40 chapters
16 hour read
Selected Chapters
40 chapters
THE JOURNALS
THE JOURNALS
OF MAJOR-GEN. C. G. GORDON, C.B., AT KARTOUM. PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINAL MSS. INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY A. EGMONT HAKE, AUTHOR OF “THE STORY OF CHINESE GORDON,” ETC. WITH PORTRAIT, TWO MAPS, AND THIRTY ILLUSTRATIONS AFTER SKETCHES BY GENERAL GORDON. LONDON: KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, & CO., 1 PATERNOSTER SQUARE. 1885. LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, Limited. STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved....
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PREFACE.
PREFACE.
The work of editing these Journals is at an end; it only remains now for me to thank one of my oldest and most valued friends, whose assistance in every way I wish most thoroughly to acknowledge: this is Mr. Godfrey Thrupp. When it became obvious that the public demand for the work made its completion in so short a time impossible—as the conscientious achievement of one man—he generously came forward. His knowledge of the East and his deep interest in the subject made him an invaluable colleague
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
INTRODUCTION.
INTRODUCTION.
✽ ✽✽ Gordon used to tell the story of how, when Said Pasha, Viceroy of Egypt before Ismail, went up to the Soudan, so discouraged and horrified was he at the misery of the people, that at Berber he threw his guns into the river, declaring he would be no party to such oppression. In this spirit Gordon went there as Governor of the Equator in 1874, and in this spirit he expressed his views on the duties of foreigners in the service of Oriental States. His ardent and unstudied words are worthy of t
59 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
GENERAL GORDON’S POSITION AT KARTOUM.
GENERAL GORDON’S POSITION AT KARTOUM.
It is necessary here to explain that General Gordon had not intended to go to Cairo, but to proceed viâ Suakin and Berber. On the invitation, however, of Sir Evelyn Baring, he went to Cairo and accepted at the hands of the Khedive a firman appointing him Governor-General of the Soudan, without which he could have exercised no control over the Egyptian authorities employed in that province. It was no part of General Gordon’s character to form a definite opinion from imperfectly known facts, and t
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MISSION OF COLONEL SIR CHARLES WILSON, R.E., K.C.M.G.
THE MISSION OF COLONEL SIR CHARLES WILSON, R.E., K.C.M.G.
Early in the morning of the 21st, General Gordon’s steamers appeared, and landed their soldiers, who took part in the operations of that day. Reports now reached Sir Charles Wilson that, exclusive of the Arabs in Metemma, large numbers were advancing from the North and from the South. It therefore became imperatively necessary for him to secure the safety of those who were under his orders before he could proceed upon his mission. Accordingly, on the morning of the 22nd, he made a reconnaissance
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DESCRIPTION OF THE JOURNAL.
DESCRIPTION OF THE JOURNAL.
The Sixth is from the 5th of November to the 14th of December, and contains 104 pages. The First, Second, Third, and Fourth Diaries are addressed to Lieut.-Colonel Stewart, C.M.G., or the Chief of the Staff. The Fifth is addressed to the Chief of the Staff of the Expeditionary Force for the relief of the garrison, and the Sixth is addressed in the same way. The First and Second Diaries were sent on the 30th of September by steamer for Berber viâ Shendy. The Third was sent by the steamer Towfikia
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
POSITION OF THE STEAMERS,
POSITION OF THE STEAMERS,
BOOK I. On outside wrapper (a glass-cloth): No secrets as far as I am concerned. C. G. GORDON. Lt.-Colonel Stewart , C.M.G. or Chief of the Staff, Lord Wolseley , G.C.B. Soudan Expeditionary Force. Journal of Events—Kartoum, Vol. I. From 10th Sept. to 23rd Sept., 1884. On Cover at back: General Gordon’s Journal From the 10th to 23rd September, 1884. N.B.—This Journal will want pruning out if thought necessary to publish. C. G. GORDON. 10/9/84. Vide note as to pruning down on outside.—C. G. G. Se
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
JOURNAL.
JOURNAL.
