Page 24 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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origin to the Beni Hina persisting in creeling a fort on a plot of land tlioy had
bought from the Beni Shekoyl. Hostilities again broke out between the tribes
later on in the year; in September Sheikh Saleh-bin-Ali induced them t0 come
to peace, after the Beni Hina had been credited with tho murder of a former
Kadhi of Maskat and his wife in retaliation for the death of the son of their
Tamimah, the Kadhi haying taken an active part in supporiing the Beni
Shokcyl against the Boui Hina. Sheikh Hilnl-bin-Zaliir subsequently showing
signs of desire to break tho poaco, a caution from Sheikh Saioh-bin-Ali* produced
the required result.
28. Hostilities betweon tho Yal Sand of tho Batinahand tho Ahl Hhahiroh
were renewed early 1893. On this occasion the Yal Saad wero the first to
assume the olTonsivo. They attacked Mubrah with a force said to consist of
4,000 mon; further reinforcements were expected, hut they did not wait for
their arrival. The attack was repulsed, tho Yal Saad losing 117 in killed and
wounded, the defenders, 7 Sheikhs and 2 men. An attempt at mediation made
by tho Sultan produced no result. After several minor raids on both sides, tho
Yal Saad prepared in November for a fresh advance on Mubrah. Sayyid Ibra-
himrbin-Kais then interfered and at onco brought about a cessation of hostili­
ties. A month later tho leading Sheikhs on both sides met before Sayyid Ibra-
liim-bin-Kais and settled the terms of peace.
29. An old feud between the Beni Mukim and the Suluh of Tewi was
renewed in May, the Beni Mukim being tho aggressors. They made an expedi­
tion against Towi and set fire to a large house in which powder was stored ; 14
of the Suluh were killed by the explosion and the fire of the attack, which lost
three men. An effectual attempt was made by the Sultan’s younger brother,
8ayyid Fabad, to bring about a reconciliation. Subsequently, Sheikh Saleh
put a stop to further hostilities.
30. In June collisions occurred between the Beni Umar and the Hawa-
sineh of Khaboorah, in consequence of the murder by the Beni Umar of the
Sheikh of the Beni Saeed, a tribe being under tho protection of Hawasineh.
31. In the same month the Sultan sent a force under Sayyid Badr-bin-S<*if
to take possession of Mansoor and oust the garrison of the Beni Harras from the
fort: the expedition was ill-planned ; aud a war cry b> ing raised, the Sultan’s
party had to beat a precipitate retreat. His Highness had taken up his
quarters at the time in the fort of Nakhi awaiting the arrival of Sheikhs Sulei-
man-bin-Seif of the Beni Jabir and Khalfan-bin-IIumayyan of Naklil, whom
he had summoned to his presence ; but hearing that these two Sheikhs were
preparing to obey his summons with a force of botweon 400 and 500 men, be
left Naklil suddenly and returned to Birkah. The Beni Jabir then proceeded
to cut down some date trees belonging to two of His Highness’s officials in the
vicinity of Nakhi.
32. In September Hameyd-bin-Salim, commonly known as Kurta, a well-
known marauder, commenced raiding in the Sharkey eh; in consequence of
rumours that he intended proceeding against Kurryat, tho Sultan increased his
garrison in that town. Apparently Kurta found enough to occupy his atten­
tion in the Sharkeyeh for some time, for it was not till the end of February that
he began to move towards Kurryat. His Highness sent orders to the tribes
holding the passes leading to the coast to block his way, and at tho same time
6ent a further reinforcement to Kurryat. Finding his advance checked at the
passes, Kurta opened negotiations with the tribes to let him through ; failing
in this, he returned fo his country and sent a humble letter to His Highness,
begging for forgiveness,
33. The Beni-Bu-Ali carried on a desultory war with their hereditary foes,
the Beni-Bu-Hasan, for some months: no general engagement took place, and
the casualties on both sides were few. A truce was effected between them by
Sheikhs Suleh-bin-Ali. Collision also occurred between the Yal Wahibah and
the Jenebah.
34. In February 1894 peace was made between the Harth and the Ahl
Bashar through the instrumentality of Sheikh Bashid-bin-Uzaiz, the Sultan’e
Wali in Wadi Semmayil. This official was deputed, at the same time, to settle