In the morning Gregory started alone, as soon as it was light.

As he neared the town, he saw that there were several native craft on the river; and that boats were passing to and fro between the town and Shendy, on the opposite bank.

From the water side a number of men were carrying what appeared to be bags of grain towards the hills behind the town, while others were straggling down towards the river.
Without being questioned, Gregory entered Metemmeh, but stopped there for a very few minutes.

Everywhere were the bodies of men, women, and children, of donkeys and other animals.

All were now shrivelled and dried by the sun, but the stench was almost unbearable, and he was glad to hurry away.
Once beyond the walls he made for the hill.