INSTRUCTIONS. I I

arrangements would be made with a view to the immediate

occupation of Berber, and to march across the desert to Ariab on

the Suakim road. Upon arrival at Metammeh, it is very possible

you may find papers or letters from General Gordon awaiting us. You will be good enough to send them to me by the first

messenger coming here.

Upon your return to Metammeh from Khartum you will rejoin my headquarters at your earliest possible convenience."

These instructions were accompanied by the following paper

from Major-general Sir Redvers Buller, giving the dates referred

to in the previous orders.

"Deputy Adjutant-General. The following is my estimate of approximate times:

General Earle's force should, with luck, be in a position to commence its forward movement on the 20th January.

The whole of that force should have moved by the 25th

January.

It will, I hope, reach Abu-Ahmed about the loth February,

Berber about the 2 2d February, and Shendy about the 8th March.

Lord Wolseley's force will commence to reach Metammeh

the 1 6th January, and should be concentrated there with sixty

days' supplies by the 2d March. If we hire many camels this

date may be anticipated."

This then gives us, as it were, a view of the plans laid down

by the general for the accomplishment of the objects of the

campaign.

These instructions were handed to Colonel Sir Charles Wilson

just before he started with Sir Herbert Stewart's column on the

afternoon of the 8th of January, 1885. With him were Major

Dickson, who was to be left at Khartum with Gordon, and Verner

of the rifle brigade, who was to sketch the road and to be left

as intelligence officer at Metammeh. General Stewart had no

apprehensions of falling short of forage on the road to Gakdul.

After the first twenty miles from Korti there is at intervals a good

supply of savas grass, which is good camel's food, and a fair

Quantity of small wood, chiefly acacia and mimosa. General