Supplement to the Gazette of India containing copies of correspondence relating to operations at Bahrain [‎3r] (5/10)

^ SUPPLEMENT TO THE GAZETTE OF IKDIA, JANUARY 22, 18^0. 63
We occupied the fort, hoisted the British fla^ for an hour or so, and then made
over the fort to a detachment of Esau's friends that had been previously prepared
to garrison it.
36. On the following morning, 2nd December, Esau bin Alee with his
fleet sailed up the creek, but before landing he visited us on board, when we
received him publicly, recapitulated to him the circumstances of the past year,
and then informing him that the rulership of these islands was vacant, and added
that he could assume the government of them if it suited his convenience ;
but that in so doing he must clearly understand that he acted on his own
account and not as our protege ; that he should organize his tribes and means of
defence for himself, and that although in the case of his late father Her
Majesty's Indian Government had deemed avcII to punish those who had slain
him and seized his possessions to the injury of British subjects, yet that it must
not be expected that Her Majesty's Indian Government would incur similar
outlay and trouble for the future.
37. Esau bin Alee accepted the government with this knowledge, and
further signed and sealed a document binding him to fulfil the conditions
specified in the 3rd recommendation of my letter No. 181 of 5th of October. A
copy of this document is appended.
38. We then gave the new Chief some good advice, permitted him to use
every precaution against aggression from the Wahabee coast line, and swore
the surrounding Chiefs upon the only oath which they consider really binding
{viz., " Telauk") to be faithful to Esau bin Alee as their ruler.
39. The new Chief then went ashore, and nearly the whole of the Moharrag
population turned out to welcome him, while the native craft and houses
hoisted flags.
40. Esau bin Alee visited us on two subsequent occasions, and on each
occasion we marked our recognition by the salute usually accorded to the Chieis
of Bahrein.
41. Thus concluded our proceedings, and I trust that His Excellency in
Council may consider that we have completely fulfilled his instructions.
42. As for myself I would add my deep satisfaction that no loss of life
has occurred on our side. The result might very readily have been otherwise
had our information been less accurate, or our own manoeuvres less successful.
43. At the same time success has not been attained without considerable
hardship and exposure to all hands. Both men and officers were detached
from their ships for some 17 days, during which period they were nearly
constantly in the boats, and called on for severe work both by night and day.
44. To Commander G. A. Douglas, Senior Naval Officer, I cannot too
earnestly express my thanks for his most cordial and efficient support during
the period he has co-operated with me in this delicate naval affair. Had
our unity in action been less complete, or had he been impatient of detaining
his squadron until proceedings were brought to a conclusion, it would have
been impossible for me now to report full success.
45. Commander Meara, Her Majesty's Ship Nymphe, who command
ed the boats on several occasions, and who has more recently been of much
service in visiting the Pirate Coast, has my sincere acknowledgment ol his
courteous and valuable aid.
46. I would beg permission also to mention the name of Lieutenant
Acklom, of Her Majesty's Ship Daphne. This old and experienced officer has
performed unceasing and responsible duty during the whole period of the ex
pedition, and had charge of the boats on the night of the capture of Mahomed
bin Khalifeh.
47. Navigating Lieutenant White, Her Majesty's Shi]) Daphne, has placed
me under obligation by his care and trouble in sounding, and by favoring me
D