Great was the consternation when it was realised how near they were to losing so valuable a man from a post which he filled so entirely to the satisfaction of all, both in Egypt and at home. As usual, he set his own feelings aside and consented to remain on; and the following year, in July 1885, the Duke writes to him: " I feel the greatest satisfaction in having so able and judicious a general in command there [Egypt], who I flatter myself was mainly selected on my own recommendation." And again, in September of the same year: " I am deeply indebted to you for your admirable arrangements and for the manner in which you conduct your command, which is only what I always expected from you, but highly to your honour and credit."
During the early part of the command cholera had broken out in the district and caused grave apprehensions, and the letters refer to the disgraceful conduct of some of the Europeans in Alexandria at the time; but it is only from others that we learn what an important part Sir Frederick then took. He first of all made arrangements for scattering the troops in desert camps, only keeping a small garrison on the heights above the Citadel, and when diplomatic negotiations with the Egyptian Government failed to bring about the desired end of placing the town under military control. Sir Frederick on his own responsibility took over the entire management, and having done so, informed Sir Edward Malet, the British Minister, of the fact. This arbitrary but most successful action had to be covered by appointing him and Generals Baker and Evelyn Wood members of the Council of Ministers on cholera matters. It was no doubt due to his promptitude that the loss in the British garrison did not exceed two per cent.
The General's house in Cairo was, it seems, the one place where the most violent opponents, foreign, native, or British, could meet together and for the time sink all differences of opinion. Colonel Romilly illustrates this by telling how Sir Frederick having in his keeping some Colours of the regiments that had gone up the Nile on service, used them to decorate his ballroom on one occasion. " Many French officials, naval officers, and visitors were invited, and Sir Frederick himself rearranged the folds of the Colours, that some of the proudly blazoned honours should not be too obviously flaunted before the eyes of sensitive foreign guests."
He received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament for his services in Egypt, and Lord Hartington when referring to them in his speech in the House of Commons was loudly cheered.
He was made a K.C.B., and after the battle of Giniss was advanced to the dignity of a G.C.B. He also received the Egyptian medal, the Khedive's bronze star, and the grand cross of the Medjidieh. Another very characteristic story is also told by Colonel Romilly. The vSultan wished to award him the Grand Cordon of the Osmanieh, and the insignia were actually presented by the Khedive; but Sir Frederick declined to accept them without receiving permission — for which he never would ask 1
He also received a letter from the Duke of Cambridge: —
" New Year's Day, 1886.
" My dear Stephenson, — In wishing you all the compliments of the season on this the first of the year, I rejoice in being able to congratulate you on the great success you have had on the Nile, and your triumphant defeat of the Mahdists, with loss to them of spears, banners, and arms, besides heavy slaughter, and with comparatively slight loss to your own troops.
" The modesty with which you give the fullest justice to Grenfell and Butler does credit to your heart and to 3'our high sense of honour; but though this may be as you state, I thank you for the admirable manner in which the operation has been carried out, and been brought to a successful issue.... — Yours most sincerely,
While referring to the appreciation shown of his services, it is not possible on the other hand to omit the very remarkable fact of no clasp being awarded for the battle of Giniss. There are letters from the War Office to Sir Frederick showing that not only in the opinion of those in authority there, but in that of the Duke of Cambridge himself, this engagement was considered too trifling, " a mere matter of outposts," to be so honoured. So that when a question was asked in the House, Campbell Bannerman gave the strange explanation that no clasp was given owing to the casualties being so small. "It is essential to have regard in some degree to the severity of the fighting."