One hundred years ago
Active preparations are being made for the Nile Expedition which is to relieve General Gordon, but there is much consternation at the condition of the Nile, which has fallen a couple of feet during the last week instead of rising further . . . . At present, the Cataracts cannot be passed by boats. Portions of three regiments are ordered from India for the Expedition. and the British troops sent up to Assouan seem in excellent trim. But the Egyptian pessimists are furious that the Suakim- Berber route has not been chosen, and that the Expedition is to he limited to the relief of General Gordon, and not to be authorised to inflict any blow on the Mandi which it may be in our power to strike. Surely expatriated Jingoes are the worst of all critics on such questions as the withdrawal from the Soudan. General Gordon has again been heard from, but excepting that he assures us of his well-being, he sends no news. The Mandi has been at work defeating and massacring tribes friendly to us in the neighbourhood of Debbah: and Major Kitchener, who is still at Debbah, has seen the corpses of the slain floating down the river beside him. Apparently, however, the fanatical movement is not going on with its old force . . . .
Spectator, 23 August /884
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