'Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government' [‎398] (440/733)

398
UTTOOBEES.
The inhabitants of the Gnttur Coast favoured decidedly the cause of
Mahomed bin Khaleefa, and established him in Fowarah, whence he
proceeded with a considerable force in five Buggalows, and effected a
landing opposite to Ruffah (a village, with a fort, six miles in the
interior of the island of Bahrein). Abdoolla bin Ahmed immediately
sent a force, under the command of his son Nassir, who succeeded in
gaining possession of the fort before the invaders could reach it. A
fight took place, from which no positive advantage was obtained by
either party ; several men were killed, and some wounded. Measures,
however, were adopted to surround them by land, and cut off their
retreat by sea.
In the course of the hostile operations which ensued, a piracy was
committed (March 1843) by the dependents of Abdoolla bin Ahmed,
upon a Gooncha carrying British colours, and having on board a
packet and some stores to the address of the Commodore at Bassadore.
It appeared that that chief had issued orders that no vessels should
be permitted to remain at anchor in the harbour of Munama (the town
on the main island opposite to Muharag), and on the vessel in question
anchoring there, two boats were despatched with a message to the Na-
khoda to weigh and return to Muharag. The crews of these, board
ing, plundered her cargo, and, among the rest, the packet and stores
adverted to; hauled down the flag, and tore it to pieces,—an aggravation
of their crime which admitted of no excuse. The necessity of sending
me that Bin Tarif and Busheer bin Rahmah had obtained permission to commence hostilities
against me, and asked whether I had committed any aggression upon them. I replied in the
negative. He then inquired what was the cause of their enmity. I answered that Fysul bin
Saood wished to establish them in Biddah, for the purpose of plunder and rapine. At the
time, also, when all my ships were scattered about in Bombay, Malabar, and \emen, your
Assistant told me that both the parties were prohibited from hostilities until the return of my
vessels, and that an order would be sent to me by the Resident. Hajee Jassim, your Agent,
was present when this conversation took place. On this account I was negligent, and did not
send and get other men to assist me, in the place of those who were absent in my vessels. "W hen,
therefore, my subjects who inhabit the Guttur Coast perceived that my country was denuded
of troops, they were instigated by a spirit of plunder to rise up against me, and that took
place which God has brought to pass: For the above reasons you have now ground (for
assisting me)."
Reply. —*' Touching your complaint that my Assistant, when at Bahrein, had led you to
believe that Esai bin Tarif and Busheer bin Rahmah would not be permitted to attack you
while your ships and men were absent in India, and that consequently you were negligent, and
did not get troops to assist you in the place of those who were away, I would beg to observe
that you are quite mistaken in supposing Captain Kemball ever gave such a promise, lou
are aware that his sole object in visiting Bahrein was to warn you that Bin Tarif and Busheei
bin Rahmah had asked for and obtained permission to commence hostilities against you, and all
he offered was to communicate your wishes to Colonel Robertson. When, however, you did
not receive any answer from that officer on the subject, you ought to have been sure that he
could not comply with your request for the temporary prohibition of hostilities until the return
of your vessels."