IOR/R/15/1/17, pp 39-44

The letter concerns a resurgence of piracy in the Persian Gulf. It instructs the Resident to inform the chiefs of Khoor Husson and Rusel Khymas [Ra's al-Khaymah] that the East India Company will no longer tolerate acts of piracy. Letters providing background information behind this decision have been enclosed for the information of the Resident. Three enclosures:

1. A copy of a letter from Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay to Henry Meriton, Superintendent to the Marine, dated 28 February 1815. The letter conveys authorization to deploy the Sylph and the Bowanny Pattamar to join the Terrarow in patrolling the Gulf for piratical activity; the ships are to be placed under the orders of the commander of the Prince of Wales. It outlines the rules of engagement the ships are to follow in the event they encounter vessels suspected of engaging in piracy.

2. A copy of a letter from Charles William Elwood, Agent to the Government, Porebunder to Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay, dated 31 January 1815. The letter is enclosing a copy of a dispatch to the Resident of Baroda of the same date (see enclosure 3 below).

3. A copy of a letter from Charles William Elwood, Agent to the Government, Porebunder to Captain J R Carnac, Resident at Baroda, dated 31 January 1815. The letter contains of a report, relayed by Lieutenant Grant, from a Tendil captured by Joassimee [Qawāsim] pirates. It describes how the pirates are alleged to have put their Mohometan prisoners to death.