First Jihad: Khartoum, And The Dawn Of Militant Islam - Plot & Excerpts
Thousands of civilians crowded the waterfront as the General’s steamer docked, cheering themselves hoarse, almost delirious with joy. An honor guard from the garrison presented arms as Gordon stepped from the gangplank, and as he walked toward the Governor’s Palace, he was crowded on all sides as the people reached out to touch him, as if to assure themselves he was real.The British Consul in Khartoum, Frank Power, cabled Evelyn Baring in Cairo that afternoon: “Gordon arrived here this morning, and met with a wonderful demonstration of welcome on the part of the population. The state of affairs here, since it was heard that Gordon was coming, gives every promise of the speedy pacification of this portion of the Sudan. His speech to the people was received with the greatest enthusiasm.”For all of the political machinations of Gladstone, Granville and Hartington, sending Gordon to Khartoum was a masterstroke. He alone possessed the moral authority to be able to command not only the garrison but the civilian populace.
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