Facsimile · p. 35
The beginnings of British policy
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He began his work by sending a delegation in 1812 to the King of Sinnar, seeking his favor and demanding the expulsion of the Mamluks who had taken refuge in his country. He supplied the delegation with precious gifts and artifacts and sent with them men of war and learning who wrote him comprehensive reports and drew up plans for the conquest of Sudan. In 1816, he sent another delegation, headed by the Frenchman Kawa, to survey the gold mines in Jabal Zabara, accompanied by technicians to map the country. When all this was completed, he dispatched his son, Prince Ismail, at the head of a large army to conquer Sinnar, supplying him with gifts and instructing him to bring the country under his dominion without war. He also sent with him a delegation of scholars to guide the people and endear this obedience to them. This succeeded greatly, as the land of Nubia was subdued without fighting. From 1820 to 1885, nothing worthy of mention occurred except for the revolt of Hassan Wardy al-Kashif, who, after pledging allegiance to the prince who appointed him over the land of the Scott between Halna and Dugla, killed some of the Egyptian garrison men and fortified himself in a castle there with his followers. Muhammad Ali sent a force from Egypt that besieged him in the castle and destroyed it with gunpowder.
The kings and chieftains of that land presented themselves to Prince Ismail in submission until he reached Kordofan. There he found three kings of the Afiqiyya who intended to fight him. He managed to appease them and continued his march, accepting the submission of the kings, granting them authority over their lands, and reinforcing his army with their men. This Sudanese force was the first nucleus of the Sudanese army, which has remained a symbol of the Egyptian army to this day. On May 28, 1821, Prince Ismail entered Khartoum. He had previously sent a message to King Badi of Sinnar, inviting him to submit. He received a curt reply, as the Mamluks who had fled from Egypt had given the king's army six cannons they had taken with them. Prince Ismail marched towards Sinnar, and before he arrived, its king submitted to him. He entered the capital on October 12, 1821, and declared a general amnesty. Thus, the country was conquered, and the population, slaves, and livestock were counted to ascertain Sudan's resources from all aspects. When the news reached Muhammad Ali, he sent his son