Page 126 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

104 Part V— Chap. XXVI.
and tbo disappointment of the expectations which had in all probability been
excited by the previous treatment of Ivazib. This confinement was likewise
represented as one of tho principal obstacles to the establishment of confidence
and amicable relations with tho inhabitants of tho neighbourhood. It was
therefore resolved to liberate him, which was dono accordingly. This act was
followed by an immediate demonstration of confidence on tho part of the
Arabs, who camo readily and in numbers to purchaso tho rice aud dates loft
in Rns-ul-Kliima after tho precipitate retreat of its garrison.
215. Having received information that the town of Rumz had been
abandoned and that its inhabitants had retired to a hill fort, within cannon
shot of tho creek on which Rumz is situated, Sir "William Grant resolved to
attack it, and made tho necessary preparations accordingly.
216. Hassan-bin-Ali, the Chieftain of the above-mentioned fort, tho name
of which is Zaynh, was a man of very considerable influence throughout this
part of tho oountry, and his fort was rockoncd tho key to Ras-ul-Khima on
the north, as effectually commanding the passes and tho mountains and along
tho shore loading to that place. It was strong in tho estimation of tho Arabs
from being situated on a rugged and steep bill, and the belief was current that
the British guns could not bo sufficiently elevated to destroy its defences.
The capture of this fort under such prevailing ideas and circumstances was there­
fore likely to produce a considerable sensation throughout the Gulf, and
amongst other advantages to cause tho surrender of many places of conse­
quence to the general progress of the operations, by which a great saving of time
and means, as well as of the lives and labour of our valuable troops, would bo
effected.
217. On the 18th December, the detachment destined for the above
mentioned service proceeded to Zayah under the immediate command of Major
Warren of His Majesty’s 65th Regiment, and boing desirous of personally
inspecting tbe progress of the operations, Sir William accompanied Captain
Collier in the Liverpool to Rumz, off which place he anchored on the same
morning that the detachment left Ras-ul-Kbima.
218. When the British troops approached Zayah, a messenger was
despatched with a paper intimating that in the event of Hassan-bin-Ali and his
followers surrendering the fort without resistance, they should not be put into
confinement, but this summons not having been attended to, and the fort
having opened a fire on one column, measures were immediately taken to
commence the attack, which was followed by the surrender and occupation of
the fort on the 22nd instant.
219. The conditions on which Zayah surrendered were that the lives of the
garrison should be spared, they giving up their arms and property, the whole
of the men were accordingly marched out of the place with the view of their
being immediately embarked on board of transports off Rumz, but this
arrangement could not be completed till the morning of tho 23rd. The women
and children remained at Zayah, and even of course treated with every
possible degree of humanity. It may not be necessary to add that several acts
of kindness very creditable to the feelings of the British gallant troops were
performed on this occasion.
220. A consideration of tbe extreme state of helplessness and misery to
wbioh upwards of four hundred women and children were reduced by the
captivity of their husbands, induced Sir William on the information of Captain
Bruce, the Resident of Bushire, to reland from the transports so many of the
prisoners as were found to be cultivators of the ground or date trees; to these
were added some old men and children; indeed, the only persons retained
consisted of such as were believed to be immediately attached to the service of
the Chief together with a few men belonging to tribes and places whioh it
appeared probable might be visited hereafter by the expedition.
221. As the usual occupations of the men released were of a peaceable
nature, this aot of lenity left a lasting impression of the magnanimity
of the British character. When the families had been joined by tbe men
that were relanded, the whole proceeded to a village called Shemmel where
they were peaceably settled.