'History of the imâms and seyyids of 'Omân by Salîl-ibn-Razîk, from A.D. 661-1856; translated from the original Arabic, and edited with notes, appendices, and an introduction, continuing the history down to 1870, by George Percy Badger, F.R.G.S., late chaplain in the Presidency of Bombay.' [‎300] (461/612)

300
THE IMAMS OF 'OMAN.
which he had left for Sur, from whence he embarked for
Maskat. The Seyyid Said thereupon ordered him and
Dzuhail-bin-Salim to proceed forthwith to Semail, and to
stir up the garrison of the fort to be on the alert. After
reaching Finja they started by night, and made their way
safely into the fort, without being detected by the investing
forces of Muhammad-bin-Nasir. 'Aly then began to urge
the garrison to vigilance and perseverance, but as they com
plained of want of provisions and warlike stores, 'Aly
dispatched Dzuhail back to apprise the Seyyid of the state
of affairs. Thereupon the latter summoned the el-Hajariy-
yin, and the Benu-Hasan, and several of the el-Yemeniyyah of
esh-Sharkiyyah, and on their arrival he proceeded with them
by way of Sakhnan to Semail, taking with him large supplies
of provisions and ammunition, which were laden on their own
animals and on others belonging to the Arabs of Barkah and
its neighbourhood. On reaching the ^Alayat-Semail a part
of them engaged the force of Muhammad-bin-Nasir located
in its towers, while the remainder made for the fort, and
succeeded in carrying in all the supplies which they had
brought with them. The Seyyid Said then endeavoured to
inspirit them, and having deprived them of all reasonable
excuse by providing them with all they had asked for he
placed 'Aly-bin-Talib in command, directing them to obey
him implicitly. This done, to the satisfaction of both parties,
the Seyyid Said and his escort set out on their return, taking
the same road by which they had come. On reaching Sakh
nan they became aware of the presence of some of Muham-
mad-bin-Nasir^s men, who began to fire upon them from the
heights, where they had been placed in ambush. On attain
ing Finja the Seyyid learnt that two of his followers were
missing. Frem thence he went to Maskat and then dismissed
the remainder.
Muhammad-bin-Nasir was greatly incensed with the people
of Finja and el-Khatm for the part they had taken in this