I like trying to find solutions for this Soudan problem. This is the last. Let Towfik Pasha send up Abdel Kader Pasha, as Governor-General, to replace me at once. As soon as the Firman comes, I am out of calculation, and Her Majesty’s Government can do what they like, for Abdel Kader will follow their dictum. Such an act would not in the least vex me. Lord Wolseley can then do what he thinks fit with respect to the Soudan, the abandonment, and all the etceteras, and I am free of all responsibility to the people and to the troops, or with respect to the money affairs, dhoora, &c., &c. But in this case, it must be borne in mind, I am not the “rescued lamb,” simply having been sent up to perform a certain mission, i.e., extrication of garrisons. I failed, and was replaced by Abdel Kader and a British Force. It is for them to explain any change in their programme.
The same remarks, appended to the end of Volume I, are added to this in re Mr. Power and Foreign Office, &c.
C. G. Gordon.
30th September, 2 p.m., Kartoum.
I really think that as Her Majesty’s Government and I are in such opposite camps (at least I think so)—in re the extrication of the garrisons—it would save a mint of trouble if Towfik Pasha were to replace me by Abdel Kader Pasha, with whom Her Majesty’s Government could do as they liked. At any rate, a scandal would be avoided; and I think Abdel Kader would be well received by all. Of course I should have the privilege of laughing in my sleeve if, after all, Her Majesty’s Government found they could not get out without the establishment of Turks or Zubair, or the retention of the Soudan under Egypt. I, therefore, as an adieu, recommend this course, for it opens a speedy exit for me without rows, and clears me of all responsibility whatever.
C. G. Gordon.
BOOK III.