'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎112v] (224/344)

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[Part VI—Chap. XLIV.
of despatching them. Regarding the vessels belonging to Maskat, it was
not likely that the regency of that port, after becoming acquainted with the
views and wishes of the British Government, would allow their fleet to
co-operate in any naval expedition contemplated by the Egyptian ruler in this
quarter.
381. Of all the Arabian Chiefs possessing any naval resources, the only
one whose interests would be promoted
Esa bm Tanf. by a connexion with the Egyptian
Commander or who was likely to co-operate cordially with him was Esa«ben-
Tarif. This individual had seceded from Bahrein with his followers in
consequence of the oppression experienced from the hands of the relatives of
the Uttubi Chief, and after residing a short time in Maskat had finally
settled in Abuthabi, the Sheikh of which place. Khalifa ben Sheikbut, had
then intimated his intention of making common cause with him against
Bahrein. Notwithstanding this declaration, however, the natural good judg
ment of the Beniyas Chief had led him to see how deeply the conquest of
Bahrein by the Egyptians would affect the independence of all the other
Maritime Arabs, and therefore instead of joining Bsa-ben-Tarif in his cruises
against the trading vessels of that island, he had sent his brother Sultan, and
entered into an offensive and defensive alliance with the Uttubi Sheikh:
at the same 'time intimating to the members of the Al-i-Ally residing in
Abuthabi, that under these circumstances, he could allow of their carrying
on aggressions against his ally, while they availed themselves of the protection
of his port. This change in his position, and the natural reluctance which
existed in the breast of almost every Arab, to see those with whom he was at
all connected by the ties of blood or clanship, although his enemies fall under the
yoke of a foreign power, might, it was hoped, induce Isa-ben-Tareef to accept
the overtures of peace proffered by the Sheikh of Bahrein. At the same time ii
was not impossible that the desire to revenge the injuries and losses they had
sustained from the hands of their relations in Bahrein might induce the
Al-i-Ally to remove from Abuthabi and settle in Katif, a measure which
would greatly promote the views of Khorshid Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , by affording him the
assistance of several large vessels, and some five hundred brave and energetic
men.
382. Next to the ruler of Bahrein the Chief whose interests are most
cn.-ivrv likely to be seriously affected by the
Sneikh Jaber of Koweit. ^ -r, V. . *
advance of the Egyptian Army to the
shores of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. was Sheikh Jaber of Koweit, whose port being
situated on the mainland of Arabia rendered him much more tangible than
Sheikh Abdullah ben Ahmed. He possessed a large and well appointed fleet,
but from the above circumstance it could, like that of the Bahrein Chiefs, be
made available for the defence of his place. His subjects (a branch of the
Uttubis) were brave and many in number. The Resident considered it
to be an object of great importance that this place should not fall into the
possession.of the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , as its position so near the mouth of the Euphrates, and
the numerous vessels belonging to it, would greatly facilitate the attainment of
those objects which were supposed to be held in view by Khorshid Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. in the
direction of Bussorah and Bagdad. It was affirmed that an Agent of the
Egyptian Commander was stationed in that port for the collection of
supplies.
383. The next place of importance on the Arabian coast was Abuthabi,
situated about the same distance to the eastward of Bahrein as Koweit is to
the north-west. The Beniyas, who inhabited this port and its vicinity, were a
brave and warlike people, mustering altogether in cases of emergency perhaps
8,000 armed men. Even during the height of the Wahabi ascendancy, this
tribe always maintained its independence, and refused to pay the Zukal or
tithes claimed by the head of that sect. There was in the Resident's opinion
consequently little probability of Khorshid Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. making any impression upon
Sheikh Khulifa ben Shakbut, the Chief, who has distinctly shown the line of
policy he intended to pursue in the present juncture, by having promised his
support to the Beni Narein (then in open opposition to the Egyptians) and
having entered into a close alliance with Sheikh Abdullah ben Ahmed of