In this letter Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, informs William Newnham, Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay, of his intention to leave Bushire at the end of the month, in order to pay his respects to His Royal Highness Prince Hussin Alli Murza [Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mīrzā]. He seeks permission to remain in Shiraz until October, in order to escape the extreme heat of Bushire.1 folio
In this letter Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, relays intelligence concerning a skirmish which took place in Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] between troops recruited from the Mornaseer [Manasir] tribe by Mahomed bin Shakhboot [Muhammad bin Shakhbut Al Nahayan, former Shaikh of Abu Dhabi] and forces deployed by his brother, Tahnoon bin Shakhboot [Tahnun bin Shakhbut, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi]. Stannus reports that Mahomed bin Shakhboot's troops, amounting to around 400 men, were defeated by his brother's force of 1300 men.2 folios
In this letter Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, writes from Bahrein [Bahrain] that the feud between the Shaikh of Bahrein and Rahma Ben Jauber [Rahma bin Jabir] has been brought to an amicable termination. Stannus provides details both of the history and of the resolution of the quarrel. In addition, he states that he has given directions for Rahma Bin Jauber's boat – for a long time detained at Bushire – to be returned to him. The letter is followed by a copy of the articles of agreement between Shaikh Abdoola Bin Ahmed [Shaikh Abdullah ibn Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah, co-ruler of Bahrain] and Rahma Bin Jauber, dated 7 February 1824.3 folios
In this letter James Pringle Riach, Assistant Surgeon, Bushire, informs William Newnham, Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay, that he has forwarded a packet which was received at Bushire from His Majesty's Chargé d’Affaires at Tabrize [Tabrīz], Henry Willock.1 folio
In this letter Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, refers to William Newnham's letter of 11 December 1823, and promises that, on his next visit to the Arabian coast, he will ascertain the manner in which the Beni Boo Ali [Banī Bū ‘Alī] Arabs have been reinstated in their original seats. Stannus states that, in the meantime, he will make enquiries on the subject and will report to Newnham accordingly.1 folio
In this letter James Pringle Riach, Assistant Surgeon, Bushire, reports the receipt of William Newnham's letters (dating from 10 December 1823 to 5 January 1824 inclusive) to the Political Agent in the Gulf, which were received at Bushire on 12 Feburary 1824, via HMS
Alligator, commanded by Captain Alexander. Riach states that the dispatches for Ephraim Gerrish Stannus will be forwarded as soon as possible to Sharga [Sharjah], where Stannus is expected to arrive as part of his tour of the lower part of the Gulf.2 folios
In this letter Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, acknowledges the receipt of William Newnham's letter of 15 December 1823, which referred to the liberation of the female natives of Mangalore. Stannus states that he has issued directions to the Senior Officer of the Marine which relate to the search for slaves on ships in the Gulf.1 folio
In this letter James Pringle Riach, Assistant Surgeon, Bushire, informs William Newnham, Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay, that he has forwarded packets received from Henry Willock at Tabrize [Tabrīz] and from the Political Agent at Bussora [Basra] respectively. The Bussora packets are accompanied by newspapers from Europe. In addition, Riach reports that Ephraim Gerrish Stannus's return to Bushire is expected daily.1 folio
This letter concerns a letter from December 1823, which was written by Captain Henry Hardy, then in charge of the Bushire Residency, to Zeckee Khan [Zakee Khan], Prime Minister of Fars. In the letter, Hardy remonstrated in strong terms against reported plans of an attack on Bahrein [Bahrain]. Stannus attaches a translation of a letter addressed by him to His Royal Highness Hoossein Ali Mirza [Ḥusayn ‘Alī Mīrzā], Prince at Shiraz, dated 15 March 1824, in which Stannus acknowledges the impropriety of Hardy's letter and states that it was a result of Hardy not having been properly acquainted with the views of the Government of Bombay. Stannus explains to Newnham that he delayed sending this letter of explanation to His Royal Highness on the grounds that the matter was being referred to the Government of Bombay. The aforementioned attachment follows on from the letter.2 folios
In this letter James Pringle Riach, Assistant Surgeon, Bushire, informs William Newnham, Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay, that, following his letter of 1 March 1824 (see the previous item in this volume), another packet has been received from Henry Willock, which will be sent along with the earlier packet.1 folio
In this letter Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, provides details of his recent tour of the Arabian coast, which included visits to Bahrein [Bahrain], Raselkhyma [Ra's al-Khaymah], Debaye [Dubai] and Sharga [Sharjah]. The letter recounts meetings with various Arab chiefs, including Shaikh Abdoola Bin Ahmad [Shaikh Abdullah ibn Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah, co-ruler of Bahrain] and Sooltan Bin Suggur [Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Ra's al-Khaymah and Sharjah]. Subjects discussed include: the ongoing feud between Shaikh Tahnoon bin Shakhboot [Tahnun bin Shakhbut, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi] and his brother, Mahomed bin Shakhboot [Muhammad bin Shakhbut Al Nahayan, former Shaikh of Abu Dhabi]; reports from various quarters that Sooltan Bin Suggur plans to resume his piratical activities; relations between the Arab chiefs following the recent treaty [the General Maritime Treaty of 1820]. Stannus concludes his letter by remarking that there has been a decided improvement in the habits of the various Arab chiefs. He states that the main obstacle to permanent tranquility will probably proceed from Sharga. On the reported ambitions of Sooltan Bin Suggur, Stannus argues that his ability is far below his inclination to do mischief. Stannus expresses his opinion that British ascendancy appears to be firmly established and that in a few years it may be possible for the British to relax their vigilance without lessening their influence.10 folios
In this letter Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, acknowledges the receipt of a number of William Newnham's letters (nos. 1377, 1385, 1389, 1425, 1430, 1442 and 1443 of 1823, and no. 14 of 1824).1 folio