[45] Colonel Prout was appointed by General Gordon to the command of the Equatorial Provinces at the date of the latter’s resignation in the autumn of 1876.—Ed.
[46] “The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”—Prov. xxx. 17.
[47] Zubair is the correct spelling. It must not be forgotten that Zubair is of very high family, being a direct descendant of the “Abbassides.”—Ed.
[48] Appendix E.
[49] Lord Wolseley and staff left Cairo for Wady Halfa ten days after Gordon wrote those words.—Ed.
[50] Lord Granville on May 17, 1884, instructed Mr. Egerton to communicate the following message from Her Majesty’s Government to General Gordon:—
“Having regard to the time which has elapsed, Her Majesty’s Government desire to add to their communication of the 23rd April as follows:—As the original plan for the evacuation of the Soudan has been dropped, and as aggressive operations cannot be undertaken with the countenance of Her Majesty’s Government, General Gordon is enjoined to consider and either to report upon, or, if feasible, to adopt, at the first proper moment, measures for his own removal and for that of the Egyptians at Kartoum who have suffered for him or who have served him faithfully, including their wives and children, by whatever route he may consider best, having especial regard to his own safety and that of the other British subjects.
“With regard to the Egyptians above referred to, General Gordon is authorised to make free use of money rewards or promises at his discretion. For example, he is at liberty to assign to Egyptian soldiers at Kartoum sums for themselves and for persons brought with them per head, contingent on their safe arrival at Korosko, or whatever point he may consider a place of safety; or he may employ and pay the tribes in the neighbourhood to escort them. Her Majesty’s Government presume that the Soudanese at Kartoum are not in danger. In the event of General Gordon having dispatched any persons or agents to other points, he is authorised to spend any money required for the purpose of recalling them or securing their safety.”—Egypt, 22, 1884, No. 22.—Ed.
[51] Appendix E.
[52] i.e. The telegram given on page 39.—Ed.