On the opposite bank of the Nile, they found encamped the Dervishes who had retired from Berber.

The guns opened fire upon them, and they retired inland; leaving behind them fourteen large boats, laden with grain.

These were at once sent down to Berber, where they were most welcome; and a portion of the grain was distributed among the almost starving population, nearly five thousand in number, principally women and children.
Supplies soon began to arrive from below, being brought up in native craft, from Abu Hamed, as far as the cataract; then unloaded and carried up past the rapids on camels; then again placed in boats, and so brought to Berber.

Macdonald's brigade started a fortnight after the occupation, their place at Abu Hamed having been taken by a brigade from Kassinger, each battalion having towed up boats carrying two months' supply of provisions.
A fort was now erected at the junction of the two rivers, and occupied by a small force, under an English officer.

Two small steamers were employed in towing the native craft from Abu Hamed to Berber.