THE MAHDl S LETTER TO GORDON. b I of letters, telegrams, maps, and ciphers had fallen into his hands, and that he was, therefore, pretty well acquainted with the whole situation, with all that Gordon had done and asked for, and with much of his correspondence with the khedive, Nubar Pasha, and the Enerlish consul-greneral at Cairo. The letter commenced: "In the name of God the merciful and compassionate; praise be to God the bountiful Ruler, and blessing on our Lord Mahomet with peace.

From the servant who trusts in God—Mahomed the son of Abdallah.

To Gordon Pasha of Khartum, may God guide him into the path of virtue. Amen. Know tliat your small steamer, named Adbas, which you sent with the intention of forwarding your news to Cairo by the way of Dongola, the persons sent being your representatives Stewart Pasha and the two consuls, French and English, with other persons, has been captured by the will of God.

Those who believed in us as the Mahdi, and surrendered, have been delivered, and those who did not were destroyed—as your representative aforenamed, with the consuls and the rest whose souls God has condemned to the fire and to eternal misery.

That steamer and all that was in it has fallen a prey to the Moslems, and we have taken knowledge of all the letters and telegrams which were in it, in Arabic and in Turkish (languages, and in the maps which were opened (explained) to us by those on whom God has bestowed his gifts and has enlightened their hearts by faith, and the benefits of willing submission. Also (we have iound therein) the letters sent from you to the Mudir of Dongola with the (letters, &c.) accompanying, to be forwarded to Egypt and to European countries. All has been seized and the contents are known. It should all have been returned to thee, not being wanted here; but as it was originally sent from you, and is known unto you, we prefer to send you part of the contents and mention the property therein, so that you may be certified; and in order that the truth may make a lasting impression on thy mind, in the ' The name Slahdi is said literally to signify guide.

Vol. IV. B3