadron separated,—the Mercury and Ariel to go to Sharjee,
Linga, and Charrack, for negotiations similar to those entered into
at Ras-el-Khyma; ourselves, to Bombay; and the Challenger to
convoy us clear of the Gulf, and from thence proceed to Muscat
to give information of hostilities, and afford protection to vessels
bound upward from thence.
It was about four o'clock when the colours were hauled <Jown,
as we made sail; we then steered out to the eastward, with the sea-