'Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government' [‎404] (446/733)

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404
uttoobees.
only object the suppression of plunder and piracy, and nowhere
contemplated any interference in lawful and acknowledged war,
provided always such warfare did not lead to acts of aggression upon
the lives and property of those having no concern therein.
While the ex-chief w^as yet at Bushire, a communication was
received from his rival, complaining that a Buteel belonging to the son
of Jaubir bin Busheer, of Bahrein, had been seized by the dependents
of the former at Aseeloo, or Nabend, on the Persian Coast, and therefore
within the neutral ground ; and calling upon the Resident to exact
redress. The remonstrance thereon had the effect of drawing from the
ex-chief an order to the Governor of Nabend for the restoration of the
Buteel. Before this document, transmitted by a British vessel, could
reach its destination, an exchange of governors had taken place at that
port, and the new one refused compliance with his instructions ; nor
was it till after much delay, and a lengthened correspondence, that the
boat in question was restored to its owner (in July 1844), immediately
previous to which time Shaikh Busheer bin Rahmah of Biddah most
unauthorisedly seized and detained two Buteels belonging to Nabend,
in retaliation for the continued detention of the vessel refered to :
he however liberated them immediately on the receipt of the Resi
dent's letter of remonstrance against his undue interference in an
affair which was already in the course of adjustment by the British
Government.
A further communication was received in January 1844 from the
ex-chief, again earnestly urging his claims for
a. d . 1844. the interference of the British Government, and
soliciting its aid, on the ground of all his misfortunes having resulted
from his having been taken unawares at a time when he had deemed
himself perfectly secure, in consequence of his having been led by the
British authorities to suppose that the colleagues would not be
permitted to attack him until the return of his boats and subjects from
their trading voyages. To this application a peremptory refusal was
returned. .
The long promised Nujdee land forces at length arriving, and laying
siege to Demaum, the garrison was very shortly reduced to the last
extremity for provisions and warlike stores, a A supply, too, sent by the
Chief of Koweit, failed of reaching its destination, and fell into the
hands of the enemy, whose blockading squadron, gaining timely infor
mation of the arrival of the two boats in which it was embarked at
Khore Balbul, whence it was intended to have been transported by camels
to the beleaguered fort, despatched a force to intercept and make them
prizes. Although the legality of the seizure was not for a moment
questioned, and, the capture having been made within the restrictive war