Star.
London, England, 1821-09-22 00:00:00

INDIA.

A more complete idea may be formed, from the an-
nexell letters, of the degree in which the British force
suffered in the late expedition against the Arab tribe
of Beni 800 Ali :

" Camp near Zoa, Coast of Arabia, February 23,11321.
" We arrived here on the 29th ult. and have been delayed
ever since, in consequence of the insufficiency of carriage. I low-
ever, the Imaum of Muscat (who is now here) has supplied us
with 1000 camels, and we move to-morrow morning. Our force
consists of the 65th Regiment, Bombay European Regiment, Ist
liattaliorr2d Regiment, Ist Battalluo 7th Regiment, flank. Bat-
talion; one Troop of Horse Artillery, 50 Foot Artillery, and one
Company of Pioneers. Benl 800 Ali is about fifty miles in the
interior. On the 10th instant, about midnight, from four hun-
dred to five hundred of these Beni 800 All fellows came sud-
denly on the picket on the left of the line (where the European
Regiment, and lit Battalion 2d Regiment, were) cut it up, and
entered 'henna sword in hand ; killed one Officer, Capt. Parr ;
nine Europeans, and three sepoys ; wounded three Officers, Co-
lonel Cox, Lieutenants Burnett and Watkins; twenty Euro-
peans and seven sepoys. We were pitched in a straggling man-
ner, and could have no Idea of these fellows coming so far to pay
us a visit, consequently were not prepared, or much on the alert.
The pickets were nOt even loaded. The confusion, as you may
well imagine, was dreadful. The Arabs were in the lines before
the least alarm was given. They cut down the tents, and speared
and hacked at the men, while so situated, in a horrid manner.

" The Officers were wounded behind their own lines and the
men's. On retiring, the Arabs left behind them twelve killed
and twenty-five wounded. Since this, we have been very much
on the alert. These Arabs are a fine brave race oL men, and
particularly dexterous with the sword. The way our people
are cut and mangled is astonishing. Some have their heads split
down to the neck and shoulder. They use straight double-edged
swords, as sharp as razors. The effect of such a weapon in the
hands of a muscular Arab is, 1 can assure you, sweeping."

" Bombay, April 10.

" My List to you was dated Zoa, the day previous to our
march. We reached Ben I 800 Hassan, about four miles from
Beni 800 Ali, on the let daof March, and moved on against
the latter place on the 2d, having our heavy guns and camp-
equipage smiler a strong guard. In moving round the place,
we were fired upon, which occasioned us a few casualties--
Whilst the General was reconnoitring, a body of Arabs were
observed to leave the fort ; on which the line made a movement

to the left, and our brigade (65th Regiment and Ist battalion 7th
Regiment Bombay Native Infantry) advanced on a wood, where
the enemy had taken post, and when within about 900 yards of
it, they sallied out, sword in hand, passed along our line under a
heavy fire, numbers of them falling, and attacked the 7th Regi-
ment in flank, and got into their rear, where we had pretty
tough work of it while it lasted, which was not above a quarter
of an hour; the 7th Regiment losing three Officers, and 150
men killed and wounded ; the 65th Regiment, three Officersand
40 men ; the two Regiments united mustered in the field 710
firelocks, the attacking party of Arabs about 900. After this
brush we moved on towards the fort, which, after a little shell-
ing and battering, surrendered unconditionally. Five hundred
of these fellows were killed, and about 300 wounded.
" We buried the remains of the bodies of those who fell in
Captain Thompson's unfortunate affair. It was a horrid sight :
they had all been left to bleach and dry in the sun, and had
been dreadfully hacked. From all I can learn, these poor fel-
lows fought and fell nobly. This Beth 800 Ali business has
cost us, at first and last, eight Officers killed, eight wounded.
upwards of 450 men killed, and about 950 wounded. I ought
not to forget to tell you, that we blew up the place, and de-
stroyed every house and shelter near it.
" I must here observe, that I never saw, nor can imagine,
anything more determined and resolute than the attack of these
Wahabees. No men could have displayed more bravery when
worsted. Some of them absolutely sold their lives. They were
armed merely with swords and light spears; many of the swords
were real Andrew Femme; their execution I shall not readily
forget. The shock we received from the charge made us [eel
and stagger again—indeed, fall back a trifle; but we soon re-
covered ourselves. Our Sepoys behaved nobly, particularly the
Rajapoots, who used the bayonet with great effect.
" We returned to Zoa on the I lth of March, embarked on
the 17th, sailed on the lath, and reached Bombay on the 97th.
We brought with us the two Chiefs, and about 150 prisoners.
The old men and wounded were left with the Imaum of Muscat.
We may therefore regard the tribe of Beui 800 AU as completely
scattered and destroyed. General Smith goes round to Bengal
on tne Staff of that Establishment.-

Dczt.—Friday week, a duel was fought on Plumstead Com-
mon, near Woolwich, between Lieutenant B—, of the itoyal
Artillery, and a Mr. C—, h gentleman of respectability. After
exchanging two shots each, Mr. C. was wounded by the ball of
his antagonist going through the upper part of one thigh, and
through the wrist of his left hand. Lieutenant B. escaped with
having the skin on his forehead rased by the ball of Mr. C. It
is somewhat remarkable that on the first exchange of shots, the
balls came in contact with each other, and both of them feU about
three feet from Mr. C.—Mr. C. is convalescent.

DRURY-LANE THEATRE —The new Piece, entitled
Monsieur Tonson, was repeated last night. Some ju-
dicious curtailments have been made in. the dialogue.
Thus compressed, it went off with increased effect,
and was received with loud applause by a numerous
and elegant audience.
HAYMARKET.....Mr. KENNY'S new comedy of Match-
Breaking, was repeated last night, and went off with
increased eclat. It is completely in the style and cha-
racter of this interesting House, and most admirably
adapted to the peculiar talents of the several per-
formers whom it calls into action.
ENGLISH OPERA.HOUSELOye's Dream—A Cure
for C'arcombs—and The Miller's Maid, e pet formed
last night. Although now become old favourites, they
continue to attract with all the force of novelty. The
life, spirit, and variety which this combination pre-
sents, afforded a rich treat to an elegant audience.
The Editor of a certain Provincial Journal has the
following paragraph in his Paper of Saturday last:—
Stafford Assizes terminated last week t the trials
were not of an important nature;. twenty prisoners
were cc:Fit:did convicted."