One hundred years ago
Egypt has probably been delivered from a serious danger by the victory which Colonel Hicks, in command of the force the Soudan, has gained over the followers of the Mandi. He was at- tacked on his march to Obeid by about 4,000 men, but the Egyptians held firm, and the enemy fled, leaving 500 dead. The affair was probably not a general engagement, but it will have two impor- tant effects. It breaks the prestige of the Mandi among his followers, and it removes the danger of the Egyptian troops going over to the Pretender. Whatever else is uncertain about the ex- pected 'Messenger,' it is certain that he is expected, as the immediate Agent of Allah, to win his battles; and that if he does not, true Mussulmans will wait until the right man appears. The troops engaged were most of them the old Egyptian soldiery, who thought their despatch to the Soudan part of their punishment.
Spectator, 5 May 1883
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