Hasten to us that we may help you before it be too late.
The time of the Turks is over. The rope (line) of their dominion is cut (severed), and what God has cut cannot be mended. Do not hang upon (attach yourself to) that which has been cut, and which is declared by the chosen (people) of God to be indeed cut; as was declared by His prophet, on whom be peace.
Now, according to what we know of your intelligence and knowledge (we say) do not be misled by the changes of this life,—for the days are few. (It is only for a time.) Peace be with you.
(Signed)——The Fakeer of God,
Ahhmet el Mustafa,
The theologian, the faithful one of Mohammed.
I have no seal.
Dated 19 Zu’l Kâdi, 1301.
September 10, 1884.
Postscript.—I inform you that Gordon and the Ulema of Kartoum have had one of their mails captured in Metemma by a one-eyed man, named Mahomed Ahhmed—(going) to the Governor-General of Egypt (? Cairo).