The Conquest of the Shilluks.

river. The population of tlie Shilluks being too numerous, they could not all emigrate into the interior, and many therefore remained behind.

These the Arabs made prisoners, and the three hundred nugars were laden with the human spoil, and sent to Khartoum as the first proof of the success of the expedition.

The prisoners, when landed at Khartoum, were sold as slaves. The three hundred boats were filled again Avith other Arabs bound to the new Eldorado.

They returned once more loaded with "black ivory," and so it went on, whilst from every part of the Soudan traders learning of the plunder flocked to purchase slaves.

At Khartoum the victories in the Shilluk country were celebrated by processions and thanksgivings to Allah. The caravans of slaves were sent to Masolemia, Sennaar, Kordofan, and the coasts of the Red Sea, whence they were forwarded to Jeddah and other parts. Attracted by the gain of the first expedition, the Arabs abandoned their fields and workshops, and hastened to the Shilluk country to give chase to the natives and lead them into slavery.

Mahomed Her was highly rewarded, and appointed Mahmud (governor) of the provinces he had conquered. He bound himself in return to pay a heavy annual tribute.

The ravage of the Shilluk country continued. Khartoum was full of slaves ; epidemic diseases, such as cholera, typhus and other fevers, soon' spread through the city, decimating the population. In consequence the government was compelled to take summary measures, prohibiting the slave-trade, and sending steamers full of soldiers up the Nile to prevent the transport of slaves, and capture every slave-boat. In one day fifty-three nugars were taken, each of which carried from four to five hundred slaves. The nugars were seized, and the Arabs imprisoned in the arsenal at Khartoum.