Page 211 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part VI—Chop, XLII 189

CHAPTER XIII.

SULTAN BIN SAGGARS ENTERPRIZES,*-1833-1838.
322. The most notable figure in the drama of the Persian Gulf affairs
in theso times was Sultan bin Saggar.
Bombay Selections, No. XXIV.
Wo have seen how he was brought to
book in 1820, and made to sign tho Treaty that year. His enterprises in the
direction of Khoro Pakaun and Dibba in 1832 havo been recounted (sec para­
graph 317 above). Wo find his onterprizes extending also to Busbire and other
parts on tho Persian Coast and to tho Mussoudom Peninsula, where his
protonsions wore based on less dubious grounds than at Dibba and Khore
Pakaun.
323. In November 1832 a large fleet of Joasmi boats, containing
from one thousand to fifteen hundred of tho tribe, under the command of
Sultan bin Saggar in person, appeared at the head of the Gulf, with a view to
affording assistance to Sheikh jNassir, the hereditary Governor of Bushire,
who having given umbrage to tho Persian authorities had been ojeoted from the
town and had taken to his boats, and commenced a blockade of the port
according to a previous engagement with that person, by which, in addition to
certain other considerations, the plunder of the place was to bo the reward of
a successful attack. Previous to their arrival, however, the blockade had
been raised, and it was evident, from late events, that Sheikh Nassir had no
longer any expectation of regaining his inheritance, but was now merely
intent upon inflicting injury upon the town and its inhabitants, which must
have involved tho destruction of a large amount of British property. Under
these circumstances and moreover, the cause of humanity and the protection
of those connected with tho British Government, calling for the exertion of
every endeavour to ward off so great a calamity as that of a band of infuriated
plunderers like tho Joasmis being let loose in the midst of a peaceable and
mercantile community, the Resident, Mr. Blane, adopted the strongest
arguments with tho Josami Chief,—indeed threatened to resort to actual
force, if he did not abstain from a measure which, as had been explained to
the Vakil above alluded to, on his mentioning the subject, would be contrary
to the wishes of the British Government. The fleet accordingly withdrew.
. 324. One very trifling case only of a piratical nature occurred in 1833,
indicative of the innate spirit of the Joasmis for plunder,—a spirit whioh
they found it difficult to restrain even where British property was concerned,
and tho immediate infliction of punishment must certainly ensue.
One of their boats putting into Korgu for water, its crew seized and
carried off some portion of a tent, lining the building which had been ereoted
on that island for the accommodation of the Resident’s establishment, during
the prevalence of the plague at Bushire and in its neighbourhood, notwith­
standing that they were warned that the same was the property of the British
Government. Trifling as was the value of the articles taken, the more wanton
and insulting appeared the conduct of the plunderers, and the more urgent
the reason for its not being permitted to pass unnoticed. A vessel of war was
therefore despatched in quest of the boat, and to demand the surrender of the
delinquents. These were found at Mahommerah, and brought to Bushire,
together with the stolen property; but the object having been gained, were
immediately freed, in consideration of the Sheikh of that port having begged
their forgiveness.
325. After his signal defeat at Khore Suffan (near Abuthabi), the
Joasmi Chief commenced making great preparations for the attack and
blockade of the Benyas capital, and having secured the support of the Sheikh
of Lingah, and Bashid bin Hamid of JEjman, the combined fleets sailed from
Debayi on the 9th of November. The two Chiefs of Abuthabi had however
• Note. This chapter recounts tho Shoikh's enterprise* not in the neighbouring lands, but in outlying
territories, as those on tho Batineh Coast, noar Capo Musaendom, or on tho Persian Coast.
2 B 2