We might find ourselves in an endless predicament if our situation turns out differently than expected. On the mentioned night, we had excellent companionship with His Excellency General Hicks Pasha and His Honor Colonel Farquhar until 5 AM. His Excellency Effendi Al-Makdar and I were returning to our tent, and God willing, we will set out tomorrow. Today, we did not achieve any gains from the Ashqiya. We were very pleased at the opening of this day with the promotion of His Honor Waheeb Bey, Qaim Maqam of the General Staff, to the rank of Mirala, as a reward from His Excellency General Hicks Pasha for his diligent and energetic execution of his duties, which included guarding and organizing the fort during our march. We expressed our sincere gratitude to him for this kind gesture. Based on his promise in the official correspondence sent to him, he will request the necessary firman from His Excellency. This Bey, who has been promoted to the new rank, has been considered part of the expeditionary army from this day.

On Tuesday, October 30, 1883, at 1 AM, we departed from the Rihd post on the west bank, heading towards Alawiya. About an hour after leaving the zariba, the Ashqiya began skirmishing with us throughout our march until we reached the vicinity of Al-Budayriyah at 7:30 AM. We only had two casualties, while their losses are unknown as they hid in the forests. During our march, three Arab prisoners were captured one after another. Upon questioning them about the situation and events, they confirmed what we already knew: that the Arabs were gathered in Al-Abyad. When they learned of our passage through this route this morning, they took their men and possessions towards Jabal Al-Dayr, located to our left. Due to the inability of our cavalry and bashibozuks to pursue them, we followed their tracks to capture them. Our horses were unable to charge due to the fatigue they had endured throughout this journey. A diversion was made for this purpose. Upon reaching the aforementioned Al-Budayriyah area, the necessary zariba for the camp was established as usual. Regarding Abd Al-Rahman Bey Al-Taqaa, we learned upon leaving the zariba this morning, based on a dispatch received from the 3rd Bashi-Bashi, that one of the Bey's followers confessed to what he knew concerning his master.

(1) In this area, there is Alawiya, and to its northwest is Alawiya Al-Naqiyah.