IOR/F/4/257/5650

This item consists primarily of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the governments of Bengal and Bombay.

The letters are principally directed between the Government of Bombay, the Government of Bengal, and the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat [Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān], and focus on the return of the French brig La Vigilante to the Imaum. The main discussion is whether the capture of La Vigilante by HMS Concorde was lawful, as Concorde compelled the Imaum of Muscat to force La Vigilante to leave the safety of the port. As a result, the French plundered Arab ships belonging to Muscat, and so the Imaum demanded the return of La Vigilante in order to return her to the French and restore good relations. The possibility of a British alliance with Muscat and the terms of Muscat's neutrality are also discussed, as well as the practicalities of returning La Vigilante and her crew, which was accomplished in February 1808. There is some mention of trade; fears of a French alliance with Muscat; and discussion on the jurisdiction of the Court of Vice Admiralty at Bombay.

The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 9, Season 1808/9, Draft 178, Para. 25'; and 'Examiner's Office, July + August 1808'.