'Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government' [‎332] (374/733)

332
JOASAlEES.
Mr. Blane, adopted the strongest arguments with the Joasmee Chief,—
indeed threatened to resort to actual force, if he did not abstain from a
measure which, as had been explained to the Vukeel above alluded to,
on his mentioning the subject, would be contrary to the wishes of the
British Government. The fleet accordingly withdrew.
One very trifling case only of a piratical nature occurred this year,
indicative of the innate spirit of the Joasmees for
A - v- 1833. plunder,—a spirit which they found it difficult
to restrain even where British property was concerned, and the imme
diate infliction of punishment must certainly ensue.
One of their boats putting into Korgoo for water, its crew seized and
carried off some portion of a tent, lining the building which had been
erected on that island for the accommodation of the Resident's
establishment, during the prevalence of the plague at Bushire and in
its neighbourhood, notwithstanding that they were warned that the
same was the property of the British Government. Trifling as was
the value of the articles taken, the more wanton and insulting
appeared the conduct of the plunderers, and the more urgent the reason
for its not being permitted to pass unnoticed. A vessel of war was
therefore despatched in quest of the boat, and to demand the surrender
of the delinquents. These were found at Mohumrah, and brought to
Bushire, together with the stolen property ; but the object having been
gained, were immediately freed, in consideration of the Shaikh of that
port having begged their forgiveness.
After his signal defeat at Khore Suffan (near Aboothabee*), the
Joasmee Chief commenced making great preparations for the attack
and blockade of the Beniyas capital, and having secured the support of
the Shaikh of Lingah, and Rashid bin Humeed of Ejman, the combined
fleets sailed from Debaye on the 9th of November. The two Chiefs of
Aboothabce had however collected a large force of Bedouins and
citizens, and moored with iron chains to the shore six or seven of their
largest vessels, well manned, for the protection of their shipping.
After a cannonade of three days, which was promptly and effectual y
answered by the besieged, Shaikh Sultan 's Buggalow Large trading vessel. having received
two shots in her hull, his whole fleet weighed out of range ot e
ouns onshore, and anchoring, confined itself to the maintenance of a
close blockade. The besieged were shortly reduced to the greates
distress from the want of provisions, and the departure of His t ig me&s
the [maum for his African possessions removed all prospect o re ic^
from foreign assistance. Their difficulties were further great y in
creased by the capture of thirty of their boats in Khyran Beniyas, am
the loss of ten men killed by the people of Debaye (of the secedec
* Vide Sketch of the Beniyas, in a subsequent part this Selection.