Page 302 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

2S0 Port VII—Chap. LXV.

CHAPTER LXV,

OUTRAGES AGAINST THE BRITISH AT BUSHIRE. REMOVAL
OF THE RESIDENCY TO KARRAK, 1830.
(i) OUTRAGE OX THE RESIDENCY SHROFF.
643. This was a timo when the feeling in Persia against the British was very
bitter, and Bushiro was frequently tho
Btiidont'a lottor, dntod 21st Novomber 1738,
Yolums IV—1063 of 1830, psgs 18. sceno of outrages upon tho Residency and
people under its protection. One of tho
notable ones was a gross and unprovoked outrage committed at tho instigation
of Sheikh Hussein ; tho Kazi of Bushire, upon the person and property of tho
shroff of tho British Residency. Tho facts briefly arc these—
644. In consequence of a dispute between the merchants of Bushire and
Mirza Abbas, the Governor, regarding tho settlement of certain duties
which they alleged had already been paid to Sheikh Nasir while in power) the
bazaars were closed. On the morniug of tho 17th of November 1838> Mirza
Abbas sent his Forrashes to compel the inhabitants to open their shops.
Upon this Sheik Hussein directed thorn to refuse compliance and to assemble
in arms round his house. Upon the protenoe of one of the Mirza’s Farrashes
being intoxicated an order was given by the Sheikh that all the wine found
under the roofs of the Jows should be destroyed. Upon this the rabble led
by tho Kazi’s slaves and a certain Sued Ally proceeded to the Jews* Mahullab,
and having among others forcibly effected an entrance into the house of tho
Residency Shroff they destroyed the wine and spirits packed for exportation to
the value of 40 or 60 Tomans, and at the same time so beat and ill-treated the
owner himself as to compel him to take refuge in the Residency for fear
of his life. Upon the occurrence of this outrage the Resident sent his Mirja
to the Governor to know what steps he intended to take in consequence. Hia
reply was to the effect that the turbulent rabble of the town, instigated by
the Kazi and the Merchants, had not only wholly thrown off his authority
but were endeavouring to expel him from the place. He further entreated
that the Resident should make an early representation to the Prince of Shiraz
(who was then at Kazerun) of the real state of affairs here.
646. Having regard to the prospect of a satisfactory adjustment of our
relations with Persia, tho Resident felt unwilling, notwithstanding the ample
means now at his disposal, to take upon himself the punishment of the authors
of this unprovoked aggression upon a dependent of the British Residency.
He however laid the circumstances of the affair before the Prince of
Shiraz, with an intimation of bis earnest expectation that full redress would
be afforded. There was, however, little hope of anything satisfactory being
done by His Royal Highness. The Resident suggested that Mr. McNeill might
demand the removal of Sheikh Hussein, Sheikh Suliman and their dependents
from Bushire, and the punishment both in person and property of the
individuals who rendered themselves conspicuous on this oocasion. He thought
that some such serious notice should be taken of the outrage now reported, as
he feared that both our character and influence would be lowered; these
repeated insults on the part of the Kazi had been long allowed to pass without
the exaction of ample and fitting satisfaction.

(ii) MIRZA ASSAD SUCCEED8 MIRZA ADDAS. 1IIS ANTI-DRITISU PROCEEDINGS.
PROHIBITION OF EXPORT OF SUPPLIES TO KARRAK, 1839,
646. The Governor of Bushire had given full permission for the transport
of supplies from Bushire to Karrack; it was however found that all sorts of
restrictions were placed on the arrangements made for the purpose, A prohi­
bition was put on the export of wheat and flour to Karrak by Mirza Abbas.
Soon after one Mirza Assad UUah was appointed Governor of Bushire. He
was deeply anti-British in his feelings, proceeded 60 far as to lay not only a