Page 381 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

JO ASM EES. 337

In the mean while, however* Shaikh Mukloom of Debaye (having
been informed by Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur, in reply to his demand
for the surrender of those concerned in the death of his two subjects,
that lie was at liberty to take his own measures for redress) had
left his town for the purpose of foraying the neighbourhood of Amul-
gavine; but, finding the inhabitants upon their guard* had been
obliged to retreat, leaving six of his people in the hands of Shaikh
Abdoolla bin Rashid, who placed them in confinement. Suggur
bin Sultan, Shaikh of Shargah, now took part with Shaikh Muk­
loom, and demanded the liberation of the six prisoners, which being
refused, he joined his forces to those of Debaye, making a total
of 2,500 men, and marched against Amulgavine. The inhabitants, to
the number of 400, coming out to meet them, were decoyed to some
distance by a pretended flight of the attacking force, and, suddenly
overwhelmed, were compelled to retreat, with the loss of twenty men
killed, besides many wounded. A peace was shortly after temporarily
adjusted, through the mediation of three influential Moollas, upon the
conditions that the six Debaye men should be set at liberty by Abdoolla
bin Rashid, and proportionable compensation afforded by him for the
share the two men of his tribe had taken in the death of the two
dependents of Shaikh Muktoom.
It was considered of great importance that every information should
be obtained relative to Brymee and its inha­
A. D. 18-10.
bitants. An officer (Captain Ilamerton) of the
Karrack field force was therefore despatched there with this object;
but it was not without the greatest difficulty, nor until the principal
Naccm Shaikh, Hu mood bin Saroor, himself voluntarily offered to
accompany him, that lie reached his destination, owing to the intrigues
and obstacles offered by the Joasmcc and Debayc Chiefs.
Immediately previous to this officer’s departure, with a view to
combine the power and resources of the inland tribes, who were
disposed to resist to the utmost any aggressions of the Egyptian Agent,
their chiefs were invited to an assembly, convened at Ejman by the
Resident: small presents of money were distributed, and their dif­
ferences reconciled, through his mediation and influence ; with the
exception of a misunderstanding between the Chiefs of the Zowahirand
Beni Kuttub Tribes, regarding some mares belongingto the latter, which
had been stolen, and sold to the former, and which he would not upon
any consideration consent to restore.
They were informed, that although they could not be received under
the immediate protection of the British Government, yet that their
efforts in the maintenance of their independence were viewed with
satisfaction, and would insure its good will and countenance,—indeed

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