'Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government' [‎196] (238/733)

196
MUSKAT.
In June 1828 a report became very prevalent in the Persian Gulfj
that thelmaum had determined to make another
attempt to reduce the island of Bahrein to his
dominion, and that he was collecting troops and vessels for that purpose.
In order to throw the Uttoobees off their guard, His Highness, with more
prudence than good faith, sent up a messenger to Bahrein with presents
for the Shaikhs, accompanied by letters couched in the most friendly
terms, assuring them that the rumours current regarding his hostile
views were entirely without foundation. The duplicity of this state
ment, however, speedily became apparent, and in the month of August
a representation was made on the subject by the Shaikh of Bahrein to
the British authority in the Gulf, who declined interfering in any way,
beyond making an attempt to induce Shaikh Tahnoon of Aboothabee to
remain neutral in the contest, in order to avoid the chance of the
Joasmees being brought in as allies of Bahrein, and to prevent the pro
bable evil consequences resulting from the blood feud which was likely
to arise between the Uttoobees and Beniyas. The effort was, however,
unsuccessful, as the Chief of Aboothabee subsequently joined His
Highness with a considerable body of men. His Highness himself did
not formally declare war until August 1828, when he addressed a letter
to Shaikh Abdoolla bin Ahmed, intimating his intention of attacking
Bahrein one month from the date of the communication. In the
beginning of September, His Highness, attended by a large fleet of
ships, and Native vessels, sailed from Muskat, and arrived at Kishm on
the 17th of that month. After remaining a few days he again set sail, for
Aboothabee, for the purpose of being joined by Shaikh Tahnoon and his
contingent.
About November 1828, His Highness arrived off Bahrein with his
fleet, and, having landed a party of men, look possession of the fort
outside without any opposition, and had fixed a day for the whole of
his forces proceeding against the town of Munamah, when he was
surprised to hear that Shaikh Tahnoon, with his troops, had landed
without his orders. Hastily collecting a few of his immediate followers
and Nubian slaves. His Highness hurried on shore, to endeavour to
avert the consequence of this imprudent proceeding. He was, how
ever, too late : a small body of the Uttoobee horse had been previously
concealed in some date groves on the flank, which, issuing out while the
Imaum's troops were eagerly pressing forward to engage, charged in the
rear, and at the same time the Uttoobee infantry making a general ad
vance, the assailants were thrown into great confusion, and at last fled,
completely routed, to their boats, leaving a very considerable number of
lulled, wounded, and prisoners behind them. His Highness appears to