Page 321 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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CHAPTER VI.

PIRACIES AND OTHER MARITIME IRREGULARITIES IN
1854-1855.

(i) PIRATICAL ATROCITIES OF HAMID BIN MUDJID UL AMAIRI, 1831-1855.
51. In the year 1851 after peace had been concluded between Amir Faisal
and Sheikh Mahomed bin Kalifah, Chief of Bahrein, Humed bin Mudjid ul
Amairi, who appeared then to have been a partizan of the latter, captured two
boats belonging to Kalifah, plundered their cargoes, and carrying the crews to
Volume II—73 of 1851. Genneh, murdered four of their members
Cunsaitauonn, 19th Jauaary 1855, No. 20. in cold blood and sold or ransomed tho
remainder. Some time afterwards hearing of a Kowcit vessel in distress near
Museylimah he put out in seven boats from Genneh, attacked her and
appropriated everything on board and then availing himself of the recent
disorders at Bahrein, without any previous declaration of war and under the
pretext of supporting the cause of Mahomed bin Abdullah, he captured boats
belonging to that island engaged in trade.
52. Inasmuch as Sheikh Mahomed bin Abdullah repudiated any intention
to molest vessels at sea in his passage to Bahrein, it was clear that he was
unable to control such lawless partizans as Hamid bin Mudjid The Resident
felt himself under the necessity, therefore, of addressing (letter dated 26th
August 1854) in the first iustance Amir Faisal, stating tho facts and adding:—
" In tl»e event of his continuing to reside under your protection I feel assured that Your
Highness will not only require him to make reparation to the partie* he has iujured, but
further iodict upon him tlie punishment be eo fully deserves; otherwise I trust that you will
expel him from your territories in order that the requisite measures may be taken against
him.
“Your Highness mn6t be sensible that the British Government will never tolerate or
overlook pimtical proceedings of this nature nor will spare any trouble by every means in ils
power to ub ain satisfaction."
53. Tho Court of Directors insisted that energetic measures should be taken
to bring to book this notorious pirate. There were two alternative courses
open for this purpose, one to attack him in his den at Aunich or in its vicinity,
and the other to blockade the whole coast from Demaun to Ras Tanurah.
The first oourse was attended with considerable risk, as only the boats of tho
squadron could approach the shore. The second course would be an arduous
and tedious duty requiring at least threo vessels of war or even more. The
first course was adopted and Commodore Robinson was despatched with the
squadron to effect the purpose.
54. The operations undertaken for inflicting the long-delayed punishment
on Hamid bin Mudjid for his piratical atrocities appear to have been directed
with judgment by Commodore Robinson and carried into effect with spirit
and energy by Commander Howett. Hamid and bis followers were attacked
in their position on the Katif coast, and after a sharp contest and some loss of
life on his side, he was compelled to surreuder his buglah which was burnt
on the spot.
65. The Court of Directors observed on these proceedings (Despatch No. 8,
dated 20th February 1856) :—
Volume III—108 of 1856.
“ Though we cannot regard this as a mfficieut penalty for tho enormities he hud been
guilfy of, iu putting some of his prisoners to death and selling others for slaves, wo are
willing to hope with the local officers that a sufficient lesson has been given to him and to any
who might be disposed to follow his example.'*
56. Tho Chief of Bahrein, of whom Hamid was an acknowledged dependaut,
was made to pay the amount realized by sale of the captives on the island of
Bahrein and the plundered property. Tho captives wore ultimately bought