Only
a few days before this grave news arrived, my wife had received a token
from her Majesty, graciously bestowed when she was in power and
prosperity; this was now more deeply prized since adversity had fallen
so heavily upon her.
De Bizemont had vigorously commenced his work as a member of the
expedition by accompanying the sections of the third steamer from Cairo
to Berber. The desert journey was intrusted to the great sheik of the
Arabs, Hussein Halifa, who had already so notably distinguished himself
in the transport of the two steamers that had arrived with Mr.
Higginbotham. I was very sorry to say good-bye, and I parted with de
Bizemont and his companion, Le Blanc, with sincere regret.
I had now set everything in order; the vessels were loaded.
On 10th October, 1870, I find this entry in my journal:-
"Started for Tewfikeeyah. Thankful to be free from that hateful spot,
Khartoum. Nothing can exceed the misery of the place at this season. No
drainage - mud - dense population, with exaggerated stench. These enemies
to civilization have at length vanquished the European settlers.
"Djiaffer Pacha, accompanied by all the big people, came on board to
take an official farewell:
