The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-07 00:00:00

Rion PROM AMSIIVIA:

• . •
A most interesting and Valuable letter on the Abyssinian
tixpedition, from its special correspondent, appears in the
Daily News. The latest information from this source
bears date 19th of November. On the 3rd of October
the troopship Coromandel, accompanied by the Euphrates,
!steamed into Annesley Bay. Having passed the reefs
'and pillar-like rocks which guard the entrance to the bay,
the vessels found a safe and good anchorage close to the
shore. About a fortnight after the arrival of the Coro-
mandel and Euphrates, vessels carrying the pioneer brigade
of the expedition entered the bay. The brigade consisted
of a regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, the 3rd Light
Cavalry, a mountain battery, three companies of Sappers
and a company of Marines—all native troops. The ener-
gies of the pioneer brigade were employed in the first
instance in the construction of two piers, by which the
landing of stores, &c., was much facilitated ; and the
making of a new road which had to be cut through the
brushwood, and many miles of which had been completed
before the last news left the coast for Europe. Water
was found to be scarce, and although a number
of wells were sunk, with one or two exceptions
they proved failures. Two camps were formed at
Ayro Male and Kumoyle, the one twelve and the other
sixteen miles from the point of landing. The reason for
this arrangement, which at first sight seems to be rather
imprudent, considering the limited number of the troops,
was rendered necessary in order that the number of thirsty
men and cattle seeking supplies at the landing-place
should be lessened. In order to open up a new district
and command a supply of water, Colonel Merewether
was about to set out on a reconnaissance, the object of
which was to ascertain the existence of a road to the
village of Tohonda. This village, situated on the borders
of the table-land, in the vicinity of water, and surrounded
by grass and wood, may be considered as marking the
spot at which most of the difficulties of the
expedition, so far at least as natural impediments are
concerned, will have been overcome. In order to accelerate
the business of disembarkation about SCO natives were
employed, but they had only been at work about a fortnight
when, emulating the example of certain classes of their
European brethren, they "struck" for higher wages. Soon,
however, they were persuaded to return to their tasks,
though for any important work they were almost useless, as
they were extremely weak and also extremely lazy. The
weather was warm, but in the shade it was by no means
unsupportable or even uncomfortable. The thermometer
during the day stood at 88°; the evenings were
fresh, and the nights, or rather early mornings, were
almost cool. The Bay of Annesley is described
as being nearly land-locked. Mountains higher
than those of Scotland or Germany surround it on the
east and south, and hills encircle it on the west. Although
water is extremely scarce, the mountains and plains around
the bay are covered with fresh, green brushwood. The bay
itself is covered with small sailing-boats, rowing being an
accomplishment apparently unknown in these regions.
The inhabitants, among whom various tribes are to be noted,
are at present in many instances reaping a comfortable
harvest from the expedition. Nothing definite is
known of the movements or intentions of Theodore.
It is rumoured that he is in possession of a
number .of breech-loaders, but the • number is, in
all probability, a small one. It is gratifying to
have to add, that although there has been considerable
mortality among the horses and mules, the general
health of the men has been remarkably good.
The main objects kept in view by the pioneer brigade were
to find a suitable track and to make a road to the high
country. Colonel Merewether, at the head of a small
exploring party, had set out towards Tohonda, on the
crest of the plateau and on the line of the proposed route.
The plan of campaign is, of course, kept concealed ; but
any one could tell from the appearance of the country
that the first steps would be slow and painful. Every-
thing consumed on the line—forage as well as rations for
the men—must be transported on the backs of mules, and
hence a chain of depots must be established to connect
the plateau with the sea. The general health of the men
has been remarkably good.