Page 265 - Records of Bahrain (1) (ii)_Neat

Relations with the Wahhabis, 1851-1859 623

Transcription oj previous document
Translation of a letter from Haj ie Jassein, Agent of Bahrein to
Lieutenant Colonel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, dated 18th
and received 23rd May 1851.
I previously reported to you the unsuccessful result of the
Sheik Ally's efforts to negociate a peace with Ben Saood, and his
return to Bahrein, It is now reported by passengers from Biddah,
that two spies had arrived at that place, belonging to Ben Saood,
making enquiries as to whether the divers had proceeded to the Pearl
Fishery. During Sheik Ally's absence he had appointed a Deputy at
Biddah who despatched men to learn the object of these spies. On
ascertaining they belonged to the Nedjd ruler, he immediately sent a
party of horse and foot after them. On being seized, one was
Immediately put to death and the other detained in irons. The
Deputy Governor of Biddah has written to Sheik Ally intimating that
Ben Saood had made a march, and arrived at a spring called Ereej
within two days of Biddah. On receiving this communication, Sheik
Ally embarked for the latter place. Today a vessel has arrived with
information that Sheik Ally had reached Bidda, and has sent to
recall all the Divers to that town. He has also despatched Mahomed
ben Ahmed, an inhabitant of Aboothabee, to Sheik Saeed ben Tahnoon,
to acquaint him that Ben Saood has marched on the coast of Gutter.
This person had formerly been sent by the Benijas Chiefs to the
Bahrein Sheiks with a message recommending them not to make any
terms with Ameer Fysul, and in the event of War, and aid being
required, he would, on Mahomed ben Ahmed being sent back to him,
come in person to their assistance. It is the intention of the
Sheiks to fight with Ben Saood should he attack Biddah. He is now
at Ereej two days distant from that place. God knows best what may
happen hereafter. Sheik Mahomed has increased his fleet off Kateef,
his people have all, returhed from India and they are ready to do
battle with the Nedjd rulers. Some time ago Sheik Ally sent a horse
to Sh Syed Thowenee; the boat has returned bringing a present of
300 bags of rice, powder and lead. A boat belonging to Sheik Sultan
Ben Suggar having landed a camel and letters for Ameer Fysul in the
neighbourhood of the Gutter Coast, it has been detained along with
the crew, by the Deputy of Biddah. This happened during the late
absence of She Ik Ally.
(True Translation)
(Signed) J. Edwards
Accountant

(True Copy)
(Signed) S. Hennell
Resident In the Persian Gulf
True Copies
A. Maiet
Chief Secretary