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The Journals of Major-Gen. C. G. Gordon, C.B., at Kartoum. cover

The Journals of Major-Gen. C. G. Gordon, C.B., at Kartoum.

Chapter 40: APPENDIX CD.
By Charles George Gordon
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History - Modern (1750+)

About This Book

A set of first-person journals and appended documents records daily reports, tactical observations, and formal correspondence during a tense period in a Sudanese provincial capital. Entries combine administrative proposals (including river transport and transhipment plans), reflections on local conditions such as slavery and governance, and exchanges with local and foreign authorities. Maps, sketches, and numerous letters in appendices expand on negotiations, military positioning, and civic measures, producing a chronological, documentary account of efforts to manage a complex political and logistical crisis.

APPENDIX CD.

Telegraphic Petition from the Ulema and officials of Kartoum to the Khedive.

We make bold to present our humble thanks to our Sovereign the Khedive. The enemy drew near to Kartoum and besieged it, and our lives were in our throats, and we had no more patience, and words cannot describe our miserable condition. Then the Governor-Generalship was conferred upon H. E. Gordon Pasha, and on his arrival he bestowed all kinds of favours and conceded all that had been demanded, and took all precautions and brought order out of chaos. And although Kartoum was attacked on all four sides by musketry and cannon, the Governor-General watched day and night; and when the Nile rose he sent out the victorious soldiers who were victorious over the enemy, and we hope the victory will be soon complete. Kartoum is fortified like an impregnable rock.

We pray God to give long life to H.H. the Khedive, and to remove our present disturbances.

Copy of the Khedive’s Iradé sent in cypher to all the Ulemas and Teachers, and to the Cadi and all military officers and civil officials in Kartoum, dated September 21st, 1884.

Your telegram, dated 27th Shamal, 1301, (19th August, 1884), was received on the first day of Dhee-l-Hijjah, 1301, (September 20th, 1884). We regret the condition you are in by reason of the impossibility of sending you reinforcements, and help up till now on account of circumstances. But we are very glad because you are still safe, and the city is kept by your energy and bravery. If God will, reinforcements will soon reach you, and you shall be rewarded. We hope you will exercise all diligence in upholding the honour of Government. The difficulties are being overcome and the time of relief is at hand by the Grace of God.