The early part of the pursuit was extraordinarily rapid, and
was greatly aided by the British gunboats, which steamed ahead of the Turkish Army, holding it off from the river by gunfire, and making it an easier prey for the British cavalry. At the time when we write the British cavalry has reached Lajj, twenty- seven miles from Baghdad, and nine miles from Ctesiphon,which was the farthest point reached by General Townshend in his advance towards Baghdad. From the reputation General Mande has already earned we know that he is the last man to take recklea s courses. His blows are swift, but he has the truly soldier-like quality of refusing to deal them till he sees his way clearly ahead and has made all his preparations. If there should be any more military indiscretions in Mesopotamia, they are not likely to come from him. No doubt there are circumstances in which it is safe to operate with tiny forces. After Tel-el-Kebir Cairo was occupied by a handful of cavalry. Prestige gained in the field was their sufficient] authority. It may be that we can take and hold Baghdad for the same reason. It would be a tremendous proof of restored prestige, but of that possibility General Maude must be the sole judge.
