Page 285 - Records of Bahrain (2) (i)_Neat

276 Records of Bahrain

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We occupied the fort, hoisted tho British flag for nn hour or go, and tlion mado
Qver tho fort to a detachment of Esau’s friends that had been previously proparod
to garrison it. 1
36. On tho following morning, 2nd December, Esau bin AJco yyith bis
fleot sailed up tho crook, hut beforo 'landing ho visited us pn board, when wo
rpcoivod him publiolv, recapitulated to him tho circumstances of tho past year,
and then informing him that tho rulorsliip of tlicso islands was vacant, mid added
that ho could assumo tho goverumont of thorn if it suited his convouionco;
but that in so doing ho must clearly understand that ho acted on his own
account and not ns our protegd ; that ho should orgauizo his tribes and means of
dcfonco for himsolf, and that although'in tho ease of his Into father Her
Majesty’s Indian Government had deemed well to punish thoso who had slain
him and soizod his possessions to the injury of British subjects, yot that it must
not be oxpected that Hor Majesty’s Indian Govornmont would incur similar
outlay and trouble for tho future'.
87. Esau bin Alco accoptcd tho govornmont with this knowledge, and
furthor signed and soalod a document binding him to fulfil tho conditions
8pocificd in the 3rd rocommondatiou of my lottor No. 184 of 6th of October. A
copy of this documont is appended.
38. Wo thcn'gavo the now Chief some good advice, permitted him to use
ovory precaution against aggression from the Wahabeo coast lino, and sworo
the surrounding Chiefs upon tho only oath which they consider really binding
(viz., “Tclauk”) to be faithful to Esau bin Alee as their ruler.
39. Tho new Chief then went ashore, and nearly tho whole of tho Moharrag
population turned out to welcome him, whilo tho native craft and houses
hoistod flags.
40. Esau bin Alec visited us on two subsequent occasions, and on each
occasion wo marked our recognition by the salute usually accorded to tho Chiofa
of Bahrein.
41. Thus concluded our proceedings, and I trust that His Excellcnoy in
Council may consider that we have complotoly fulfilled his instructions.
42. As for myself I would add my deep satisfaction that no loss of lifo
has occurred on our side. The rosult might vory readily havo been otherwiso
had our information boon loss acourato, or our own manoeuvres less successful.
43. At tho same time success has not been attained without considerable
hardship and exposure to all hands. Both mon and officers were detached
from their ships for 6omc 17 days, during which period they were ncarjy
constantly in tho boats, and called on for sevoro work both by night and day.
44. To Commander G. A. Douglas, Sonior Naval Officer, I cannot too
earnestly express my thanks for his most cordial and efficient support during
tho period he has co-operated with mo in this dclicato naval affair. Had
our unity in action been less complete, or had ho boon impationt 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, Hor Majesty's Ship Nymplic, who command­
ed tho boats on soveral occasions, and who 1ms moro recently been of much
service in visiting the Pirate Coast, has my sincorc acknowledgment of his
courteous and valuable aid.
.',46. I -wopld beg permission also to mention tho name of Dioutenant
Acklofii, of Hor Majesty’s Ship Daphne. This old and experienced officer lias
perfonned uncoasing and responsible duty during tho wholo period of the ex­
pedition, and had ,cuargo of tho boats on tho night of the capture .of Mahomed
47. .Navigating Lioutonant White, Her Majesty's Ship jDapfrne, lias placed
nio under obligation by his caro and troublo in sounding, and by favoring mc