We landed on shore, and Colonel Gordon ordered us to establish a station there. We agreed, and we had brought with us provisions, tools, and artillery. We set them up on shore and fired twenty-one cannons to announce the opening of this region. As soon as the locals heard the sound of the cannons, they surrounded us in large numbers, armed with spears and swords, as if they were coming to meet their Lord. Colonel Raed, fearing this reception, ordered the soldiers to be on high alert and ready for emergencies. Then he devised a clever plan: he invited their sheikhs and notables to him and brought them inside the enclosure we had built, so that the locals would not attack us. To avoid them thinking they were hostages, he distributed gifts of clothes, swords, and bottles of perfume to them. They were very pleased and reassured. He asked them about their trade and the prices they exchanged. They said it was brass and types of incense and white shells, many of which were in the stores of Sir Samuel Baker Pasha. We had brought some with us, and when they saw them, they were greatly impressed. Colonel Gordon trusted them, so he allowed them to return to their homes. They left, thanking him. A short while later, they sent us a plentiful supply of cows and sheep as a gift. Colonel Gordon gave them a quantity of shells and incense in return for their gift, and they were very happy with it. Then they began to bring us large quantities of ivory, for which they received those popular goods. In ten days, about two hundred quintals of ivory were collected in the treasury. The locals frequented our center and our soldiers, and they became the most loyal subjects of the government. Through them, many conquests were made in those regions, and communication was established between these