Mss Eur F126/43, ff 6v-9

Letter detailing the latest news with regard to the Wahabee [Wahhabi] and Muskat dispute, that the Sultan of Muskat has moved to within two days march of Baraimee [al-Buraymi], the actions that have been taken to prevent the Chiefs of the Arab Coast from getting involved and how these have caused the Wahabee leader to retreat from the Sultan's territory and the rumours that the Ameer [Amir] of the Wahabees ( Faisal ibn Turki) has died and that there is a dispute brewing over which of his sons will succeed him.

The letter goes on to discuss Pelly's decision to demand reparations for British subjects who were killed and plundered during recent Wahabee raids, and describing the letter he has addressed to the Wahabee Ameer on the subject which contains the threat of bombardment of Wahabee forts if reparations are not made.

Pelly also outlines his thoughts on the existing relationship between the British Government and the Sultan of Muskat and his view that only seaward aid should be provided and that the Government should instead be concentrating on the development of British trade and communications in the area.

Also mentioned in the letter is Sayed Abdullaziz who has been accompanying Pelly on his travels and who wishes to travel to India rather than return to Zanzibar, which Pelly encourages Sir Bartle to approve. Dr William Henry Colvill's actions are also referred to as Pelly has felt obliged to report him as being 'perfidious and ill suited to civil employ'.

Other matters reported on in the letter include a Mr Galton who might be suitable for employ at the Residency and would be able to undertake 'collecting' for the public museum; the news that Mr Markham wishes to harvest oysters from the Pearl beds in Persian Gulf for India; the news of Lord Edward's death; Pelly's attempts to find a suitable horse for Frere and Alfred Hyman Louis' arrival in Bombay.

A postscript to the letter reports that a number of Pelly's employees at Bushire are down with fever and that both it and Cholera have been decimating the Gulf which has led him to send Dr Colvill to investigate the extent of the Cholera outbreaks and to acquire 'natural specimens'.

A second postscript, dated 21 January suggests that it may be worth Pelly visiting Bombay once matters in the Gulf have settled to discuss affairs in more detail.