Page 335 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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CHAPTER IX.

THE SHIHIYIN TRIKE: OPERATIONS OF SIIARGAII CHIEF
AGAINST THEM: THEIR POSITION, 1855-59. I
|
Murder of Musliuri bin Ibrahim bin Sultan, Governor of Dibbali, by the
Shihiyin Tribe. Measures taken by Sultan bin Saggar against
them. Resident’s prohibition of maritime operations against their
tribe. Resident’s cruise from Ras ul-Kltimu to Rasmussendoiu,
1855-57. 1
i
95. From the report of Haji Yacub, British Agent of Shargah, of January-
1856, it appears that in 1855 Mushari,
Vol. IV—163 of 1867. pp. 183, 187, 197.
son of Sheikh Ibrahim, was deputed to
Dibbali as Governor of the phee. The now Govei nor commenced persecuting
the Shihiyin tribe residing there. All their cries for redress to both Sheikh
Sultan and Sheikh Ibrahim were unavailing. They therefore laid in wait for
Mushari when the Litter was proceeding from Dibbah to Itas-ul-Khima, and
killed him. The property that was with him was also seized. When Sheikh
Sultan became apprised of the occurrence, ho issued orders to the people of
Shargah, Khan, Bu Heyle, Fusht and Hira to collect their fighting men, 1
launch their boats and sail to Ras-ul-Klrima, thence to march overland and
commence operations against Dibbah.
96. When the fleet reached Kas-ul-Khiraa, Ibrahim bin Sultan embarked
with the Zoab tribe and proceeded with 100 boats to Dibbah by sea.
A number of the Shihiyin tribe, who resi le in Kumzar, embarked in
their boats wirli their Chief, Mahomed ibn Ali Hussain, and took up a position
off Bas-ul-Jibbah, whence they pursued the boats pertaining to Sheikh Sul­
tan bin Saggar. They gave chase to two Ras-ul-Khima boats, but did not
come up with them.
97. A Butil, owned by natives of Kumzar, put into Khore Fakan to pur­
chase a cow, the people being ignorant of the matters that had occurred. The
Khore Fakanis killed 8 of her crew, imprisoned 7 others and hauled up the
Bui il on the beach. Mahomed ibn Ali Hussain, head of Kumzar, preferred
a complaint to the British Agent. When Captain Jones heard of these move*
ments, bo wrote to the Sultan bin Saggar remonstrating against the Chief’s
proceedings, prohibiting transport of troops and munitions of war by sea. The
translation of correspondence in the matter is printed below, showing as it
does the relation of the tribe to the Chief and the grounds on which Captain
Jones proceeded It may he noted that the Bombay Government approved of
his proceedings (letter No. 2068, dated 12th May 1867)—

Dated 9th January 1857.
From—Commander Felix Jones, I. N., Resident, Persian Gulf,
To—Sheikh Sultan bin Saooar, Chief of Ras-ul-Khima.
*
I have heard what occurred when you were preparing to proceed and chastise the people
of Dibbah, your subjects, for murdering your grandson. I have also heard that you have
despatched a fleet of boats to take part in the operations.
Now this has given rise to fear and disorder.
Be it koown unto you, therefore, that I will never permit troops and war-like stores to
be transported by 6ea, for it will merely occasion dreadful confusion, and eutail loss on neu­
trals. I warn you to desist If the people of Dibbah, Kumzar, or others, have been guilty
of irregularities, proceed by land to coerce them.
The affair of Abu Thabi is still pending. Remember ships of war will shortly be deputed
to your quarter to give confidence to tho Sirkor’s well-wishers, and to inflict punishment on
the disorderly.