'PERSIAN GULF AND GULF OF OMAN. RESOURCES AND COAST DEFENCES.' [‎86] (96/114)

86 PEUSIAN GULF.—RESOURCES AND DEFENCES.
and abandoned stores by 2 p.m. Persians retreated, part to the
pass of Af Mhak (direct road to Sliiraz), and part to the pass of
Haft Moola.
6th February. —Destruction of Persian stores, &c. Night
alarm (afterwards learnt Persians only deterred from attacking
by alertness of troops and the bright moonlight).
February. —8 p.m. March back to Bushire commenced,
after destruction of 40,000 lbs. of powder left by Persians,
liearguard attacked at midnight near Kooshab.
8^A February. —Entire force threatened all round by cavalry
supported by tire from five guns and skirmishers. British force
formed in oblong enclosing baggage and followers covered by
skirmishers. Cavalry charges beaten off and hostile attack
dwindled to skirmishing fire until morning.
At dawn, enemy (6,000 to 7,000 strong with five guns) dis
covered in position on rising ground N.N.E.
British force attacked at once and completely defeated enemy,
who retired in great disorder pursued by cavalry. Action
ended by 10 a.m. Troops bivouacked. March resumed8 p.m. in
heavy rain (which continued for three days). Marched all night.
S)tli February. —Bivouac 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March resumed.
Infantry reached Bushire before midnight.
The Persian loss in the action at Kooshab was 700 dead, not
including the loss in the pursuit. The British loss was 19 killed
and 64 wounded, besides casualties among followers. The
endurance of the British troops on this expedition was re
markable. They marched from Bushire to Borasjoon, 46 miles,
in 41 hours " in the worst of weather." On the return journey
from near Borasjoon they marched 44 miles in 50 hours (the last 34
hours under incessant rain, which converted the country into a
morass) and of this time 10 hours were occupied by the fighting
at Kooshab.
On the return of the expedition from Borasjoon the troops were
occupied in throwing up five redoubts to cover the British
position outside Bushire. Four of the redoubts were placed so
as to sweep the isthmus to the south and the fifth in rear of
these in order to secure communication with the town. All
were armed with guns of position, and one contained two
68-pounders.
(2) Expedition to Mohammerah (Mohumra), 1857— (See Plate 4.)
After the successful operations in the vicinity of Bushire
in February 1857 (described above) Lieutenant-General Sir
J. Outram left General Jacob in command at Bushire, and
sailed on 18th March with an expedition to Mohammerah,
which it was proposed to occupy with a view to further operations