Spread of the rebellion.
About this time the Shilluks[288] were reported to be in revolt, and the news from Darfur was far from re-assuring. The insurrection appeared to be gaining ground in every direction, and the position of the Government was becoming most critical.
15th April.
On the 15th April a detachment of 200 troops left Kartoum, and proceeded up the western bank of the Blue Nile. About the same time some Bashi-Bazuks, under Ali Kashef, arrived at Abou-Haraz (at the junction of the Blue Nile and the Rahad) from Katarif, to act on the eastern bank of the Blue Nile in conjunction with several thousand Shukuriyeh,[289] under the Sheikh Aud-el-Kerim Bey. By operating on both flanks, hopes were entertained of speedily restoring tranquillity in the Province of Sennaar. No engagement of importance took place till the end of the month, when 150 Egyptian troops were cut to pieces by the rebels near Mesalameh.
During April the Mahdi with the bulk of his followers still remained on the mountain of Gadir.
State of affairs in Kordofan.
1882.
News received from Kordofan stated that 15 soldiers at the frontier Post of Abu Haraz (west of El-Obeyed[290] on the way to Shaka[291]) had been killed, and that 150 soldiers stationed in Nuba,[292] for the suppression of the slave trade had been recalled to El-Obeyed. The inhabitants of the last-mentioned place were arming themselves, and constructing entrenchments. 6000 rebels were reported to be encamped in the neighbourhood, and an attack was expected.
3rd May.
Defeat of the rebels at Abou Haraz by Giegler Pasha.