IOR/R/15/1/143, ff 100-105

The letter and its enclosures relate to the continuing tensions between Shaikh Mohamed ben Khuleefa [Muḥammad bin Khalīfah], ruler of Bahrain, and Sheikh Mohamed ben Abdullah [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh], residing at Demaum [Dammām]. Kemball writes that he has received ‘evasive answers’ from both Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh and Humud bin Mujdel [or Humeed bin Mujdell] over the restitution of boats seized from Bahrain. To this end, he has despatched Commodore Robinson to Dammām to assist in the retrieval of the vessels in question. As a result of Humud bin Mujdel’s retreat to Katiffe [Al-Qaṭīf], Kemball informs Anderson that he has written to the Wahabee [Wahhābī] ruler Ameer Fysul [Fayṣal ibn Turki], seeking his cooperation in bringing Humeed bin Mujdell to account for his actions.

Two enclosures are included with Kemball’s letter:

1. A translation of the aforementioned letter (folios 102-03) from Kemball to Fayṣal ibn Turki, dated 26 August 1854, seeking his cooperation in bringing Humeed bin Mujdell to justice;

2. Letter no.133 of 1854 (folios 104-05) from Kemball to Robinson, dated 28 August 1854, discussing the pros and cons of either attacking and destroying, or blockading into port, Humeed bin Mujdell’s boats.