Forty thousand fighters and the commander Ahmed Bey al-Daftardar. Prince Ismail's resolve strengthened, and he left al-Daftardar to manage affairs in Kordofan. He proceeded to Al-Matamma with an army, then crossed the Nile to Shendi and settled there. The Sultan of Shendi was named Nimr, a fierce, powerful, and tyrannical man. Prince Ismail summoned him and imposed a heavy tribute, demanding a large amount of gold and men. It is said he asked Nimr to fill a small ship with gold and deliver it within five days. Nimr considered this a grave matter and complained bitterly and pleaded for mercy. He persisted with Prince Ismail until the Prince agreed to accept twenty thousand riyals in lieu of gold. Then, he asked for an extension of the deadline. At this, Prince Ismail became angry. He had a pipe in his hand and struck Nimr on the head with it. Others say he struck him on the face with a fan, shouting and reprimanding him. Nimr left his presence harboring evil intentions. That evening, Nimr brought in large quantities of straw to feed the camels and pack animals, and firewood for the army's camp. He arranged it in rows around the army, connected to each other, forming a very large amount. Then he approached Prince Ismail's quarters with a group of slaves beating drums and blowing animal horns, like zarnayrs, and dancing. Prince Ismail was impressed by the spectacle, and his companions were delighted. They continued in this manner until midnight, when the crowd gathered, the noise intensified, the drums grew louder, and the horns blared. Nimr ordered a group of them to set fire to the straw and firewood. Another group stood with swords and spears, preventing anyone from escaping. The flames erupted and rose high, darkening the sky. They then attacked the soldiers with their swords. The soldiers attempted to flee but could not. Some were burned, and Prince Ismail died in the fire among a group of his Mamluks. By morning, there was no trace of the army, nor any sign of fire. Nimr's men then drove the captured soldiers to Shendi. The news reached al-Daftardar, who was in Darfur. He immediately set out for Shendi, vowing to kill twenty thousand men in revenge for Ismail. When he arrived, Nimr met him with his men. Al-Daftardar fought them with his remaining army, defeated Nimr, and killed him. He then massacred his men, showing no mercy in his vengeance, fulfilling his oath. People feared him, and his fame spread throughout Sudan. Those who incited sedition retreated. He continued to manage affairs, issue orders, and subdue the great men of Sudan until the year 1240 AH. Then, he received an order from Muhammad Ali Pasha to relinquish his post and descend to Cairo. He was replaced by Rustum Bey, who followed suit, issuing many threats and warnings until all the inhabitants submitted to him and all matters were brought under his control.

Establishment of military schools and factories for weapons and gunpowder. After the conquest of Sudan, Muhammad Ali Pasha's desire to perfect his army's system in the style of the French army intensified. He established a school for infantry in Al-Khanqah and another for cavalry in Giza, in the large house of Murad Bey. He brought the most famous French professors for them. He also established a school for artillerymen and created factories for gunpowder, cannon casting, rifle making, and all war equipment and soldier's needs of various kinds. He entrusted the management of these to Colonel Seve, who was the Frenchman Sulayman Pasha, and gave him charge of all military affairs, making him the head of all his commanders. Sulayman Pasha went to great lengths...