General Charles George Gordon (of Khartoum), 22nd June 1884 - a lithographed 'orifice letter' in Arabic on both sides of thin paper, 4.5cm by 3cm, with a contemporary translation. This letter is one of a number of facsimiles of Gordon's letter which, during the Siege of Khartoum, was sent to friendly forces outside the city. The letter reads "Mudir of Dongola. Khartoum and Senaar, in perfect security Mahamed Ahmed carries this to give you news. On his reaching you, give him all the news as to the direction and positions of the relieving force and their numbers. As for Khartoum there are in it 8,000 men and the Nile is rapidly rising. On the arrival of the bearer give him 100 reals Megidich from the State." Signed "C.G. Gordon". Sold together with a cabinet card portrait photograph of Pasha Gordon photographed at Khartoum.

Footnote:- In June 1884, Khartoum had been under siege for three of the ten months it endured. Copies of this letter would have been smuggled via various methods, either within the shaft of a spear, in a quill and hidden in the messenger's hair, or under the skin of donkeys. Seven months later when the relieving troops arrived, Gordon had already been killed.