Halfeyeh reports that Faki Mustapha, who was in command of the Arabs on the west or left bank of the White Nile, wishes to join the Government. He is informed we are glad of it, but wish him to remain quiet, and to take no active part till he sees how the scales of the balance go; if we rise, then he can act, if we fall he is not to compromise himself; but what we ask him is to send up our spies, which he can do without risk. [8] The same advice was given to the people of Shendy, who wished to i
2 hour read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
JOURNAL.
JOURNAL.
The fighting force can take the guns of the steamers, if they need artillery; they are very good guns and have field carriages with limbers. I shall not send down the castellated barges or the Krupp guns. Should you cross the desert en masse , the way to guard your communications is to occupy, with a company, all the wells in a good large radius, for the Arabs cannot come down on your line of communication, not being able to get water. This is the only way to deal with the Bedouins, or slave hun
2 hour read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
JOURNAL.
JOURNAL.
As for the effect of my replacement by Abdel Kader Pasha: 1st, it would produce no surprise, for it is well known I and Towfik are not at all friends. 2nd, it is also known that Her Majesty’s Government wish to be rid of all responsibility of the Soudan, in re the garrisons; therefore the removal of me would be merely the carrying out of this policy. 3rd, Abdel Kader Pasha is the best man they have had up here, and so, till the matter was broken to them, he would be well received. It is not vaun
2 hour read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
JOURNAL.
JOURNAL.
I have decided to bring those wretched Shaggyeh over to Goba, and have sent boats for them. [120] I declare solemnly, that if it were not for the honour’s sake of our nation, I would let these people slide; they are of the very feeblest nature, and the Arabs are ten times better; but because they are weak, there is so much more the reason to try and help them; for I think it was because we were such worthless creatures, that Our Lord came to deliver us. These Shaggyeh know no shame. It is an unk
2 hour read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
JOURNAL.
JOURNAL.
I can now see why I was kept in the dark. In one of Saleh Bey’s letters he says he sends me a letter from King John. This I have not got; it apparently was not sent. A man came in with letter from Slatin, in which he says the Abbas was captured near Dar Djumna. Stewart killed, with nine men, and all the papers captured. [141] Three soldiers escaped yesterday from the Arabs. Seven more came in to-day; they had no news. Mahdi and all Europeans are four hours distant. Mahdi has put Saleh Pasha (of
2 hour read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
JOURNAL.
JOURNAL.
Stewart had about £60 in gold with him, and every paper connected with our mission. I purposely kept none here, for one did not know what one day would bring forth; when he left on the 10th of September we had lost over 800 men killed, and 978 Remingtons, with a lot of ammunition on 4th of September, only six days before he left. Baker tells me news, he says Clifford Lloyd has left on account of row with Nubar, and that China and France have come to terms. One shell from the Arabs went over the
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX A.
APPENDIX A.
Yet their enmity, and giving of the lie, to the Imâm, the Mahdi (the expected one, on whom be peace), are predicted in the ancient books, and they themselves are aware of this. But if they ignore this let them consider the preface of the book, “Keshef el Ghumma an Jamia el Umma,” by Shaàrani. [260] But you rely upon their sayings and listen to their words, notwithstanding what has been proved and made known to you and to all intelligent people of the calamities and destruction that have befallen
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX A¹.
APPENDIX A¹.
Considering that I cannot bear the sight of that renegade traitor, it is preferable that you should send us a respectable pious man, who may be depended on, to receive 10,000 guineas for the ransom of the Europeans who are to be found there, and we will send them by his hand; and if you say that Mohammed Achmed is the Mahdi, why does he remain in the White (Nile)?—he ought (if he is the Mahdi) to take the whole country. [The copy above translated is extremely illegible—evidently written in haste
40 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX A².
APPENDIX A².
Letter from George Calamantino. Kartoum, 10th September, 1884. Mr. N. Leontides and B. Georgopulo . Accept our salutes. I beg (beseech) you on behalf of myself and that of the other fellow-countrymen of mine, of Kordofan and Darfour, to try and induce by any means Mr. Gordon for me to be permitted to see him, as it is of great need and of good to yourselves and of the Government my entering Kartoum; and if Mr. Gordon is not satisfied (with the news I propose to communicate to him), let him impri
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX B.
