My dear William, — I leave here at the end of this month, probably the 31st. I am sore tempted to take Palestine on my way home, having had a most liberal and hospitable offer made me by Mr. Cook, the Tourist Manager, who has asked me and an A.D.C. to be his guests if I go there, though he will not be present himself, and has instructed his agent to make every possible arrangement for my comfort and convenience. This would be without any expense to me. There are, however, difficulties in the way. In the first place, it is very doubtful whether one can land at Jaffa at this season, owing to the wind; then the season is very unfavourable for travelling in the Holy Land, owing to the heavy rains. However, I shall see. The prospect of this little trip is too tempting to be set aside in a hurry. In the meantime I shall have a busy time here with farewell dinners. The English and foreign communities give me one next Monday, when about 250 peoplewill be present, including, I understand, H.H.'s Ministers and the different Consuls- General. A big affair entailing — horror of horrors — a speech. On the 24th the staff give me a dinner — another speech; and on the 29th the Khedive gives me a dinner, about 60 or 70 being present, when in all probability I may have to make a few incoherent remarks in French. I shall not be sorry when it is all over. You can have no idea of the kindness and good feeling shown to me on all hands by English, natives, and foreigners. I wish that you could witness it. I feel that they are really sorry I am going. I am sure you will not think I say this out of swagger or for
any other reason than that I know it will give you pleasure. Our fever epidemic has entirely disappeared, and the bracing winter weather commenced, still with the lovely blue sky which rarely, very rarely, forsakes us. I confess that when I leave Egypt I shall carry away with me many regrets as well as pleasant recollections.
To his Sister
Cairo, December 26, 1887.
My dear Minny, — I leave here on the 31st, and embark for Marseilles on the 2nd January. I may stay a day or two in Paris, but that is doubtful. If I do not, I ought to be with you by Monday the 9th. The enclosed newspaper contains an account of last Monday's dinner. The card accompanying it gives a list of the guests, and I will tell you who they are when we meet. I also send you a correct copy of Mr. Stanhope's telegram, which was not accurately reported: —
" From War Secretary to Sir E. Baring. — I am glad to hear that you are doing honour to Sir F. Stephenson on his retirement from his command in Egypt. His services have been marked by conspicuous ability and success, and I have Her Majesty's permission to add that they have been highly appreciated by the Queen."
To his Brother
Cairo, December 26, 1887.
My dear William, — I send you a copy of a local newspaper containing an account of the farewell dinner given to me last Monday. It was a most successful affair. The reception given to me would have done your heart good to have witnessed; anything more honourable and gratifying could not have been. All the Consuls-General were present, and numerous members of all nationalities as well. I send you a list of the guests, and have marked the nationalities of the Consuls-
1 887] LAST DAYS IN EGYPT 357
General. Last but not least, nearly all the ladies of our own community were present to hear the speeches. Sir E. Baring made two capital speeches, which were well delivered and well received. They are accurately reported. To my immense surprise and delight, my own speech was well received, and gave much satisfaction to the foreigners. It is not quite correctly reported: one or two omissions and alterations have been made, but nothing of much consequence. The good feeling displayed was warm and genuine. The dinner and waiting were very good, and the large tent in which we dined was the prettiest thing I ever saw. I had a parade last Saturday and said a few words of farewell to the officers and men, and in the evening the staff gave me a dinner — about twenty sat down. Tonight the officers of the garrison give me a dinner, and on Thursday I dine with the Khedive. On Saturday the 31st I leave for Suez [to join] the P. and O. steamer Khedive, which leaves on the 2nd of January.
1 Right Hon. Sir Edward B. Malet, Bart., G.C.B., G.C.M.G., 1 8 37- 1 908. British Minister Plenipotentiary in Egypt 1882.
* Sir Charles Rivers Wilson, b. 1831, K.C.M.G. Finance Minister in Egypt 1875.
' Sir Auckland Q>lvin, Comptroller-General in Egypt 1881-82.
* Battle of Tel-el- Kebir, where Wolseley defeated Arabi, September 13, 1882.