[336] Duem to Melbeis—total 251 miles. These distances are only approximate.
[337] The existence of these two despatches was not known to Sir E. Baring till they appeared in the ‘Egyptian Gazette’ of the 27th November. Chérif Pasha had previously informed him that nothing had been heard of General Hicks since the 27th September, the date on which he started from Duem. Chérif Pasha subsequently admitted that he was mistaken in making that statement.
[338] The undermentioned European officers are believed to have perished, viz.—Lieut.-General Hicks, Colonel Farquhar, Majors Warner, Massey, Evans, Alfred Freiherr von Seckendorff, Captains Arthur Herlth, and Alexander Matyuga, Lieut. Morris Brody, late Sergeant-Major R.H.A., Surgeon-General Georges Bey, and Surgeon-Major Rosenberg. And with them, Al-ed-Deen Pasha, Governor-General of the Soudan, and many Egyptian officers of high rank. Mr. O’Donovan and Mr. Vizetelly, newspaper correspondents who accompanied the expedition, have not since been heard of.
[339] The Paris Temps of 23rd November, 1883, states that the Mahdi’s forces are organised and commanded by a Frenchman named Soulié, who has lived for many years in Egypt. He went there after having served in the French Army; and, after the bombardment of Alexandria, went to Kartoum, whence he proceeded to join the False Prophet, soon making his way into the latter’s graces, and obtaining his confidence.
[340] Galabat, Kalabat and Metemma are the same place.
[341] This territory is called Bogos by the Abyssinians, and Senheit by the Egyptians. Its capital is Keren.
[342] Evidently Colonel Stewart’s journal.
[343] Colonel Stewart’s Journal.
[344] Suggests that, in place of the railway from Wady Halfa, the Cataracts be passed as suggested by General Gordon.
[345] The word Mahdi signifies guide.