74 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

inability to capture the place. It was thought that if the assault were made at once, before the arrival of reinforcements to the enemy, possession might be gained, and therefore it was determined to attack a large government building, which it was believed stood at the north side of the town near the centre; by seizing which our troops might establish themselves in the town. The attempt would be doubtful and dangerous, for the resistance that might be made was not to be estimated, and there was the probability of continued street-fighting, which to a small force like ours would be very serious. It was decided that, at all events, some operations should be attempted, and that an attack should be commenced next day (January 21st) as soon after daybreak as possible.

A brief night's rest after all, and even that interrupted by an alarm of fire, because of the ignition of the dry thatch of one of the houses. The men were on parade Avhen the first speck of dawn was seen in the sky. The town was to be reconnoitred, and Major Barrow started first with his hussars, and one of the slaves who had been picked up was to be sent into the village near the town with a letter calling on the people to surrender, and promising that if they did so they should not be molested. The advance of the troops was in double column, with the guns, camels with ammunition, ambulance, and water between the two columns, the force consisting of guards, heavies, mounted infantry, naval brigade with Gardner guns, royal artillery with guns, the royal engineers, and the bearer company.

Lieutenant Douglas Dawson, in his account, says, that the natural way to advance on Metammeh was with the right resting on the river, and for our men to occupy successively the three villages in between them and the town. However, owing to the position in the town of certain important buildings, it was deemed necessary to advance on the place from the north. This gave three disadvantages— it exposed our right flank; it left uncovered our base at Gubat, and it brought us to the town on the flank where the Abu-Klea route entered it, consequently where they (the enemy) would probably be intrenched. So we turned again for the river and occupied the next village, but owing to our