For more than six hours, we had been engaged in this area. Their trenches and fortifications formed a semicircle, which we breached towards the north and west, advancing into the desert. After the two steamers had anchored, I formed a column and advanced on the enemy's left flank. We were met with strange steadfastness, and our artillery fired at them for three hours. We stormed the trenches from the left flank, and after two hours, we managed to overcome their stubborn resistance. We took control of the trenches and fortifications, driving the enemy out. My right flank advanced and occupied the huts where women and children were, taking them prisoner. We also captured a large number of men.

The enemy's left flank was still engaged. I advanced my left wing towards them, and in a short period, I managed to drive them out and temporarily occupy their positions. The enemy soldiers, weakened, were forced to surrender and return to order, and the darkness began to fall. While I was in this situation, a bullet struck me in the left thigh, piercing the flesh and reaching the bone. The soldiers carried me back, and they returned to the steamers in disarray. Had the enemy not fled, the consequence would have been dire. We lost only one soldier and one Bashi-bazouk commander. Upon returning to the city, Gordon met me. When he saw me lying on the bed, blood flowing from my wound, he was deeply affected, almost to the point of tears. He immediately ordered me to be taken to my home and instructed his personal physician to assist the Egyptian doctors, emphasizing the importance of my care. He then addressed me, saying, "You have earned the rank of Brigadier General," and presented me with the insignia.