Page 392 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

348 JOASMEES.

into execution. He at once resolved to oppose the erection of the
fortifications with all the means in his power, and the better to enable
him to cope with his powerful enemy, he entered into a close alliance
with the chiefs of the two ports (Ejman and Amulgavinc) whose subjec-
tion was eventually contemplated.
The Joasmee was equally determined and obstinate,—the fort should
be built, and no one should prevent it. He opened negotiations with
the Chief of Aboolhabee, and, strange to say, notwithstanding the
feud so long existing between the Joasrnee and Beniyas Tribes, he
contrived to persuade Shaikh Syud bin Tahnoon to forsake the side of
Shaikh Muktoom ofDebaye, and come over to that of himself. Prepa-
rations were set on foot for active operations, and hostilities were on
the eve of commencing,—nay, a trifling case of aggression had already
occurred, in the seizure* of two Ejman boats by the people of Ramse
and Himreeah,—when the opportune arrival of Her Majesty’s and
the Honorable Company’s vessels of war off the port of Shargah
induced the belligerents to refrain for a while, and attend to the voice of
a mediator.
Commodore Sir H. Blackwood, R. N., desired the chiefs to await the
result of a reference that should be made to the Resident, on the subject
of the fortifications in course of erection. His proposition was readily
agreed to, and Shaikh Sultan gave a solemn assurance to the British
Commodore, that until the Resident’s reply had been received not
a hand should be laid to the building. This was well ; but, unfor­
tunately, it was not in the nature of the Joasmee to adhere to
a promise. He proceeded, in direct violation of the pledge he had
given, to erect and complete the structure at Khan, Hostilities
were renewed, and conflicts were daily occurring between the
forces of the hostile chiefs, when Captain Kemball, who had been
deputed to strive and bring matters to a peaceable settlement, arrived
in March 1846 oft' the Arabian Coast. That officer did all in his power
to effect a reconciliation between the contending chiefs, He remon­
strated with Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur for breaking his promise ; he
pointed out, that although the British Government had it not in their
mind to interfere with the inland affairs of the Arabs, yet they viewed
with extreme displeasure his present line of behaviour, both as being
opposed to the general peace and tranquillity of the tribes in the Gulf,
and as showing a “ spirit of ill-will and defiance.”
host of
Shaikh Sultan, after urging, in defence of his conduct, a
excuses, as lame in their nature as they were false in reality, began to
assure the Resident how much he was grieved to think that any act e

* Seized from the shore, and not by boats at sea.

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