Page 124 - Arabian Studies (I)

108 Arabian Studies 1

Perhaps as a result of Mr. Hanys’s haste, Mr. Dickinson had to
record on 7 May that he had received seven bales underweight. Mr.
Dickinson accordingly advised Mr. Hanys:

to complain to the Governor and endeavour cither to get the
Muccadum (Muqaddam, headman) of the Camels punished or
threatn’d, so as to prevent the Camel drivers pilfering the Bales on
the Road.8

8 to 10 May

On 10 May a serious set back occurred. On taking 150 bales of coffee
to the Mocha pier, Mr. Dickinson’s representative was told that
Faqlh Ahmad, the Governor of Mocha, had sent a letter to forbid
any exportation until the Imam of Yemen had been sent a present
equivalent to the amount of the customs duty exemption on six
hundred bales allowed annually.9
Considerable altercation ensued. Through intermediaries Faqlh
Ahmad was informed that although the Imam had sent Mr. Phipps,
the Company’s representative in Mocha in 1721, a horse and Mr.
Phipps had returned the compliment in respect of both the Imam
and his Vizier, a precedent had not been set in respect of the customs
exemption. Indeed, the customs exemption had been the subject of a
quite separate Imamic finnan (decree).
Faqlh Ahmad would not, however, give way.

11 May
On 11 May, Mr. Dickinson receives more bad news.
We were informed this morning that the Emaum, [Imam] after
the Feast is over, under pretence of taking satisfaction upon the
People of Yafarr [Yafi\ more probably the ‘AbdalT people of
Lahej], who took Aden from him this Season, designs to fall upon
his Brother Siddy Hamed [SIdl Hamad] at Toys [Ta‘izz], and
dispossess him of that place which if he attempts will undoubtedly
occasion a great deal of Trouble in the Country, Siddy Hamed
being strongly fortified in Toys, is very rich, and can make a good
Defence, and should the Emaum not succeed, it may put Siddy
Hamed upon making reprisals, and endeavour to take this Town
from the Emaum which he has been inclined to do sometime, and
might effect with a great Deal of Ease.

Clearly, there is a prospect that the Prince William will be further
delayed.