Page 261 - Records of Bahrain (1) (ii)_Neat

Relations with the Wahhabis, 1051-1859 619

Transcription of previous document
Translated substance of a letter from Hajie Jasseln, Agent at
Dahreln to Lieut Col. Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, dated
11th Hay i860.

I formerly reported to you the terms on which the Sheiks wished
to conclude a peace with Fysul. Sheik Ally has this day returned
from Zukhuoonia, no peace has been made with Bin Saood. When Sheik
Ally arrived at that place he sent Sheik Bashid Alloollah, with a
letter to Fysul announcing his arrival, and requesting him, if
desirous of peace, to send as a negociator, either his Brother
Julawle, or his son Abdoollah. When Fysul received Sheik Ally's
communication he sent a reply to the effect, that he had abandoned
his former Intentions, now required Sheik Ally to wait on him if he
wished for peace. To this the Sheik sent an answer to this effect:
"If you are desirous of peace we will for this year present to you
with two horses and two camels and at the time of the Zukat, will
pay you as usual 4000 Crowns. If you please to make peace on these
terms, well and good, otherwise there is no further necessity to
wait any longer for us - you can go where you like and we will be
there before you". Sheik All has returned to Bahrein, where he
remained to watch the movements of Fysul whether he would march
against Blddah on the Gutter Coast, remain in his present encampment
or return to Kateef - receiving no information he now proposes to
return to Biddah. He has agreed with his brother Sheik Mahomed that
in the event of Fysul marching on Biddah there should be sent to his
assistance all the available vessels. Orders have been issued for a
relief to proceed to the blockading Force opposite Kateef. Warlike
stores to the fleet there have been despatched. Sheik Rash id bln
Khuleefa has been informed•that no peace has been concluded with Ben
Saood, and he is Instructed if he possibly can to capture without
delay the two Buglas which are not at Kateef. The Sheiks are making
all preparations for hostilities with Ben Saood. I am given to
understand the Sheiks have requested Sheik Saeed bin Tahnoon to
order his divers at the Pearl Fishery not to rendezvous far from
Adeed, until Ben Saood's movements can be ascertained. Permission
has been granted to the people of Bahrein to proceed to the Pearl
Fishery; they have however been cautioned regarding the movements
of the Nedjd ruler. The Sheiks are not supine: and Sheik Allj io
quite confident of the tribes on the Gutter coast has not the least
doubt of their fidelity. If so, Ben Saood cannot attack them. At
present most of their Buglas have returned from India, and they have
many men and vessels, besides plenty of provisions. The merchants
are also resolved to take part with them, consequently they are not
without resources for carrying on hostilities with Ben Saood and are
Inclined to go to war. They have found out that Fysul wants to take
Bahrein, and does not care about the Zukat. When Sheik Rashid
waited on him, he had a conversation with a Ahmed Soodery, and asked
why he did not advise Fysul to be on good terms with the Kuleefa
family that he (Rashid) did not come because they were straitened,
but solely on account of the poor traders and fishermen. Soodery
replied that on the first arrival of the Ameer he had spoken on the
subject of peace, and endeavoured to persuade the Ameer from the
conquest of Bahrein as that Island could only be held by those who
are powerful at sea. Fysul replied to Ahmed Soodery - if I take
Bahrein I will place a person like you in charge of it. This
conversation has been repeated to the Sheiks, and they naturally
conclude Fysul wants to get possession of the Island for himself,
and will therefore use all exertions to oppose him.
True Translated Substance
Slg of J. Edwards
Accountant
True Copy
3l9ned j, Hennell
Resident In the Persian Gulf.