IOR/R/15/1/143, ff 176-184

The letter relates to disturbances of the maritime peace on the Arab Coast, and charges made against the British Native Agent at Sharjah by Shaikh Sultan ben Suggar [Sultan bin Saqr]. Kemball writes that, in light of news of disturbances on the Arab coast, he has despatched Commodore Robinson on the Honourable Company’s Sloop of War Clive to patrol the coast. Kemball adds that proof of any of the charges levelled against the Native Agent at Sharjah have not been forthcoming from the Shaikh Sultan.

The following enclosures are included with Kemball’s letter:

1. Letter no.41 of 1854 (folios 177-79) from Kemball to Commodore George Robinson, Commanding Officer Persian Gulf Squadron, dated 6 February 1854. The letter contains instructions for Robinson’s tour of the Arab coast on the Clive. Kemball writes that the primary aim of the tour is to conduct a final investigation into Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr’s allegations that the British Agent at Sharjah, Hajee Yacoob [Hajjī Yaqoob], misappropriated money he recovered from the perpetrators of acts of piracy. Kemball outlines the specific allegations made by Shaikh Sultan, and encloses a further letter, as follows:

• The translation of a letter (folio 180) sent by Kemball to Shaikh Sultan bin Saqr, Chief of Ra’s al-Khaymah, dated 26 October 1853. Included with the letter is a translation of a testimonial document (folio 181), dated 26 October 1853. Both documents concern the allegations made against the British Agent at Sharjah, of misappropriation of money. The testimony is made on behalf of the residents of Lingah [Bandar-e Lingeh], on account of violence against them by the people of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi] and Debaie [Dubai], for which no compensation.

Kemball writes that in his opinion these documents fail to substantiate the claims made by Sheikh Sultan against Yaqoob. Kemball also requests that Robinson seek reassurances from the individuals guilty of harassing Yaqoob that they will not engage in such practices again.

2. Letter no.46 of 1854 (folio 182) from Kemball to Robinson, dated 8 February 1854, enclosing a translated extract (folios 183-84) of a letter from Hajjī Yaqoob to Kemball, dated 13 January 1854. Kemball’s letter and Yaqoob’s report concern reprisal attacks between the coastal Shaikhs on the Arab coast. Kemball requests that Robinson investigate the incidents with a view to acting as a mediator between the warring factions.