Page 352 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

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JO ASM EES.
Arabs; as also in respect to the tenets of their religion, so different
from the other JVlahomedan seels, which rendered them the enemies of
all other Islam sects, and these to be their enemies; and deemed it
advisable lo enter into a few preliminary articles of agreement with
Hussein bin Gaitli renouncing all claims, and passing an act of oblivion
on the past, on the conditions specified in the engagement. The
Joasmee Chief having resolved to depute an Agent to Bombay, Mr.
Bruce was induced to conclude the preliminary agreement in ques­
tion.
49. Some boats bearing the British pass and colours having been
taken off Porebunder in the month of August
A. D. 1815.
1814, Mr. Brace, conformably to orders to
remonstrate against that act, despatched a boat to Ras-ool-Khyma, with
letters to Hussein bin Rahrnah and to his Vakeel, who had entered into
the preliminary engagement above specified, of a friendly tenor, and
with a letter also to Sultan bin Saggur of Lingah.
50. To Mr. Bruce’s astonishment, the Nakhoda returned in a few
days after his departure in a most wretched plight, and almost starved
to death. The Chief of Lingah, to which island the boat first proceeded,
took 80 frazils of dales out of her, and seemed disposed to keep the
boat itself; but on anchoring oft' the town of Ras-ool-Khyma, a boat put
off the shore, came alongside, and inquired what vessel it was. On
being informed, they greeted them on their arrival, and recommended
them to get under weigh, and stand in for their greater security, and
offered to pilot Mr. Bruce’s boat in ; on which the Nakhoda weighed,
being towed in by the Joasmee boats. Shortly after, about twenty
armed men came out of the latter, drew their sabres, and immediately
drove the Nakhoda and part of the crew, who were in the leading
boat, overboard. Those in the other, seeing this, cut the tow rope,
and pulled away, taking up those who had jumped over, and reached
Bushire.
51. The capture of this boat, which had been despatched on the
faith of engagements so very recently made, and which had actually
arrived at the very door of their dwellings, proved the little reliance that
could be placed in any treaty with such lawless banditti. The act was
at variance, also, with the conduct which so strongly characterises the
Arabs, who fulfil the obligations of hospitality even towards an enemy
seeking their protection, and reposing in their confidence. This
flagrant breach of faith sufficiently proved a determination on the part
of the Joasmees of attacking all vessels, of whatever description they
might be, or under any colours. f
52. This attack was followed by the capture by the Joasmeesi of«
Buggalow belonging to the Imaum of Musical, whilst at anchor >n !