The time was such that the locals were informed of submission and obedience, but they refused.

So Gordon, the Koloil, decided to attack them on the morning of the 15th. He took five men armed with rifles and left a guard at the fort, and headed towards them in the darkness of the night. As soon as the sun rose, our soldiers arrived. We took the wells and captured all their cattle, camels, and furniture. We took all these spoils and returned to the center on the lake. We also took a large number of women and children of the Sheikh and the locals. The presence of these people was a reason for the return of their leaders and notables to submit to the government, on the condition that they would be servants of the government and help us against our enemies.

When their delegation came to Koloil Gordon on the afternoon of the day of the aforementioned battle, he received them and took their oaths and promises (and they believed in God, as they said). He handed them the captives, the camels, and the sheep, on the condition that they send their sheikhs and notables to him as supplicants. A sign of their submission was that they were putting dust in their mouths, as is their custom. Then he agreed with them to go with him to the region of (Moroli) in the lands of the Ak. They agreed to provide him with camels to carry the goods and provisions for a fee. They answered him with hearing and obedience. But they said, "We are afraid of the Ak, and we fear that they will kill us. The Ak are a mighty king, of great power and terrible might. If we go to him, he will send us a force of his men to shed our blood, plunder our wealth, and violate our honor." Koloil Gordon said to them, "Do not worry, for you are now subjects of the Egyptian government, and it is its duty to protect you from your enemies and secure you in your homes. We are going to him to invite him and his people to obey the new government.