Page 78 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

CO Part I
Salim Pasha also has strongly recommended that these terms should ho granted, pointing
out indeed the hopelessness of any other favourable termination to the culerpribo and thcro is
thus reason to expect that Namik Pasha will allow for oncohia discretion to control his violcnco
aud will adopt the counsels of his deputy.
II. C. RAWLINSON,
Her Majesty’a Consul-General at Baghdad.

No. 16, dated Baghdad, tho 2nd August 1852.
From—MiJon II. C. Rawmnson, JJcr M»josly’n British Consul-General at Baghdad,
To—Tho RionT Ho.N'nLR the Eint of MALMKsnoaY, Her Majesty’s Principal Soorctary of 8tito
for Foroign AfTuirs, otc , etc., ole., London.
I am sorry to have to inform Your Lordship that the flames of revolt have now spread
to the town of Ncjjcf, which contains the tomb of tho Imam Ali, and which is thus accounted
one of tho most holy places of the Mohammedan world. As the town in question is crowded
with Persian refugees and Indian pensioners, the Turkish Authorities pretend to look with
some suspicion on the outbreak, but I am satisfied that the rising is in reality quito indepen­
dent of foreign influence or money. An Arab Chief, of some local notoriety who was very
harshly treated by Namik Pasha in tho spring, has judged the present moment to he favor­
able for reasserting his power. In concert accordingly with Wadee Beg and tho other chiefs
who are in the field against tho Turks, he has assembled his followers and taken possession of
Ncjjcf, ovorawing tho Persian and Indian Hosidentsnnd declaring his independence.
Namik Pasha now professes, I understand, to make terms with Wadee Beg, and to
turn his whole attention to the recovery of Ncjjcf. lie has indeed requested me to warn all
British subjects to quit the place, as lie is determined to employ the united forces of the
Pashalic in its reduction, and if the town should be taken by assault ho cannot bo responsible
for the lives and property of the town’s people. Unless His Excellency'e preliminary measures
of pacification should be successful and he should thus be relieved of the enemies who swarm
around Baghdad and cut olf all communication with the Euphrates I know it to be quito
impossible that he can recover or even mcrracc Nejjcf hut in the meantime I have considered
it my duty to seud out a Confidential Agent to look after the interests of our Indian subjects
and in the event of there being any imminent prospect of hostilities, to recommend them to
rctiro to Kerbela.
Your Lordship will remember that the Indian Government as reported in my despatch
No. 2 of the 2nd February last pays a sum of £5,000 annually in viitue of its agreement
with the late King of Oude, for the maintenance of the Shrine of Nejjcf, and the charities
connected therewith; and you will understand that this payment has drawn a vast concourso of
devoters from India to reside in the town. Their presence furnishes me with an additional
motive for wishing to prevent a recurrence of that scene of carnage which took place at the
Sack of Kerbela 10 years ago and I shall thus lose no opportunity that may occur for mediation
as the affair proceeds; but I do not consider myself justified by our accidental connexion with
Nejjef in offering any direct opposition to Namik Pasha’s attempt to vindicate the Imperial
Authority and I trust accordingly Your Lordship will approve in the event of extremities, of
my restricting my interference to tho retirement of British subjects from the town and to my
adopting such measures as may be practicable for removing them to a place of safety.

No. 16, dated Baghdad, tho 20lh August 1852.
From—Major H. C. Bawlinsob, Her Majesty’s British Consul-General nt Baghdad,
To—Tho Riotit Hon’dlb tor Eabl of Malmebbubt, Her Majesty’s Principal Secrolarj of State
for Foieigu Affairs, Foreign Olficc, Loudon.
I have now to report for Your Lordship’s information tho sequel of the affair at Nejjef.
Namik Pasha’s first care was to lull the tribes around Baghdad into temporary inactivity
by a pretended acquiescence in all their demands. The officer selected by him to conduct tho
operations against Nejjcf was thus enabled to cross the Euphrates without molestation, and
evon to assemble a select body of men in tho vicinity of the revolted town, but the necessity
of making head against the Arabs at so many other points prevented the concentration ot
troops.in sufficient fore® to invest the place. The interference accordingly of the Shccau
Priesthood was solicited by the officer in command and the most honorablo terms were offered
to the rebel chief and his associates if they would evacuate the town. I dul not myself o
enter into any communication with the Arabs, but 1 had previously urged the Cine
coutse
Priest by letter to mediate if any opportunity offered, and it was
Kv lnt.t/>r tn mediate if anv onnortunilv offered, and it was os much I believe m conse-
Se ^ £17uS#.
be came forward at the imitation of the Turkish Officer, aud by his holy chaiactcr pcrt.ua e
the rebel chief to accept torms of accommodation.