APPENDIX B.
His Excellency Gordon Pasha , I beg you to give me permission to enter into Kartoum, because I have important matters in regard to all the Europeans who are slaves with the Prophet. If you are not disposed to let me return, I should be disposed and content to remain with your Excellency. George Calamantino. Arabic Encampment at Kartoum. Sept. 10th, 1884. His Excellency Gordon , I beg you to accept my most cordial respects. It displeases me that you are irritated; I hope to see you in better mome
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX D.
APPENDIX D.
A number of letters have come, some of them from you, in which are a number of erroneous statements, wherein the Sheikh el Akbar says that the Most High God has appointed for the Mahdi a divine host of Ministers (Vizirs), whom God has reserved for him in the depths of His secret councils; He has revealed them declaring and witnessing about the Creation, and that which God has commanded for His servants; also that the Mahdi does nothing except by their counsel; and that they are Persians (foreign
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX E.
APPENDIX E.
And this man is that very Mahdi who will perform those deeds. And as soon as we were convinced of the truth of his mission, we arose and submitted unto him. We left off study of the glorious Koran, and the (public) prayers on Fridays, and laid hold of him because he is the unfailing support (= rock, a phrase applied to God). We have not ceased to think of you, and when you were in Kartoum we tried to get the safe conduct, and we obtained it, for yourself and for your property and your children a
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX E¹.
APPENDIX E¹.
Private. From the Mudir of Kartoum to the Governor-General of the Soudan. [This Report was made by H.E. Hussein Pasha, Mudir in the neighbourhood of Aloob in Kordofan, and it remained passing from hand to hand among the rebels till we heard of its existence. We demanded it, and received the following copy, which I transmit just as it is.] On Saturday, 2nd of Moharram, 1301, was accomplished the arrival of the detachment of troops in the vicinity of Aloob, which is near the government seat of Kor
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX F.
APPENDIX F.
I, the writer of this report, am called Hussein Pasha, Mudir, an officer of the Home Government in the army, a native of Egypt—one of those raised from the ranks; and I adjure you by God, who (may) see what I have written, (if) you are believers in God and his prophet that you will make this known to the Government authorities. The will of God be done, and there is no escape from the decree of God, Who hears and knows all things. May your life be prolonged. Written Friday, 19 September, 1884, 8
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX G.
APPENDIX G.
From Abd el Kâder Ibrahim, Kâdi of Kalakla, to General Gordon. In the name of God the Merciful and Compassionate. Praise be to God the bountiful Ruler—with blessing on our lord Mahomet, and peace. From the servant of his lord Abd el Kâder Ibrahim—the Kâdi of Kalakla to Gordon Pasha. Three times have we warned you, sufficiently for people who have sense; and all on account of your friendship for us, of which you spoke in your letter. This was for your safety and for the safety of the poor and of
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX K.
APPENDIX K.
Such communications as you send do not please the hearts of the auxiliaries (of the Mahdi)—especially of their Emirs—for by God, they are firmly resolved and determined, and every one of them comes and goes (being) willing to die; and they are not afraid of threats by word or deed. But under all circumstances they trust in God. For this Mahdi is right. English troops or chemicals (electricity) or stores of ammunition will not avail against the Mahdi. What will avail (you) is to return to the tru
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX L.
APPENDIX L.
Lying does not become a Pasha such as you. And we received the day before yesterday a letter from Mahomed el Khair telling us that he was on the shore—both east and west—ready to fight your steamers. And, please God, they (the steamers) with the guns, will not go back to you a second time. But the last will overtake (redeem) the first, and you will not hear of them again. We did not think that with your intelligence and your knowledge that God has strengthened us in His earth, you would have tol
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX M.
APPENDIX M.
