Page 556 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

512 EJ MAN.

“One Esai bin Jassim, an inhabitant of Shargah,” to
; quote the words
of the British Agent, “with a number of pearl boats belonging t0 that
tribe, were anchored among those pertaining to other tribes. By chance
the Buggarah of one Syf, a native of Ejman, was engaged in the pearl
fishery near that of the abovementioncd Esai bin Jassim, when a mis-
understanding took place between them on the subject of the cables of
their anchors. It was at first confined to talking and abuse, but Esai
!
bin Jassim shortly after fired a matchlock at the Ejman Buggarah, and
then boarded her, thrust a spear into the body of one of the crew and
struck another three blows on the head with an iron mace.
“The Ejman people did not resort to arms, but flung themselves into
the sea, and were eventually picked up by pearl divers of their own
tribe, and conveyed home in their boats.”
This matter, when it came to the ears of the Resident, was at once
taken up by that officer, who wrote to Shaikh Abdool Azeez, asking him
whether he wished the case to be settled according to Mahomedan law,
or would prefer its being treated by the British authorities as one of
violation of the Maritime Truce.
The reply of the Ejman Chief leaving the adjustment of the affair in
the hands of the Resident, demands were immediately made upon
Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur for redress, in the shape of 200 dollars,
which sum Esai bin Jassim was to be compelled to disburse, as com­
pensation to the wounded Ejmanee.
The vessels of war were despatched to Ras-ool-Khyma and Shargah,
to support the requisition, and a communication was addressed to the
Chief of the Joasmees, acquainting him with the object of their visit.
No hesitation was exhibited by Shaikh Sultan to comply with the de­
mand preferred against him; on the contrary, he hastened (December
1844) to furnish an order for the amount required at the hands of his
lawless subject, and brought the matter to a peaceable settlement.
About this lime, also, took place an affair reflecting the greatest credit
upon the character of the chief of this tribe.
Two vessels, having embarked a quantity of rice at Lingah, on the
5th December 1844, proceeded over to Shargah, but being caught in a
storm, and unable to make the port in consequence, they strove to enter
the backwater leading into Ejman harbour.
One vessel foundered in making the attempt; the other, however,
after getting rid of 100 moras of her cargo, succeeded in reaching t le
inner harbour.
had occurred, hastened down
Shaikh Abdool Azeez, hearing what
to the beach, accompanied by his brother, and
a. d. 1845. both of them, drawing their swords, swore ^
solemn oath that they would cut down the first man w o