A fascinating letter listing the monthly salaries paid to high ranking officers of the Egyptian army. Separated between officers and staff, our writer appears to have had a tentative go at translating the roles into Arabic. A manuscript note to the receiver states - somewhat secretively - that these wages have been compiled by the Egyptian office in Alexandria and, that they [the receiver] should ‘keep it perhaps it may be of some use to you. It is signed off F.W but we have been unable to ascertain who this could have been.

1879 was the start of the Urabi revolt in Egypt against the British and French rule. This was caused by local resentment at the colonial powers controlling the economy of the country (this followed the Khedive defaulting on loans built up to fund his infrastructure projects). Led by Urabi, an Egyptian commander, the rebels demanded democratic reforms and control over the country's budget.

The revolt was quelled through the Anglo-Egyptian war, culminating in the defeat of the Egyptian army at the battle of Tel el-Kebir in 1882. This restored the compliant Khedive to the throne and establish Egypt as a quasi-protectorate of the British.