We returned to the camp and inquired about the soldiers and animals we had left behind. We found twenty-one soldiers, five of whom were Janissaries and nineteen were Bashibazouks, and four horses from the Krupp batteries. This was due to extreme thirst, and nearly forty camels. There is no power or strength except in Allah, the Most High, the Most Great. It is not hidden that after all this, we did not reach Al-Aqila, and God knows where it is located. On the blessed Thursday, October 11th, 1883, at 1:30 PM, we departed from Umm Rqis, heading for Al-Aqila. Before we left the aforementioned point, His Excellency Commander Holt, accompanied by cavalry, went out for reconnaissance as usual. After we had traveled for two hours, we saw the aforementioned Commander returning to us with four cavalrymen. He informed us of his arrival at the expected destination, the camp, and that he had found abundant water, enough for five months and more. At this, everyone felt greatly reassured. The march of the fort was conducted with utmost discipline. We arrived at 3:30 PM. Half an hour before reaching the camp, the army encamped at the necessary watering point as usual. The soldiers went to water their animals from it. From half past midnight, it began to rain until 3:30 AM. While we were [longing for] the rain, fearing for the biscuits from getting wet, the sentries sensed the approach of a group of Arabs near the watering point. Immediately, the soldiers called out to each other and the fort prepared to fire. Regarding the appearance of the aforementioned group from the right flank, they were fired upon with rifle and Krupp cannon fire, and the Sar and Rakh for approximately seven minutes. After that, a cannon was fired, and the firing stopped. All the soldiers rejoiced in victory. As we explained, this night was very dark with clouds and heavy rain. On the second day (1), His Excellency the Khedive's deputy (2) got on his feet with his companions to inspect this movement. He thanked the soldiers for their discipline, diligence, activity, and bravery. In this state, we no longer feared any enemy who might confront us, no matter their numbers. Then, when the firing began. . . . (1) On the second day (2) Inspect