Page 170 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

128 MUSKAT.

Dntc.
Occurrences.

Muskat authorities imprudently invite the Piratical Arab
Tribes to their assistance.
a. d. 1836 The Imaum enters into engagements with Syud bin Mootluk,
the Wahabee Agent, with a view to the expulsion of
Hu mood bin Azan from the places of which he had illegal­
ly and forcibly obtained possession. The combined forces
invest Sohar by land and sea, but the Imaum learning that,
in the event of the place falling, the Wahabee Agent me*
ditated retaining and garrisoning it in the name of his
master, separates from his ally, and relinquishes the expedi­
tion. I-Ie shortly after proceeds to his African possessions.
1S37 The Imaum, principally through the assistance and gallant
behaviour of Esai bin Tarif, and his dependents, succeeds
in reducing Mombassa, which had revolted from his
authority.
1839 The Imaum returns from Africa in September, and is guided
by the advice and views of the British Government in his
intercourse and relations with the Egyptians. The letters
of their Agents receive no attention. He exhorts and
encourages the Brymee Shaikhs to unite and maintain their
independence against the invaders.
The Imaum threatens to send a force to attack Bushire, in
consequence of the murder of his Agent, a Persian subject,
in that town, on his return from Teheran, where he had been
with a view to negotiate a marriage between His Highness
and one of the Persian Princesses.
A reconciliation is effected between the Imaum and Ilumood
bin Azan, of Sohar, through the mediation of the British
Resident.
1840 Captain Hamerton appointed British Agent at Muskat; is
subsequently created a Consul by the Home Government,
and directed to establish himself at Zanzibar.
con-
The blockade of the ports held by the Egyptians being
templated, the Imaum places his vessels at the disposal ot
the British Government, whenever required.
His Highness returns to Zanzibar.
and is received with all
Humood bin Azan visits Bombay,
suitable respect and attention by the British Government.
Shortly after his return from Bombay, Hum°°
1841
furnishes proof of the sincerity of his friendship with

m.