. . . . . On the 14th May, 1872, I took formal
possession of Unyoro in the name of the Khedive of Egypt.
I recalled to the recollection of Kabba Rega and his chiefs the day
when, many years ago, I had hoisted the British flag, and thus I had
turned back the invading force of Wat-el-Mek, and saved Unyoro. I now
declared that the country and its inhabitants would be protected by the
Ottoman flag in the same manner that it had been shielded by the Union
Jack of England.
There was a tall flag-staff fixed at the east end of the government
house.
The bugle sounded the "taboor," the troops fell in, the irregulars (late
slave-hunters) formed in line with that charming irregularity which is
generally met with in such rude levies.
Kabba Rega had received due notice, and he quickly appeared, attended by
about a thousand people.
The band played; Kabba Rega's drums and horns sounded, and the troops
formed a hollow square to listen to a short address.
Kabba Rega was invited within the square; and the men faced about with
fixed bayonets, as though prepared to receive cavalry. It was now
explained to the young king that this formation defended all sides from
attack at the same time. He seemed more interested in getting out again,
than in the explanation of military tactics. He evidently had suspicions
that he was fairly entrapped when he found himself in the middle of the
square.
The flag was now hoisted with due formality; the usual military salutes
took place; volleys were fired; and the crowd at length dispersed,
leaving the Ottoman flag waving in a strong breeze at the head of the
flag-staff.
As a proof of his satisfaction, Kabba Rega immediately sent me a present
of twelve goats.
One of the soldiers had been caught in the act of stealing potatoes from
a native. This having been proved conclusively against him, I sent word
to Kabba Rega to summon his people to witness the punishment of the
offender.
A great crowd of natives assembled, and the thief having received
punishment in their presence, was confined in the stocks, and was
condemned to be sent back to Gondokoro. This strict discipline had a
strong moral effect upon my men; as thefts, which had formerly been the
rule, had now become the exception. The natives were always assured of
justice and protection.
On 19th May, my people were ready to start, with the post and the
prisoner Suleiman, to Fatiko. Kabba Rega declared that the 300 carriers
were in readiness with fifty loads of flour for the journey; and he said
that he had already sent orders to Foweera to prepare the deserted
zareeba of Suleiman for the reception of Major Abdullah and his
detachment on their arrival.
The party was to consist of a serjeant and ten men (regulars), together
with twenty-five irregulars under the charge of my old Cairo dragoman,
Mohammed.
