"It would be a disgrace to tolerate these thieves, as Gondokoro is rendered a perfect hell, and the natives will naturally abhor any lawful government so long as they can consort and share spoils with such brigands as these so-called traders of Khartoum."
Upon my return home I wrote an official letter to Abou Saood of which the following is a copy :—
"ISMAILIA, or GONDOKORO, June 12, 1871.
"To Abou Saood, vakeel of the firm of Agad & Co.
"Sir,
"You arrived here on the 10th inst. with a large number of cattle stolen by you and your people.
"You, knowing that the Baris were at war with the government, have nevertheless been in daily and friendly communication with them.
"The Baris of this country are rendered hostile to all honest government by the conduct of your people, who, by stealing slaves and cattle from the interior, and delivering them here, have utterly destroyed all hope of improvement in a people naturally savage, but now rendered by your acts thieves of the worst description.
"It is impossible that I can permit the continuance of such acts.
"I therefore give you due notice that at the expiration of your contract you will withdraw all your people from the district under my command. At the same time I declare the forfeiture to the government of the cattle you have forcibly captured under the eyes of my authority.