2IO EGYPT. AND THE SOUDAN.

not even the redeeming element of grandeur, such as great massive features give to the most rugged mountain range. It represented low, sullen savagery. It was typical of the tribe to whom it belonged. Orders were issued for a general advance of all the boats from their respective positions in the morning, and I was enabled with a light heart to report to General Wolseley that our cavalry had entered Salamat, and that the convoy was through the Shukook Pass."

Salamat was found to be deserted, so that there was no obstacle in that respect, but the rapid opposite Sherri or Shuari Island was bad enough to detain the troops three days in getting through it, and with a low Nile and the probability of further work in unknown rapids the journey to Abu-Hamed could not be safely estimated at less than ten days. On the island, which had also been abandoned, a quantity of grain and dates was found; and this was fortunate, as the progress of the troops through the rapids was so slow, and though no lives were lost in the dangerous passage, two or three boats were irretrievably damaged.

Headquarters had been established at Salamat, occupying a house in a walled garden near the bank of the river, belong to a sister of Abu Bekr—and aunt, therefore, of Suleiman Wad Gamr.

This was on the 17th February, and at that time the instructions received from Lord Wolseley showed that a convoy was to have started from Korosko on the 15th to reach Abu-Hamed by the 20th or 2 1st, on the supposition that General Brackenbury would have reached that place and would be ready to leave it on the 2 2d or 23d. He was to remain there, however, till Lord Wolseley had heard from General Buller, and it was calculated that he could scarcely expect to reach Berber before the 13th of March.

It will thus be seen that at this time the original plan of co-operation against Berber was maintained. General Brackenbury replied that the convoy he was to receive at Abu-Hamed would suffice to supply his force with provisions till the 23d of April but not longer, as no dependence could be placed on the promises of the sheikhs to send in food or cattle. But, at all events, one immediate object of the expedition had to be accomplished, and immediately on the