Towards the end of January it was rumoured in Kartoum that the Kababish Arabs had gone over to the Mahdi, or rather to the Faki Manne, who commanded the rebels in Northern Kordofan. As the Kababish extend as far north as Dongola, fears were entertained that the rebellion might spread to that province, and early in February it was reported that the natives about Debbeh[308] were becoming very restless. Some Bashi Bazouks were sent there to maintain order.
10th February.
1883.
About the 10th February the troops in the camp at Omdurman comprised:—
| 4 | battalions of Egyptian infantry (3200 men). |
| 420 | Bashi Bazouks. |
| 1,100 | Negro recruits. |
| 90 | dismounted cavalry, and a few artillerymen. |
Their health was very good.
Surrender of Bara, 5th January.
On the 11th February, a messenger arrived at Kartoum from the west confirming the rumours that Bara had fallen on the 5th January. The garrison were said to be fairly well treated by the Arabs, and only the officers were kept in confinement. By this surrender 2000 troops, besides a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition, fell into the hands of the rebels.
Siege of El Obeyed.