Vlll CONTENTS.

News from Khartum — The Mahdi's Summons, and Gordon's Reply — The Mahdi driven back — Wolseley's Anxiety to advance — His General Order to the Expedition, ...... 256 Sir H. Stewart at Dongola — His Interview with the Mudir — The Camp at Dongola — Social Amusements of the Men — Their Dealings with Camels, .... 258 The Camp at Korti — Preparations for celebrating Christmas-day — A grand Entertainment, ...... 261 PAGE Tidings of Gordon and the Mahdi — The future Plan of the Campaign — Sir H. Stewart to march from Korti to Metammeh, and General Earle to advance up the Nile to Berber, ...... 263 Jottings received from Gordon — He urges Despatch, 266 Sir Herbert Stewart's Column advances to Gakdul — Telegram from General Wolseley announcing the Battle of Abu-Klea — Our heavy Losses, . . . 268