Page 244 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

222 [Part VI—Chap. XLIV.
howovor brave and determined tho several tribes might be individually, yet that no hor>o could
exist of their independence being preserved, unless by a real and cordial union with each othor,
and it was for this reason, I noticed with plcasuro, the ns6omblngo in ono place of bo many
influential chiefs, and trusted that boforo tho meeting broke up, I might not only have tho
gratification of removing any difToronccs existing among thoso presont, but that I might bo
able to effect a sinc-cro reconciliation between tho Sheikhs of Hrymee, and their neighbours the
Zuwahir tribe. In reply to theso observations Ilumud bin Surer, tho principal Sheikh of
Brymeo, answered on behalf of himsolf and his allies ^ that tho disinterested motives which
iuducod tho British Government to como forward at this juucturo wero fully known and
appreciated by all parties, that tho unexpected sympathy nud countenance afforded to tho
Shuwamis and Naeoin tribes, at a ti mo whon they had been deserted by everyono excepting
Seid Huniud of Sobal, had inspired tho most lively sentimonts of gratitude in himself and his
kinsmon, they had thoreforo gladly availed themselves of the presont opportunity to impress
in poi son their deop sense of obligation, and their earnest desire to regulate all thoir pro­
ceedings by tho viows of tho British Government. Tho Sheikh then went ou to say that tho
quarrol between themselves and tho Zuwahir had arisen from the tribo in question having
intrigued with Snid bin Mutluk to dispossess thorn of Brymeo. which of course had added much
to the difficulties of their position. In the event, however, of a defensive alliance being estab­
lished botwcon themselves and their lato enomics through tho mediation of the Resident,
and Sheikh Khalifa of Abutnli boing restrained from acting hostilly towards Brymeo, they
would not fear any external foes, whether thoy camo from Ncdjd or olscwhcre, that if tho
Government would not roccivo thorn ns its dependents, and as being under its protection, they
still hoped the two objects above referred to might bo attained through its influence. I
answered that I was fully sensible of tho importance of the Zuwahir uniting with tho Sheikhs
of Brymeo for their common defence, and that in my approaching interview with tho Chiefs of
that tribe, I Imped tc induce thorn to forget all past differences, and cordially join with tho
Shuwamis and Naccm for tho maintenance of their independence. With reference, howovor,
to his second request touching tho Chief of Abuthabi, I said that I did not consider myself
authorised to give any pledge to the effect asked for, as in the event of Sheikh Khalifa attack­
ing them, tho Government would tako such steps as suited its own convenience, or as
circumstances might 6com to render expedient, that our object, as already intimated, was not to
involve ourselve* in affairs beyond our own control, or to increase our responsibilities by taking
upon ourselves to protect the island tribes from aggression, but simply to afford our friendly COU71-
tcnancc and aid to those whose views, with reference to the encroachments of Khorshid Pasha,
coincided with those of the British Government, which, I added, was willing to afford a sub­
stantial proof of its goodwill and sympathy by furnishing a moderate quantity of ammunition
and provisions, in case of their being attacked by the Egyptians, and they continued firm in
their resolution to defend themselves. I concluded by saying that in order they might not be
altogether unpropared for 6uch a contingency, I iutonded now to presont them with a small
supply of money, gunpowder, lead, etc.
The Shuwamis Chief and allies having withdrawn, I sent for the Zuwahir Shiekhs (Maho­
med biu Sururaud Rashid bin Said) from tho neighbouring t»wu of Shargah, where they and
their followers had taken up their residence, us the hostile feelings still existing between them
did not allow of tbeir occupying tho same spot together. After some conversation, I found
themselves and the Naeera, quite willing to accept of my mediation to renew the friendly rela­
tions formerly subsisting with the Brymeo Sheikhs, and prepared to enter into an alliance with
them against the Egyptians, but thoy seemed unwilling to break off their connexion with the
Monasir and Muzora tribes, both of which are known to bo in Khorshid Pasha’s interest. At
last both parties consented to meet in my presence and after an animated discussion of some
hours, the Zuwahir chiefs were prevailed upon to enter into a defensive alliat oo with the Shu-
wamisaud Naeem, against all enemies whatever, but with the single reservation that they were
not to be called on to join the Brymen Sheikhs in auy operations of a purely aggressive character
when originating from the latter. To ratify this engagement the soveral chiefs joined their
hands aud repeated a solemn form of oath which was dictated by Shoikh Humud bin Surur.
This important point being thus satisfactorily attained, I introduced the subject
of the Beni Kiltul, and urged the acceptance on the part of the Shuwamis and Naeem
Sheikh*, of the proposal of Abdullah bin Ho vedan, to form a close alliance with them pro­
vided bis mare3 were restored. In reply I was informed that the original dispute had arisen
from one mare having being carried off by the Arabs of another tribe who had add her to
Surerbin Ally, the Naeem Sheikh, and that the foal a6 well as the dam were now claimed
by the Beni Kittul Chief. The heads of the Shuwamis .were evidently much inclined to
make up matters with Abdulla bin Koweodan on any term9, but the son of Surur bin Ally
declared that his father would not upon any consideration give up 6tecds he valued so highly.
It was io vain I urged every argument in my power, and even offered to settle the disputed
point by purchasing the two animals in question myself, and presenting them to the Beni
kettul Sheikh. Finding all my efforts in this auartcr unavailing, I sent Mullah Hossein,
our Native Agent, iuto Shargah to try if Abdirilah bin Howecdan would waive his claim to
the disputed mares : upon receiving an equivalent gift this attempt was equally unsuccessful,
as the Sheikh would listen to no other proposal than tho actual surrender of tho animals
themselves. I was consequently obliged to content myself with making the latter chief a
trifliag present, and leading him to hope for the favour and goodwill of the Government to
a greater extent, if he opposed the encroachments of the Egyptians in Oman.
Having been unexpectedly detained on shore at Ejman in consequence of tho unsettled slate
of the weather obliging the Clive agaiu to leave the coa$t, I did not rejoin that vee6cl before