Operations of Ottoman Military and Naval Forces in the Persian Gulf [‎562v] (22/34)

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11. I understand that the Commander of Surveying Schooner Constance
has found himself compelled to proceed on medical certificate from Muscat to
India, and that the survey of the Bahrein and Kuteef reefs will consequently
he postponed.
12. Erom the above facts it seems that the season in the Gulf is unhealthy,
although it is the coolest summer I have ever known with the single exception
of that which favoured our expedition in 1857.
13. Perhaps the origin of the unhealthiness is attributable to the pro
tracted drought and consequent famine ; small-pox and cholera have prevailed ;
and now typhus fever seems to have made its appearance. But the majority of
the Europeans on the list seem to have suffered from sun-stroke.
14. The Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. Surgeon is just reported sick and proceeds to Bombay ,
by this steamer on medical certificate.
No. 27, dated 8th August 1871.
From —Major Smith, Assistant Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To —Lieut.-Col. Lewis Pelly, C.S.I., Her Britannic Majesty's Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency.
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
In acknowledging your letter of instructions, I have the honor to report
No. 861-425, dated let August mi. arriv ?' 1 “Her Majesty’s Ship Magpie at Bahrein on
evening, 3rd instant.
2. Sheikh Esau not being in town I waited next day, 4th, in hopes of
finding an opportunity for communicating with him in regard to the conduct
his pearl-boats should observe on the Banks, in event of any parties attempting
to fasten a quarrel upon them.
The Chief being out of reach I forwarded to him a letter, embodying your
suggestions.
3. Early on 5th, Magpie remaining in harbour, I steamed with Hugh Rose
for a point some way off Kuteef, dropping my Mirza quietly ashore in Native
boat.
He returned next morning with the accompanying intelligent gleanings,
now submitted in original and translate.
4. The most noticeable points appear to he —
1$L—That Eereck Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , who recently, it was said, represented to
his Government that, owing to want of water, &c., he could not
march on Riadh till the cold weather, is now pressed to push
forward without delay.
%nd .—The despatch of a land force to Guttur for its protection, and
the asserted proposed despatch of the two steamers now at Kuteef
to Riadh with Chief of Kowait.
3rd .—The condition of the contending brothers, Abdullah and Saood,
may he received with reserve. The reports concerning them
have been conflicting and come mostly from the Turkish side,
and Saood’s being, as rumoured, without force does not tally
with the recent raid into Guttur by Bedouins under command
of Abdul Azeez bin Saood; at the same time it is certain the
Bedouins are in great straits for food, Hassa being occupied, and
Guttur closed to them.
5. A bundle of Reports now enclosed, forwarded to you by Native boat
from Bahrein some time since, were found ashore in hands of the Nakhoda, who
had engaged to deliver them at Bushire. This accounts for the breaks occurring
in the constant stream of communication endeavoured to be kept up.
6. In reporting my arrival at Bushire this morning.
R.S. There are two Banyans now at Kuteef driving a good trade.
Exd.—T. Y.