INDIAN TROOPS FOR SUAKIM. I3I Suakim that 350 camel loads of dhurra had reached Kassala, near which town the rebels had been defeated and had lost 350 cattle. Another report from Awadeb said that the enemy had been repulsed there also in an attack upon the El Gueder tribe.

On the same day Lord Wolseley telegraphed to Lord Hartington from Korti saying that the Kabbabish tribe, who had remained friendly and had agreed to act as carriers for the British force, had come in and were taking food to the troops in the desert. The Mudir of Dongola professed his disbelief in the news that Gordon had been killed in Khartlim. Lord Wolseley said :— " It is possible Gordon may, with small determined garrison, be holding out in intrenched church in Khartum. I can, however, scarcely allow myself to credit this rumour. If authority be true I shall endeavour to carry out original programme." This telegram ends with the following advice :—" The sooner you can now deal with Osman Digma the better. I should recommend brigade of Indian infantry and one regiment of Punjaub cavalry to be sent to Suakim as soon as possible to hold that place during summer and cooperate with me in keeping road to Berber open; the English troops you send to Suakim might then either go to mountains near there for summer or to Egypt to be ready for autumn campaign.

Earle is now making satisfactory progress toward Abu-Ahmed." An hour and a half after this message had been sent from Korti a telegram was despatched to General Stephenson at Cairo: " Arrange for immediate purchase of camels for service at Suakim.

Further information as to numbers will be sent to-morrow." On the evening of the next day Lord Wolseley received from the Marquis of Hartington the message: "Force proposed for Suakim: six battalions besides battalion and marines now there : four squadrons of cavalry, two batteries artillery, two companies engineers, and section telegraph, besides departmental corps. This will make total of about 9000 all ranks. I apprehend difficulty, and certainly delay, in providing transport for so large a force. Please give your opinion as between this and smaller force, which could move more quickly. Indian brigade and cavalry demanded in your No. 55 is ordered."