'Field Notes on Lower Mesopotamia' [‎29r] (64/112)

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well armed, and would willingly fight against the
Turks. They are very mobile.
The Shaikh of Muhammareh, who stands to lose
much if the Turks increase in power, would,
if only from self-interest, be bound to throw in his
lot with us. His influence is very great among the
Arabs, not only on the Persian side, but also in
Turkish Mesopotamia. We, on our part, are
bound by assurances given, to protect the Shaikh
of Muhammareh against Turkish aggression.
The defences of Muhammareh are hardly worth
considering, they consist of 5 miscellaneous brass
pieces at the eastern end of the town overlooking the
river, and a ruined mud wall on the landward side of
the town. In 1859 the Persians had erected 4 well-
constructed batteries on the mainland, and 5 on
Abbadan Island opposite the town. These had case
mates and embrasures.
There are 11 old guns in front of the Shaikh’s palace
at Failieh; but only two of these are fit even for salut
ing purposes.
Camming grounds.
Muhammareh .—Unlimited space is available on
either side of the Karun above the Bahmanshir chan
nel, with good water from the Karun.
A good camp site could be obtained on Abbadan
Island. Connection with the mainland is, however,
difficult, as it entails fording or ferrying across the
Shatt-al-Arab or Bahmanshir canal. One object of
c imping on Abadan Island would be to obtain the