The Death of Gessi Pasha. 423 to have allowed filibusters and an unbridled militia to continue tlieir raids and massacres ?

" I gained tlie confidence of the people over whom 1 ruled long ago, confidence much more solid than that felt in the capital of the Soudan, and a thousand times more profound than what is felt in Kordofan, Sennaar, and Darfour.

" The day when we halted at Kava to collect wood some Arabs came to visit me. In tlie presence of Jinau Bey and Hassan Ibrahim Bey, these good people assured me that they could not go for half an hour's walk into the interior without an armed escort for fear of the Bagara, whose reputation as robbers is well deserved, while in Bahr-el-Ghazal people can travel in all directions, from north to south, from east to west, and to the farthest parts of Niam-Niam with only a stick in their hands.

" The Rev. Mr. Wilson and Dr. Felkin, Avhen they returned to London, publicly expressed their astonishment. Doctor Junker visited King Mdarama without escort, and latterly Captain Casati bore witness to his surprise at such an unexpected change.

" Two Greek merchants, Nicola and Costandi, having finished their business, and being obliged to carry seven thousand dollars to Meshra-el-Rek, asked me for an armed escort. I told them that none was necessary, and sent their money by porters without an escort. The merchants found the sum untouched.

" Bahr-el-Ghazal is not the antipodes of Khartoum, and I should be very glad if your Excellency would send there some confidential person to proAe the truth of what I assert. Kings who had never been subjected, having always preserAxd their independence, came to offer their submission to me. When I reported this circumstance to your Excellency, you briefly replied, that " to the best of your belief those kings had always been subject to Egypt."