The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-12-22 00:00:00

THE FATE OF HICKS PASHA.

A Renter's telegram, dated Cairo, December 15,
says that contradictory statements continue to reach
the Egyptian Government concerning the fate of
Hicks Pasha and his army. The Khedive has re-
ceived a telegram from the Governor of Khartoum
stating that a camel driver has been discovered who
accompanied Hicks Pasha. This man states that the
Egyptian troops, after being twice victorious over the
Mandi's forces, entered a wood, where they sustained
a severe defeat from the enemy. They were, how-
ever, able to construct entrenchments, in which they
held out till want of water and the sufferings of many
of the men from dysentery compelled them to leave
their positions, when they were attacked by the
Mandi, and all slain with the exception of 37 who
were taken prisoners. The camel driver did not
know, however, whether any Egyptian officers were
among these prisoners.

The Cairo correspondent of the Daily News writes :

Klein, a German servant to an officer who arrived
via Korosko, reports I lett Khartoum on the sth
November to stay in a village four miles to the north
of Khartoum for ten days. Just before leaving for
Berber five Berberines with long hair arrived, saying
'lt is finished. The Egyptian soldiers and Bashi-
Bazoliks are all killed. Two Europeans arid twelve
Egyptians are trying to make their way to Khartoum,
vid Darfour. They have probably lost their way.'
Hicks Pacha was taken prisoner on the second
day, and afterwards killed at a place three
days distant from Obeid. Hick Pacha had ten
thousand men, a large number of camels, and
sixty-four horses. Two hundred camels were
killed in the battle. The Egyptian soldiers laid
down their arms. Three thousand were taken pri-
soners." Klein, in conversation with me, said he re-
members Colonel Farquharson coming into the tent of
his master, who was going with the advance guard,
- - finA the Mehdi h.. Ty,..-rtAsi,-ode
day in advance with Hicks Pacha, with whom was Mr.
O'Donovan. The advance guard was always one day
ahead. Hicks Pacha's hands were cut off, and he was
Cut to pieces afterwards. Mr. O'Donovan wore a
tarboush, mandilla, and long boots. Mr. Vizetelly
wore a brown coat and trousers, Probably the two
Englishmen were trying to escape via Darfour and
Dusm by the description.

In a telegram dated Khartoum, Sunday evening, the
Correspondent of The Times says :-
-- -

The first and only survivor Of Hicks Pasha's army,
a man who marched with Hicks Pasha from Duem
and who has now come back in safety, arrived here
last nigt.t. He is a native of Khartoum, and is well
known here.

He etatea that he was in the battle of Kashgate, and
he has a lance wound in the back.

During the fight, owing to the rooky nature of the
ground and the number of trees, no proper-formation
could be preserved among the soldiers. They fought
in detached groups, each body of men surrounded by
Arab., who picked them off in turn. Hicks Pasha
fought like a lion, discharging the contents of his
revolver three times, and then using his sword. He
was the last of the Staff to die. The members of the
Staff all fell in one group.
After the battle about 15a soldiers were found lying
wounded, and the Mandi ordered that no wounded
man should be injured. My Informant says nothing
about any wounded officers. The heads of the Staff
officers and of the Egyptian officers were struck off
and exhibited to the prisoners, and then fixed over
the gate of El Obeid. The Arabs resolved to build a
tomb over Hicks Pasha's body, in recognition of his
great bravery. The Mandi directed that the prisoner
Vii.etelly should not be injured.