Transcriber's note.
Larger versions of the maps in this book can be viewed by clicking on the map image.
KHARTOUM CAMPAIGN
1898
OR THE
RE-CONQUEST OF THE SOUDAN
BY
BENNET BURLEIGH.
With Maps, Plans of Battle, and NumerousIllustrations
SECOND IMPRESSION.
LONDON: CHAPMAN & HALL, Limited
1899
PREFACE.
By the overthrow of Mahdism, the great region of Central Africa hasbeen opened to civilisation. From the date of the splendid victory ofOmdurman, 2nd September 1898, may be reckoned the creation of a vastSoudan empire. At so early a stage, it is idle to speculate whetherthe country will be held as a British possession, or as a province ofEgypt. "The land of the blacks," and their truculent Arab despoilers,has the intrinsic qualities that secure distinction. Given peace, itmay be expected that the mixed negroid races of the Upper Nile willprove themselves as orderly and industrious as they are conspicuouslybrave. Whoever rules them wisely, will have the control of the bestnative tribes of the Dark Continent, the raw material of a mightystate. This, too, is foreshadowed; the dominant power in CentralNorthern Africa, if no farther afield, will have its capital inKhartoum, "Ethiopia will soon stretch out her hands unto God."
The recent events which have so altered the condition of affairs uponthe Upper Nile, deserve more than ephemeral record. A campaign so fullof in[Pg viii]spiriting incident, a victory which has brought presage of agreat and prosperous Soudan, merits re-telling. Through half a scoreof battles or more, from the beginning to the death of Mahdism, I havefollowed British and Egyptian troops into action against thedervishes. I knew General Hicks, and had the luck to miss accompanyinghis ill-fated expedition. In the present volume, "Khartoum Campaign,"the narrative of the reconquest is completed, the history beingcarried to the occupation of Fashoda and Sobat, including thewithdrawal of Major Marchand's French mission. I have made use of mytelegrams and letters to the Daily Telegraph, London, and the fullnotes I made from day to day during the campaign. Besides, I havequoted in certain cases from official sources, and given extracts fromverbal and written communications made to me by distinguished officersengaged in the operations.
For use of maps, sketches, and photographs, I am indebted to theproprietors of the Daily Telegraph, to Mr Ross of Black and White,Surgeon-General William Taylor, C