6i three guns, to supplement my forces, and sent instructions to Ismail Pasha to fit out an expedition (i).

This force numbered 3,600 men, and was composed of Turks, Sudanese and Egyptians as well as Shaigias, Bashi Bazouks and volunteers from the West ; he also added four mounted guns and rockets. This body was to advance on Dar Fur from the East, while I was to march from the South and complete the conquest. With the help of God I achieved a signal success, and I alone subdued the whole country for the Eastern army did not take the slightest part in the campaign.

When Ahmed Shatta and Saad el Nur had completed their preparations, they advanced on Shakka with a force that numbered thirty thousand men. Two battles that ended in my favour took place between his forces and mine. In the second engagement both Ahmed Shatta and Saad El Nur were killed, and their army routed. After this I advanced on Dara which I occupied and fortified strongly.

(l). In 1873 the Egyptian Government intercepted a caravan o f slaves from Darfur. In retaliation the Sultan of Uarfur raided Zubeir's country and cut off his corn supplies. Zubeir determined to take action, and Egypt not wishing Zubeir to gain the credit of conquering Dar Fur, recognized him ofiicially and decided to help him. See Gleichen i 235-6. 256.