Despite the delays caused by the Quartermaster's insistence that all the expedition's reserve of rifle ammunition be placed with the supply column rather than dispersed to the individual Infantry Companies, we seem to have maintained the element of surprise. There has been no contact with the Dervishes since we marched out of Tewfpik late this morning, and the Cavalry patrols report no sign of recent enemy activity in the area through which we will advance tomorrow. With God's help we shall surprise Osman Dogma and his Dervishes in their lair at Dahmot, and destroy them once and for all.