Gordon appointed Major General Ali Pasha and equipped him with five thousand soldiers and about five thousand Khartoum residents who volunteered, hoping for gain. Gordon permitted them, considering the benefit of their provisions and supplies for the city. The expedition set out from Khartoum in early Dhu al-Hijjah, on five steamers, ten barges, and sailing boats. Upon reaching El-Fashoda, they attacked the Mahdists, who resisted with great bravery. The Mahdists opened fire on them, killing a number of them. Sheikh Mudawi, with about two hundred men, was among them. He joined the Mahdists, and the expedition seized a large quantity of cattle and goods. News of the victory reached Gordon, who was pleased, and hopes were raised. He praised Ali Pasha and admired his skill. The Battle of Um Duban and the killing of Muhammad Ali Pasha. When Ali Pasha was victorious at the Battle of El-Fashoda, he sent his spies to Um Duban. They returned and falsely informed him that Sheikh El-Mubid had only a small number of men, and that those around him did not exceed a thousand. It appears that Sheikh El-Mubid had won over these spies and instructed them to say these things to lure the expedition to Um Duban, where they would be crushed amidst the rebels. He succeeded, for as soon as Muhammad Ali Pasha heard this news, he marched with his army and volunteers to Um Duban, which is about four miles from El-Fashoda in the desert. As the expedition reached the middle of the road, two rebel forces attacked them, one from behind and the other from the front, ambushing them. The soldiers' formation broke, and the rebels...