Maggs Bros.

General Gordon arrived in Khartoum in February 1884 and within the month he was surrounded by the Mahdi’s forces. Both Baring in Egypt and Gladstone in London found him difficult; indeed, Gordon himself remarked that “I know if I was chief I would never employ myself, for I am incorrigible.” (ODNB). Baker knew the territory well, and his comments on a potential relief expedition—much favoured by the general public and championed by Queen Victoria—are illuminating.

“… no good work can be effected by any officer in Abyssinia unless the British Govt shall have concluded a treaty with the King for special action in the Soudan. The rains commenced about June 1st and they will terminate 15 September. No military force could advance from Abyssinia upon Khartoum until the end of the rainy season, as the camels would be killed by the flies, and they would be unable to march upon the muddy soil. Should an expedition be prepared in Abyssinia there would be no difficulty in an advance upon Khartoum from Gellabat, starting upon 15 Septr., and following the margin of the river Rahad to Abou Harraz upon the Blue Nile. If Gordon could be communicated with, it would be easy for a force to advance direct from Gellabat west to the Blue Nile, and to descend by that river in steamers and vessels sent by him from Khartoum for that purpose. If I were advancing from Gallabat upon Khartoum I should send a portion of my force by the Blue Nile in boats, and march the main body along the banks by the route that I took in 1862—vide ‘Nile Tributaries of Abyssinia.’”