The steamer Bordeen is still down the river, robbing, I expect, right and left.
A Sandjak of Shaggyeh, who was for months a prisoner with Sheikh Ibrahim (son of Sheikh el Obeyed), told me how this latter used to quarrel with Abou Gugliz, how the latter had taken the gun they had captured from us; and how glad Sheikh Ibrahim was when we beat Abou Gugliz at Giraffe. On one occasion Abou Gugliz put Sheikh Ibrahim in chains.
Four of the Arab Krupp shells fell in the centre of the town—did no harm—(regular bombardment of Paris), moral effect, nil.
Little steamer Husseinyeh trial trip to-morrow. The Arabs will think one of the large steamers has been brought to bed.
One cannot help being amused at the Mahdi’s carrying all the Europeans about with him—nuns, priests, Greeks, Austrian officers—what a medley, a regular Etât major. It will be a great crow for Lord Wolseley if he manages to put an extinguisher on the Mahdi.
Cambyses, son of Cyrus of Isaiah, lost his army b.c. 525, in these deserts, 2409 years ago.
The Mussulman year 1302 begins on the anniversary of Trafalgar. “England expects” (does not say even “thank you”) “you will do your duty.”
Those who were ever quartered at Gibraltar will remember two despatches over the mantelpiece, Collingwood’s on Trafalgar; Wellington on Waterloo. What a different tone in them. I cannot help thinking the navy is more chivalrous than the army in all nations; they are more seriously minded, having gone through greater vicissitudes of danger. I noticed flags around Faki Mustapha’s tent, and three women came in this evening from Waled a Goun’s camp, and reports that the Mahdi came to Omdurman to-day; but a soldier who escaped with his rifle came in afterwards and said the Mahdi had not yet come to Omdurman, but was expected to-morrow.
In five days’ time I shall send down the Towfikia steamer to Metemma, and order the Talataween back. With the Towfikia I shall send this journal up to date. The Towfikia will stay at Metemma.