[326] The distance between Duem and Kartoum is about 110 miles.

[327] The other English officers with the Expeditionary Force are Colonel Farquhar, Chief of the Staff; Majors Warner, Massey, and Evans; Captains Heath and Walker, and Surgeon-Major Rosenburg. In addition to these, there are several Austrians and Germans. Colonel de Coetlogon remains at Kartoum, and Colonel Colborne and Major Martin have been invalided home.

[328] On the road from Suakin to Berber, situated in a valley about three miles in breadth, enclosed by mountains. Many of the inhabitants of Suakin live there during the hot season.

[329] The lofty mountains of Erkowit lie 20 to 30 miles south-east of Sinkat. Erkowit is another summer retreat for the people of Suakin.

[330] Tokar is a small town in the centre of a great grain-producing district. It is a penal settlement for Suakin, from which it is about 45 miles distant.

[331] Commander Lynedoch Needham Moncrieff entered the Royal Navy in 1863, and in February 1865, while Sub-Lieutenant of the Peloros, was engaged in the destruction of piratical junks in Tungroa Bay. He became Lieutenant in July 1865, and retired with the rank of Commander in 1873. Proceeding to the Cape of Good Hope on the outbreak of the Zulu war, Commander Moncrieff served with the 2nd battalion of the Native Contingent from May 1879 till the close of the campaign, during which he was engaged in the battle of Ulundi, where he was slightly wounded, afterwards having Commissariat charge at Fort Cambridge. His services were officially commended at the close of the campaign. In January 1880, the deceased officer was nominated Consul at Cayenne, and, having passed the examination, was, on the 4th of March, 1880, appointed Consul for French Guiana, to reside at Cayenne, but did not proceed thither, being shortly afterwards sent as acting Consul to Jeddah. He was appointed Consul at Suakin on the 1st of April, 1882, the post being worth 750l. per annum, besides an annual allowance of 250l. for office expenses. Commander Moncrieff received the silver medal of the Royal Humane Society for saving life at sea in 1864.

[332] On the left bank of the White Nile, opposite Kartoum.

[333] After leaving Duem, the formation, with the camels in the centre of the square, appears to have been adopted.

[334] An important town in Kordofan, north of El Obeyed.

[335] From information received, the army appears to have arrived at Sangi Hamferid about the 1st October, and not on the date before mentioned—7th October.

[336] Duem to Melbeis—total 251 miles. These distances are only approximate.

[337] The existence of these two despatches was not known to Sir E. Baring till they appeared in the ‘Egyptian Gazette’ of the 27th November. Chérif Pasha had previously informed him that nothing had been heard of General Hicks since the 27th September, the date on which he started from Duem. Chérif Pasha subsequently admitted that he was mistaken in making that statement.

[338] The undermentioned European officers are believed to have perished, viz.—Lieut.-General Hicks, Colonel Farquhar, Majors Warner, Massey, Evans, Alfred Freiherr von Seckendorff, Captains Arthur Herlth, and Alexander Matyuga, Lieut. Morris Brody, late Sergeant-Major R.H.A., Surgeon-General Georges Bey, and Surgeon-Major Rosenberg. And with them, Al-ed-Deen Pasha, Governor-General of the Soudan, and many Egyptian officers of high rank. Mr. O’Donovan and Mr. Vizetelly, newspaper correspondents who accompanied the expedition, have not since been heard of.

[339] The Paris Temps of 23rd November, 1883, states that the Mahdi’s forces are organised and commanded by a Frenchman named Soulié, who has lived for many years in Egypt. He went there after having served in the French Army; and, after the bombardment of Alexandria, went to Kartoum, whence he proceeded to join the False Prophet, soon making his way into the latter’s graces, and obtaining his confidence.

[340] Galabat, Kalabat and Metemma are the same place.

[341] This territory is called Bogos by the Abyssinians, and Senheit by the Egyptians. Its capital is Keren.

[342] Evidently Colonel Stewart’s journal.

[343] Colonel Stewart’s Journal.

[344] Suggests that, in place of the railway from Wady Halfa, the Cataracts be passed as suggested by General Gordon.

[345] The word Mahdi signifies guide.

[346] Lupton Bey’s assumed name.

[347] The term Seyyed (Lord) is given only to the reputed descendants (or family) of Mahommed.

[348] Shakka is often pronounced Shagga.

[349] The word here used is the one from which Khalif is derived.

[350] This word primarily means the pole or axis of the Universe, &c.

[351] The saint who is supposed to be immortal, and to have appeared first as Elijah and afterwards as St. George.

[352] The Mohammedans divide the Jinns (or demons) into believers in Mohammed and unbelievers.

[353] The Angel of Death.

[354] This Hegira is an evident imitation of the Flight of Mahomed.

[355] Verses; usually applied to verses of the Koran.

[356] Inasmuch as Abraham, the Friend of God, was a pilgrim who left his land and his father’s house by Divine command to escape the idolators.

[357] This paragraph is thus repeated in the original.

[358] For one of these, see Roth’s letter.