Page 245 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

MUSKAT. 203

hundred men) that he judged it advisable to drop all further proceed­
ings, and having patched up a peace with his successful relation, upon
nearly the same terms as the former one, he returned to Muskat with
both his finances and reputation, already severely shaken, reduced to a
still lower ebb by the last unfortunate attempt.
At the present’date (December 1831) His Highness is collecting a
large force from the Coast of Mukran and the northern ports of the
Arabian Gulf. The object of these preparations is not exactly known,
but it is generally supposed they are destined for Zanzibar, on the
African Coast, whither, it is reported, His Highness intends to proceed
in person to attack the island of Mombassa.

FURTHER CONTINUATION (TO 1844) OF THE PRE­
CEDING SKETCHES,

BY LIEUTENANT KEMBALL, ASSISTANT RESIDENT, PERSIAN GULF.

Captain HennelPs Historical Sketches, up to 1831, being a continuation
of those drawn up by Mr. Secretary Warden, up to the year 1817, left
the Imaum, after a severe loss in finance and reputation, in consequence
of the total defeat of his expedition against Shinas, collecting a large
force of Beloochees, destined, it was supposed, for the attack of Mom-
bassa, on the African Coast, to be commanded by himself in person.
•Early in the year 1832 the Imaum left Muskat for his African
possessions, confiding to his son, Syud Hillal
a. d. 1832.
bin Saeed, and nephew, Mahomed bin Salim,
the direction of his affairs during his absence. Immediately subse­
quent to his departure, however, these were thrown into the greatest
confusion, in consequence of the seizure and imprisonment of the
authorities above mentioned, by Saood bin Ali, the Chief of Burka. It
appeared that a misunderstanding had in the first instance arisen
between the parties, but had been explained on the latter visiting
Muskat at the invitation of the Imaum’s aunt. Shortly subsequent to
this accommodation, Syud Hillal, desiring to visit the district of
Rastag and its dependencies, conferred upon him by His Highness’
mother, proceeded, with Mahomed bin Salim, to Burka, with the inten­
tion of requesting Syud Saood bin Ali to accompany them. They were
received with the greatest respect, and persuaded to enter the fort with
a few attendants. Some discussion taking place at their morning repast,
Saood bin Ali ordered the gates of the fort to be shut, and-made them
his prisoners. Their servants offering’ some resistance, three
were

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