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201 [Part VI—Chap. XLIV.
of despatching them. Regarding the vessels belonging to Maskat, it wa9
not likely that the regency of that port, after becoming acquainted with the
views and wishos of the British Government, would allow their fleet to
co-operate in any naval expedition contemplated by the Egyptian ruler in this
quartor.
381. Of all the Arabian Chiefs possessing any naval resources, tho only
ono whoso interests would bo promoted
Ei* bin Tarif. by a connexion with tho Egyptian
Commander or who was likely to co-oporato cordially with him was Esa-bon-
Tarif. This individual had secedod from Bahrein with his followers in
consoquonco of the oppression experienced from tho hands of tho relatives of
the Uttubi Chief, and after residing a short time in Maskat had finally
settled in Abuthahi, the Sheikh of which place, Khalifa bon Sheikbut, had
then intimated his intention of making common cause with him against
Bahrein. Notwithstanding this declaration, howover, tho natural good judg­
ment of tho Boniyas Chief had led him to sec how deeply tho conquest of
Bahrein by tho Egyptians would affect the independence of all the other
Maritime Arabs, and therefore instead of joining Esa-ben-Tarif in his cruises
against tho trading vessels of that island, he had sent his brother Sultan, and
entered into an offensive and defensive allianco with tho Uttubi Sheikh:
at the samo rtimo intimating to the members of the Al-i-Ally residing in
’
Abuthahi, that under these oircumstances, ho could allow of their carrying
on aggressions against his ally, while they availed themselves of the protection
of hi9 port. This change in his position, and the natural reluctance which
existed in the breast of almost every Arab, to see those with whom he was at
all connected by the ties of blood or clanship, although his enemies fall under the
yoke of a foreign power, might, it was hopod, induce Isa-ben-Tareef to accept
the overtures of peace proffered by the Sheikh of Bahrein. At the same time it
was not impossible that the desire to revenge the injuries and losses they had
sustained from the hands of their relations in Bahrein might induce the
Al-i-Ally to remove from Abuthahi and settle in Katif, a measure which
would greatly promote the views of Khorshicl Pasha, by affording him the
assistance of several large vessels, and some five hundred brave and energetic
men.
382. Next to the ruler of Bahrein the Chief whoso interests are most
likely to he seriously affected by the
Sheikh Jaber of Koweit.
advance of the Egyptian Army to the
shores of the Persian Gulf was Sheikh Jaber of Koweit, whose port being
situated on the mainland of Arabia rendered him much more tangible than
Sheikh Abdullah ben Ahmed. He possessed a large and well appointed fleet,
but from the above circumstance it could, like that of the Bahrein Chiofs, be
made available for the defence of his placo. His subjects (a hranoh of the
Uttubis) were brave and many in number. The Resident considered it
to be an object of great importance that this place should not fall into the
possession.of the Pasha, a9 its position so near the mouth of the Euphrates, and
the numerous vessels belonging to it, would greatly facilitate the attaiumont of
those objects which were supposed to be held in view by Khorsliid Pasha in the
direction of Bussorah and Bagdad. It was affirmed that an Agent of the
Egyptian Commander was stationed in that port for the collection of
supplies.
383. Tho next place of importance on the Arabian coast was Abuthahi,
situated about the same distance to tho eastward of Bahrein as Kowoit is to
the north-west. The Beniyas, who inhabited this port and its vicinity, were a
brave and warlike people, mustering altogether in cases of emergency perhaps
8,000 armed men. Even during the height of the Wahabi ascendancy, this
tribe always maintained its independence, and refused to pay the Zukal or
tithes claimed by the head of that sect. There was in the Resident’s opinion
consequently little probability of Khorshid Pasha making any impression upon
Sheikh Khulifa ben Shakbut, the Chief, who has distinctly shown the lino of
policy ho intended to pursue in the present juncture, by having promised his
support to the Beni Narein (then in open opposition to the Egyptians) and
having entered into a close allianco with Sheikh Abdullah bon Ahmed of