Nothing whatever is known of the next step to be
taken, and much will depend on General Gordon's opinion. He would know already of the victory, but that the telegraph is again cut below Khartoum. Before the battle he is believed to have advised that the Cavalry should push on to Berber, and escort the garrison of Khartoum back to Snakim, but it is not certain that his advice will yet be accepted. The Government decline to publish his despatches, and, in fact, it is perceived that the destiny of Khartoum is mixed up inextricably with the general question of Egypt. If Khartoum is not to be held in some way, the wisdom of despatching an expedition to such a distance from the coast, through a nearly waterless territory, in order to escort a garrison which, if it had the faintest sense of duty, would need no escort whatever, may be doubted. Should the movement, however, be determined on, we would warn the Government not to believe that the Arab spirit has been entirely broken. It is never broken, though there is prudence among the leaders ; and if an opportunity appeared for vengeance, it would be instantly taken. Recollect, twenty-one tribes are now in blood-feud with us, and think we have fought only as allies of the Egyptians.
