Such Experience Alone
Can Allow An Appreciation Of The Mental Reaction After A Great Strain Of
Anxiety That I Had Suffered For Some Time Past.
A certain knowledge of human nature determined me to improve, without a
moment's delay, the opportunity, while the troops were under the first
impulse of astonishment and delight.
I addressed myself to the "Forty Thieves" in particular, and to the line
generally, and explained "the pleasure that I felt in now being able to
increase their rations of corn, that had been reduced by half. At the
same time I had been much dissatisfied with the small collection they
had made from the harvest at Belinian. I knew the country, and this was
the only true granary that admitted of river transport to Gondokoro. If
they neglected this opportunity, the rations would again be reduced; but
upon no account whatever should I permit the return to Khartoum of any
officers or men, except those who could present a medical certificate of
chronic bad health. I should thus get rid of the useless mouths, which
would relieve the strong men from the work of gathering corn to feed the
weak, who could not perform their share of the labour."
I concluded by recommending them "to thank God, and to set to work with
good will."
I marched my men to several villages deserted by their inhabitants,
which I occupied in force, and anchored the vessels close to the bank
beneath them. Having sent for Raouf Bey, I made no other remark, than to
give the orders necessary for the night.
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