1 68 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

which, if troops do not come, no doubt the same will again occur in Berber as before, and the troops will be destroyed. Is it right that I should have been sent to Khartum with only seven followers after the destruction of Hicks's army, and no attention paid to me till communications were cut? I received a letter fifteen days ao-o from the eovernor of Kassala, informing me that his province was in its usual condition, and road open and safe between it and Massowah, and telegraph in working order. If it is still intended to leave the Soudan, how is it that the Kassala province remains?

I hope you will send a telegram showing clearly the present intentions with regard to the Soudan, and let it be in Arabic so that the people of Khartum may read it. The telegrams which come in English cipher do not state what are these intentions, and only ask us for information and waste time. Thus, through having so often promised the people of Khartum that assistance would come, we are now as liars in their eyes. If it is the intention to charge me to hold the Soudan with only the Soudani troops which are in it, I will do my best, although without money, but it is impossible to resist with them thousands of the Mahdi's men. It would be the best course to negotiate with the Porte for the despatch of Turkish troops. They should be given ,£200,000 per annum for expenses. Here I am in Khartum as a hostage and guardian. I hope as long as I remain here, when Turkish troops come, that the people of the Soudan will be unable to resist them, and will not fire a single shot, and that peace and quietness will return. It is impossible to leave Khartum without. a regular government established by some power; I will look after the troops on the Equator, Bahr-el-Gazelle, and in Darfur, although it may cost me my life.

Perhaps the British government will be displeased with the advice which I have given. The people of the Soudan are also displeased with me on account of my fighting against them, and on account of their not attaining their object in following the Mahdi.

I shall send Stewart Pasha and Mr. Power, the English consul, with the soldiers, who will proceed to Berber in order to