The guns we fired yesterday were (in rejoicing at) news of the coming army. Therefore the first and best thing (for you to do) is to consider the news sent you herein enclosed, and arise and go back to your places with whatever you have of guns and such like, as the air is bad here. But Sheikh Ibrahim Abd-el-Kader may remain in his place as his home is in the neighbourhood of Kalakla, and as he is one of our friends and an owner of crops in this district. But if you do not listen to this advice,
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX N.
APPENDIX N.
Both Herbin, myself, and Power, wish to be remembered to you. You may depend upon it that I shall do everything in my power to assist you. Thanking you for the very great kindness with which you have overlooked my shortcomings, and praying that the blessing of the Almighty may abide with you, I remain, my dear General, Yours very truly, O. H. Stewart . P.S.—How I wish you were with us. I have advised Omar Bey on account of the very indifferent quality of his troops, who are no better than an arm
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX P.
APPENDIX P.
From Fakirs El Sayet Eltahen and Hamed Idreer to Commandant Omdurman Fort. In the name of God, the Merciful and Almighty, praise be to Him and our prophet. From El Sayet Eltahen and Hamed Idreer to Issat Osman Bey, the Colonel and Commander of Omdurman Station, and to all officers with him, our brethren in God. After many salaams and anxiety to see you, we write as friends and companions of the same religion, and as there has been no animosity or hatred existing between us up to the present day,
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX Q.
APPENDIX Q.
From Faki Mustapha to Commandant Omdurman Fort. In the name of God, &c., &c. From the servants of God, Ahmed el Mustāpha, the Governor of the Mahdi, on whom be peace, son of El Iffah el-Ameen to Issat Osman Bey Caimmakam of the Omdurman Station, and to all the officers and soldiers, may God direct the right. Good friends, we have so often called you to God and to His Apostle, and to his Mahdi (Reformer), on whom be peace, in our letters, but you have neither come nor sent us mess
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX R.
APPENDIX R.
Une de vos Sandechaque, Abdel Habin, a écri une lettre ici demandant le pardon, comme j’entende veulent les Scheigines quitte le Halfai et sê uni avec les partisans du Mahdi pas par l’enémitié contre votre Excellence, non seulement par peure pour leurs femmes et enfants. J’entends que votre Excellence m’ont écri une lettre, me je ne l’ai pas reçu; on dit que le Chalifa Abdullah l’a brûlé. Letter from Slatin Bey. His Excellency Gordon Pasha, Governor-General of the Soudan: Your Excellency , I hav
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX S.
APPENDIX S.
Aussi vos soldats et les habitants de Kartoum doivent prendre patience et attendre un et demi deux mois jusqu’ils arrivent les secours. Il y a ici le nouvelle, que le petit bateau que vous avez envoyé à Dongola est pris des rebelles à Wady Gama, mais ce nouvelle n’est pas bien sûr, parce que quelques autres disênt le contraire. For many years the creed of Mahomed has been making immense strides in Central Africa, where it seems to have a peculiar fascination for the native races. The number of c
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE INSURRECTION OF THE FALSE PROPHET, 1881-83, TO THE DEFEAT OF HICKS’S ARMY.[277]
THE INSURRECTION OF THE FALSE PROPHET, 1881-83, TO THE DEFEAT OF HICKS’S ARMY.[277]
The intentions of Mahomed Achmet, as set forth in various proclamations, were as follows:— To gain over the whole of the Soudan to his cause, then march on Egypt and overthrow the false-believing Turks, and, finally, to establish the thousand years’ kingdom in Mecca, and convert the whole world. The principles of his teachings were universal equality, universal law and religion, and community of goods. All who opposed his mission were to be destroyed, whether Christian, Mahomedan, or Pagan. The
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX Q.
APPENDIX Q.
Postscript. —Sir, The name of the bearer is Ali Othman. In order not to increase expense (this) is written on ruled paper. (Signed) Salehh Ibrahim. 1 Zu’l Hejjeh, 1301. Sept. 22, 1884. From Saleh Bey, Governor of Galabat. To his Excellency the Honourable the Governor-General of the Soudan. Sir , Your servant, who stands in the attitude of service (to you), prays God with a sincere heart to grant his request and to extend His goodness towards me, in strengthening and preserving your Excellency un
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX T.
