Awaiting your decision by bearer.
(Signed).
Dated 21 Zu’l Kâdi, 1301.
12th Sept., 1884.
Postscript.—We also inform thee, O honourable Pasha, that as for the Ulema who are with thee, and on whose sayings thou dependest, all their children and relations are with the Mahdi, and as soon as distress comes to them they will leave thee alone. Outwardly they are bodily with thee; but inwardly their hearts are with us. The news (information) of the city and of thee is constantly supplied to us by the people of the city. Do not let the Ulema, the merchants and the servants, deceive thee, for when thou shalt fall into the grasp (of the Mahdi) they will not help thee nor protect thee.
Listen to our counsel with an attentive ear.
(Signed) Abderrahhman en Najoomi.
Abdallah en Noor.
Same date.
[This letter is more peremptory in tone, and lacks the proper titles of respect given in the former one to General Gordon.]