'Annals of 'Omān' [‎50] (67/112)

dispersed and many of them were slain. This circumstance served to forti
fy the Imam's resolution and strengthen his power. He was then advised
to destroy the fort of Mani'-bin Sinan, who hearing of the preparation of
an army for service against him fled to Fanja. The Imam's troops pro
ceeded to raze the fort, on which Mani'-hin Sinan proceeded to Maskat,
and thence to Lawa, where he joined Mohammed-bin Jafir. The Imam
then ordered his army to Bilid-Seyt, at which place Seyf the Hinai had
built a fort, after he went forth from Bahla. The leader of this army was
the Sheykh 'Abdullah-bin Mohammed-bin Ghassan, the author of the work
entitled the " Khazanat ul-Akhyar fi bei' il-Kheiyar."
When the army arrived at Bilad-Seyt, the Hinai fled from the place,
and, by order of the commander, the fort was razed to the ground. The
Hinai then repaired to the Imam and sought his forgiveness, and all the
tribes of 'Oman made their submission.
I lie Imam soon aftei assembled a large force with which he proceeded
in person, accompanied by the Sheykh Khamis-bin Sa'id of el-Eostak, against
^sash -hip Katan of \ ankal. After a siege of some days, the place surrender
ed, and the Imam after placing a Wall there returned to el-Rostak.
The Imam raised another strong force, in command of which he placed
the Sheykh 'Abdullah-bin Mohammed-bin Ghassan of Nezwa, whom he in
structed to march to el-Jow. With him he sent also the Sheykh Khamis-
bin Rueyshid of Dhank and Hafidh-bin Jum'ah el-Hinai with Moham
med-bin 'All of el-Rostak and Mohammed-bin Seyf el-Howkani. On
arrival, they gained possession of the place, and leaving Mohammed-bin
Seyf as Wall, the commander proceeded with his forces in the direction of
the town of Lawa. For dissensions had broken out amongst the el-Jibur
and, in the strife, Mohammed-bin Jafir had been killed. 'Abdullah took
up his quarters at the principal mosque, and his army surrounded the fort,
which was held by Seyf, the son of the deceased Mohammed-bin Jafir el-
Hilali. Self's brothers and Wazirs, however, had recourse to the Christians®
at Sohar, where Mani'-bin Sinan el-'Omeyri, also, was then residing.
Thence they harassed the Imam's army before Lawa by making night
attacks, and they also aided the garrison with provisions and munitions of
war. The sons of Mohammed-bin Jafir next wrote to the Wall proposing
terms of peace, but he, aware this was merely a ruse, sent a detachment
against them under Mohammed-bin 'All, who fell on the enemy before day
break at a place called Mankal, where the southern part of the Fort abuts
on the seashore. The millstones of war revolved amongst them, and after
a severe engagement Mohammed retired with his forces to the fort of Lawa
They continued to besiege the Fort until Seyf-bin Mohammed sent to them,
begging to be allowed safe egress from the place. The Wall gave him the
required guarantee, and he evacuated the fort with his followers, on which