APPENDIX T.
Oct. 9, 1884. Postscript to his Excellency.—We beg your Excellency to give orders for the quick despatch of a steamer with what we asked for in our (letter) laid before you, No. 39/14. Letter from the Mahdi to General Gordon. In the name of God the merciful and compassionate: praise be to God, the bountiful Ruler, and blessing on our lord Mahomed with peace. From the servant who trusts in God—Mahomed the son of Abdallah. To Gordon Pasha of Kartoum: may God guide him into the path of virtue, amen
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX U.
APPENDIX U.
Also of the telegram sent to the Khedive of Egypt, and Nubar Pasha, and to the English Consul-General from nineteen persons who have put their seals to it, and who are presidents of the Court of Appeal, (namely) Hassan Abdul Munam, and the members and the merchants, who pray (therein) that the Soudan Railway, which the Egyptian Government find it difficult to make, (may be) exchanged for river steamers and military stations, with telegraphic lines between the stations. [344] Further, (there is)
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX V.
APPENDIX V.
And He gave me the sword of victory of his Excellency (Mahomed), on whom be blessing and peace; and it was made known to me that none of either race, human or Jinn, can conquer him who has it. Then said he, on whom be blessing and peace, “God has given to thee a sign that thou art the Mahdi”; which (sign) is the mole on my right cheek; and he likewise gave to me another sign (namely, that) there should go forth before me in the hour of battle a banner of light, borne by Azraïl, [353] on whom be
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX X.
APPENDIX X.
“Caire, 1 er Oct.—Je vous remercie, de tout cœur, des nouvelles que vous avez bien voulu me donner. J’ai fait des démarches pour faciliter le voyage de notre consul de Berbér jusqu’au Caire, mais on m’assure que les chemins de Berber à Debbeh ne sont pas libres; en tous cas, je vous recommande chaudement la sécurité personnelle de notre consul et des sujets Austro-Hongrois et Allemands. Je serai très heureux d’avoir des nouvelles directes de Monsieur Hansall.” I also enclose two letters that hav
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX Y.
APPENDIX Y.
January 27, 1884. (Seal of Mahomet Towfik). From the Khedive of Egypt and its dependencies to all the Ulema, Judges, Notables, Sheikhs of Arabs of villages, Merchants, and all inhabitants, both Arabs and domesticated people in the Soudan countries, greeting. It is known to all that when my grandfather Jantimgan Mahomed Ali took the reigns of Government of the Lands of Egypt, he began to spread knowledge and education and enlarge the sphere of agriculture and commerce throughout the same, and inc
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX AB.
APPENDIX AB.
If you are content to remain as you are, then prepare for what shall come: but if you knock at the door of repentance, peradventure it may be opened unto you. Peace be upon those who follow after the right way. (Signed) —— Abdullah Mahommed. 19 S. 1302. 7th or 8th December, 1884. Telegraphic Petition from the Ulema and officials of Kartoum to the Khedive. We make bold to present our humble thanks to our Sovereign the Khedive. The enemy drew near to Kartoum and besieged it, and our lives were in
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX CD.
APPENDIX CD.
Copy of the Khedive’s Iradé sent in cypher to all the Ulemas and Teachers, and to the Cadi and all military officers and civil officials in Kartoum , dated September 21st, 1884. Your telegram, dated 27th Shamal, 1301, (19th August, 1884), was received on the first day of Dhee-l-Hijjah, 1301, (September 20th, 1884). We regret the condition you are in by reason of the impossibility of sending you reinforcements, and help up till now on account of circumstances. But we are very glad because you are
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX EF.
APPENDIX EF.
7. All warlike stores and all ammunition and arsenal stores, and baggage of soldiers that shall be needed, shall be asked for from the Egyptian Government, and shall be sent to the Soudan. The value of the same shall not be included in the sum of money fixed to be supplied by Egypt to the Soudan. 8. The military stores and soldiers’ baggage, and apparatus for boats and steamers now in the Soudan, shall remain in it. 9. The boats and steamers which are in the Soudan and which are brought up with
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter