The Zardiya was first to open the gates so that the army could exit as a whole and be present, which is more appropriate. Out of respect for the enemy, His Excellency asked Colonel [name] not to hear his orders, but he denied it, saying he was at the location, and if he had come knowing the rules of war, because... the call regarding this was made by him with His Excellency Hicks Pasha, as his absence from the council would be a breach of honor for him, as he is one of the reliable Egyptian military men. He replied that he was still grateful and instructed me to speak with His Excellency and His Excellency Effendi Al-Hakdar as well, as His Excellency Effendi Al-Hakdar was adjacent to us. I informed him of this, and a promise was made that he would speak with His Excellency on this matter.

On Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 1883, at 12 noon, Soldier Ahmed Sabih was assigned, along with the Qaidan Harat (1) and one hundred cavalrymen, to scout for water on the road to Shibranih until the same destination. Their arrival was expected around 12 noon. When they did not arrive by 2 AM on Wednesday night, we were all in a state of anticipation for their arrival. They did arrive at 3:05 AM. Upon inquiry, they reported that there was no water on the road except for a pool of water insufficient for even a small number of the army. It was impossible for them to reach the destination. This was confirmed first, as it was said by Qaidan Harat, that two hours after they left here, they encountered an unclean pool of water. They continued for half an hour, and before reaching Al-Khabiri, they were informed that there was no need to pass through the mentioned area, and they were directed to another road. This was done, and he was held responsible for his knowledge. Due to poor scouting, they continued to march on the rope for five hours, encountering only two stagnant pools of water. It was said that the Baggara tribes might have known of our presence on this route and had contaminated the water. Since they left us not a drop of water, and the distance had become long and we had not reached the destination, it was best to return. They returned by a different route than the first, sticking to Al-Khabiri. Upon passing through the previously identified area, they found only empty wells and a bath. As for the inhabitants and their animals, they scattered and took the opportunity to escape upon the arrival of the scouts.

(1) One of the officers of General Hicks Pasha's general staff.