Page 194 - Gulf Precis (VII)_Neat

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188. In 1855 the power of Seyyid Mahomed Khan was overthrown by a
Sadoze Prince, Mahomed Yusuf, whose usurpation was acquiesced in by the
Persian Government. In autumn 1855 Mahomed Yusuf applied to them for
aid against Dost Mahomed, who had annexed Kandahar to his dominions on the
death of his brother Kohandil Khan, and who was now reported to have threatened
Herat. Prince Murad Mirza was thereupon despatched with a large force to
Herat. The place was captured in October 1856 after a siege of six months.
188A. Meanwhile the position of the British Envoy had been made intoler­
able by systematic insults and annoyances, in the art of which the Persians are
adepts. And as for a gross instance of malicious insult to our Envoy, no redress
could be obtained. Mr. Murray found it necessary to break off diplomatic relations
and retire to Baghdad in December 1855.
XXIII.—The Expedition to the Gulf and the Karun River, 1856-57.
189. While matters were progressing so unfavourably in Persia, the British
Government decided to repeat the tactics of 1838-40 by sending an expedition
into the Persian Gulf, only on a large scale with a view even to preceed up the
Karun and also capture Ispahan and Shiraz. The British operations which are
detailed in Major Bell's* Account of Bi iiish wars in Persia, are breiefly sum­
marized below:—
26th October 1836.—Herat surrendered to the Persians.
6th November.—This fact was publicly notified at Tehran.
1st November.—The Governor-General of India issued a proclamation declar­
ing war against Persia.
nth November.—Several ships sailed with troops from Bombay to the Per­
sian Gulf.
13th November.—Sir H. Leake, commanding the naval forces, embarked for
the same destination.
26th November.—The whole fleet, consisting of 34 vessels assembled
at Kishm.
3rd December.—The island of Karrak was occupied.
yth December.—Two brigades under the command of Brigadier Stopford
and Colonel Honner disembarked at Halila Bay, 12 miles south-east of
Bushire.
gth December.—The British troops advanced to dislodge the Persian force
from their position near the fort of Rashahr. The action was not gained with­
out loss of some officers and men.
10th December.—After some sharp cannonading, Bushire surrendered and
the British flag was hoisted on its walls.
• See also Bombay Political Department Volumes.
I— 30 of 1856.
II— 31 of 1856.
III— 32 of 1856.
IV— 33 of J856.
104 of 1856.
56 of 1857.
XIII and XIV—57 of 1857.
XXV and XXVI 53 of 1857.
59 of 1857.
XIX and XX.-58 of 1857.
60 of 1857.
Co A of 1857.
XXV and XXVI.—61 of 1857-
XXIII and XXIV.—6a ol 1857.
XXVII and XXVIII.—64 ot 1857.
65 of 1857.
157 of 1857.
258 of 1857.
159 of 1857.