IOR/F/4/186/3885

This item consists of extracts from political letters received by officials of the Government of Bombay, containing enclosures regarding the political situation at Muscat following the death of the Imaum, Syed Sultaun [Sayyid Sulṭān bin Aḥmad Āl Bū Sa‘īd, also written in the correspondence as Seyud Sooltan and Said Sultan]. He lost his life on 13 November 1804 during a sea fight with Wahabee [Wahabi, also written as Wahaubee in the correspondence] forces in the Persian Gulf (written as Gulph throughout). Also covered are alleged depredations committed by Joasmee [Qāsimī, also written as Gausemee] pirates in the Gulf.

The enclosures discuss the following: the Imaum's death; relations between Muscat and the East India Company (EIC); the security of trade in the Gulf following the Imaum's death; hostilities in Muscat (between the son and brother of the Imaum over control of the city); issues with Wahabee pirates; the succession of the Imaum and the implications for the East India Company; the supervision of the arrival of EIC ships; the question of how to resolve the unstable situation in the Gulf.

The item includes statements by Captain Cumming of the Trimmer and Captain Babcock of the Shannon describing the capture of both ships by Gulf pirates. Also included are instructions issued by Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussora [Basra], to the commanders of the Antelope, the Queen and the Mornington, regarding their movements in the Gulf. In addition, the item includes a translation of a written engagement from the Imaum of Muscat, dated 1798 (ff 55-56) and an agreement between the Imaum and Captain John Malcolm, dated 1800 (f 57).