SANGUINE EXPECTATIONS. 93 to General Gordon's unrivalled achievement. These steamers are probably capable of conveying about 200 men each, and from Metammeh Lord Wolseley v'ill be able to reach Berber in two days, to clear the river banks of the enemy, to meet General Earle's boats when they surmount the fifth cataract, and, if necessary, to tow them up to Khartum. Thus the power which these steamers confer will modify all the future operations of the campaign. Hard work, and perhaps hard fighting, still lies before the relief expedition. But the crisis of the campaign has passed, and with the establishment of the British force at Gubat and the opening of communication with Khartum the operations enter on a new phase. This crisis has been sharp, and it has cost the country many valuable and valued lives; but the brave men who have met a fate few Englishmen dread and some covet have not died in vain, since they have won for their comrades a position which admits of no doubt, and they have definitely lessened the difficulties which bar the way to the relief of Khartum."

A Reuters telegram from Gubat was also published on the 28th recounting the action at that place and the subsequent operations, and ending by saying : " On the 22d Sir Charles Wilson, with four of General Gordon's steamers, a number of black troops, two companies of mounted infantry, and six guns, bombarded Shendy for two hours, destroying the town almost completely. The occupants were few in number, and showed unwillingness to surrender. The steamers subsequently returned here without landing any of the troops. A number of forts are being erected here. The Mahdi is stated to have 6000 men near Khartum.

General Stewart and the remainder of the wounded are doing well.

The population of Khartum is now stated to be 14,000. A convoy left on the evening of the 2 2d to bring stores and ammunition from Gakdul.

The inhabitants of Metammeh appear to remain hidden, few of them being seen by the scouts."

This mention of the bombarding of Shendy and the return of the steamers of course refers to the reconnaissance made by Sir