Do not say that Kartoum is starving, or eating dogs and asses. I swear that such provisions are not to be found with you as are to be found in Kartoum—both eatables and drinkables. We do not desire your immediate submission to the Government, lest Mohamet Achmet should suspect you; nor should we wish you to obey Mohamet Achmet, but that you should remain neuter until you see what will happen. As I know that you need soap for washing your faces, I here send you a small box of that wherewith we wash our faces.
Salute the son of Najoomi from me, and tell him (that) to-day there came to us a man from your side, like a peacock, from the quantity of coloured patches ornamenting his mantle, so that the inhabitants were astonished at him.
A letter from the Ulema to Mohamet Achmet is also sent to you. Please forward it to him safely.
30th of Zu’l Kadi.
Sept. 21, 1884.
[APPENDIX K.]
From Abd el Kâder Ibrahim, Kâdi of Kalakla, to General Gordon.
In the name of God the Merciful and Compassionate.