IOR/R/15/1/126, ff 34-40

The letter is enclosing correspondence concerning the 'vexatious and irregular proceedings' of the Custom Master at Bunder Abbass [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] towards British subjects.

It is noted that the Customs Master is likely to be acting with the sanction of his superior Banjee, the Farmer of Customs at Muscat. The letter explains the Resident's concerns that he has undue influence over the Governor of Muscat, Syed Thoweynee.

The item has five enclosures:

1 - Translation of a letter from Khojeh Hiskael, Agent at Muscat To Samuel Hennell, dated 8 February 1851.

The enclosure concerns discussions related to the charging of excessive customs duties by the Custom Master at Bunder Abbass; it is noted that it is claimed the Banians are also suffering from excessive charges.

2 - Translation of a letter from Khojeh Hiskael, Agent at Muscat to Samuel Hennell, dated 12 March 1851.

The enclosure concerns the Agent's attempts to get Banjee to transmit suitable orders to his agent at Bandar Abbass; the British want to stop the detention of the goods of British subjects, and the charging of excessive levels of customs duties.

3 - Translation of a letter from Shaikh Syf ben Nubhan, Governor of Bunder Abbass to Khojeh Hiskael, Agent at Muscat, dated 3 February 1851.

The enclosure is explaining that Shaikh Syf ben Nubhan is not able to interfere in the customs dispute, as he fears that the Customs Master may misrepresent the case to the Governor of Muscat. Instead, it recommends that that Samuel Hennell – who may be at Muscat – may be able to make the necessary arrangements. It further mentions a threat the Customs Master has made in an attempt to prevent the Banian Luddoo from sending a representative to Muscat; it notes that the Resident should be able to sort out the situation in the event that the bugla carrying his representative is detained at Muscat.

4 - Translated substance of a letter from Mehjee, a Hindu to Khojeh Hiskael, Agent at Muscat, dated 9 April 1851.

The enclosure is stating that the goods belonging to Damordur ben Ludda have not been released by the Customs Master at Bunder Abbass, as promised by the Khojeh Hiskael. It notes that Mehjee remains at Bunder Abbass, the value of the detained goods has declined, and that he is not able to ship them to Bombay as intended.

It urges the Agent to affect the release of the detained goods, and to ensure that no more than the established dues are levied.

5 - Translation of a letter from Samuel Hennell to Syed Thoweynee, Governor of Muscat, dated 10 April 1851.

The letter concerns the continued levying of illegal duties by the Customs Master at Bunder Abbass, despite the assurances of the Governor that this practice would be put a stop to. The letter draws attention to the case of Mekjee, Agent to Damoodur ben Ludda. It demands compensation for him, and other British subjects that have been charged illegal customs duties at Bunder Abbass.