Page 320 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

298 Part VII—Chap. LXXI.

588. On the 22nd May 1819, the Mulik-ul-Tujjar came to the Residency in
n state of the greatest alarm, to represent the danger to whioh he was exposed,
and to implore Lieutenant Kcmball's protection.* After some time the Assistant
Resident succeeded in re-assuring him, but as matters had now proceeded to
such extremities, beforo undertaking to interpose further in his belialf by the
exorcise of his influence to bring his opponent to reason, ho required him to
make his communications hcrcaftor in writing. Accordingly on the same ovoning
Mulik-ul-Tujjar addressed the Resident a note, stating that from lotters recoived
by 8heikh Hussein Saloh from Shoikh Nasir at Shiraz ho had been given to
understand the latter had assonted to his quitting Bushiro ; intimating that ho
had received a significant hint from Sheikh Hussein Nasir to loavo the town,
and appealing for advice as to tho course ho should pursue. To this Lieutenant
Kemball replied that his object throughout had been to proservo tho public
tranquillity and with this view, he would continue to urgo Sheikh Hussein Nasir
toromain quiet; but that he must bo himself the best judge of tho measures most
likely to ousuro his personal safety.
589. Tho Mulik-ul-Tujjar then wrote representing tho impossibility of his
remaining at Bushirc, and his dosiro thoroforo to tako his departure for Shiraz
via Tungiston—at the same time ho communicated the repeated offers of
• Daring th. abienee of hi. Father Eank.r Ahmed Khan, Acting Governor of the
Khan at shirai. latter placo,* to come in with a party of
his followers and carry him away and proposed now to apply to that Chief.
The expected visit of Ahmed Khan had been exaggerated into a charge by
Sheikh Hussein Nasir against the Mulik-ul-Tujjar, of the latter’s ondeavouring to
incite the Tungistun Chief to attack Busliire. That the march however of a
body of Tungistunis into the neighbourhood of the town was seriously
intended, the Residency was fully mado aware by the perusal of a letter
under the seal of Ahmed Khan himself; and that Sheikh Hussein Nasir believed
it to be so, was sufficiently shewn by his summoning armed parties from Ras
Sheho and holding his followers and others in readiness in the town to put
down any opposition that might be mado on tho day fixed for tho Mulik-ul-
Tujjar’s departure. It was moreover subsequently proved by the latter being
met at a distance of five or six miles from the gate by a party of about 50
Tungistunis, who advanced thus near to escort him.
690. Mindful of the rule Lieutenant Kemball had laid down for his own
guidance at tho outset, and looking steadily to the* end he had in view to keep the
peace, he at onoe determined upon discountenancing any appeal to force in the
shape of the proposed application to Ahmed Khan. It was evident a collision
must ensuo on the approach of that Chief which might lead to very serious
disturbances, more particularly as a small party of his tribe had already found
their way into the town; and it did not appear to him that the chances were
at all in favour of Haji Abdul Mahomed’s position being improved thereby.
In his anwscr, therefore, to tho Mulik-ul-Tujjar he opposed the measure
contemplated, and undertook himself to try and bring about his unmolested
retirement by more peaceful and legitimate means.
691. Accordingly Lieutenant Kemball sent to invite the attendance of
Bhcikh Hussein Saleh, tho Acting Governor at tho Residency, and during the
interview which f dlowcd with him, ho employed every argument he deemed
best calculated to impress him with the expediency of acting with decision,
while he had it yet in his powor for the purpose of checking disorder. He
acknowledged his responsibility, and expressed his willingness to accede to the
Assistant Resident’s wishes; but so great evidently was the fear of Sheikh
Hussein Nasir, whioh this Chief shared in common with mo9t of the towns­
people, that he could not bo induced to give a definitive reply until he had
consulted his uncle Haji Mahomed.
692. It had been proposed that the Mulik-ul-Tujjar should quit the
town in the morning of the 24th, but the hesitation of the parties delayed
matters another day whioh time was taken up by Sheikh Hussein Nasir in
maturing his plans for cutting off the escape of his intended victim, and in using
his influence to seduce 8hcikh Hussein Saleh from the performance of his duty
at the time appointed. The latter failed to furnish the promised reply, nnd it
was only in the afternoon of that day, in answer to a note from me sent by the
hand of the Residency Mizra, that he engaged formally to supply an escort
1788 J. D.