30 WITH KITCHENEK IlST THE SOUDAH only been partly destroyed, as soon as the blue-jackets entered. His arrival put an end to all difficulties, as henceforward our operations were carried on nominally by his orders. The American ships entered the harbour the next day, and the naval officer in command landed one hundred and twenty-five men to assist our blue-jackets, and two days later the 38th Kegiment and a battalion of the 60th Rifles arrived.

The shops in the streets that escaped destruction gradually reopened, and country people began to bring in supplies. Many of the refugees on board the ships sailed for home, while those who found their houses still standing, although everything in them was smashed and destroyed, set to work to make them habitable. Soon temporary sheds were erected and such portions of the cargoes on board the merchantmen as would be likely to find a sale were landed.

Before the end of the week Mr. Ferguson had received an answer to his telegram. Three days previously he had received a wire : “ Have written fully.” The letter came via Marseilles. After congratulations at the escape of himself and the staff, Mr. Partridge wrote : “ As you say that the house and warehouse are entirely destroyed, with all contents, there can be nothing for you and the clerks to do, and you had best return at once to England. I will make the best arrangements that I can for you all. As I have a plan of the ground, I have already instructed an architect to prepare a sketch for rebuilding on a larger scale than before. The insurance companies are sending out agents to verify claims. Looking at your last report, it seems to me that the loss of goods as well as that of buildings will be fully covered. Should any of the staff determine to remain in Alexandria, and to take their chance of finding something to do, you are authorized to pay them three months’ salary, and to promise to reinstate them as soon as we reopen. I anticipate no further disturbances whatever. A strong force is being sent out, and there can be no doubt