Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-02-19
SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE.

GOIO anu GtOFy under the hne-
dtve-PersOnneI of the AdVen-
turers.
The New York Times thus describes
the Americans who hold prominent posi-.
tons in the service OF the Khediye Of
Egypt
The recent brilliant exploit of the
young American soldier, Colonel Long
Of the Egyptian service, calls attention
to the little band of American officers
who have taken commissions under the
Khediva These are equally divided
between soliiers Of the late Union and
Confederate armies, and comprise seve-
raj graduates Of our military school at
West Point. Almost from their appear
ance in Egypt they have distinguished
themselves in military organization or
practical achievement 10 the field; but
the feat Of Colonel Long in defeating
with force consisting only of himself
and two Egyptian soldiers, savage
band Of 400 under the chief Kabba Rega
who had before brought to naughta large
expedition OF Sir Samuel Baker, is the
most famous of their exploits. 1t will
link the name OF the plucky young
American with those. OF the many TO-.
trepid African explorers aud adyen.
turers, the story of whose achievements
forms the most fascinating chapter in
the literature of travels. The scene Of
the unequal counict on the chores Of the
Lake Victoria, in Central Africa, adds to
its romantic interest, and the fact that it
was waged in the good cause Of sup
pressing the slave trade will increase its
claims to be remembered.
When the attention OF the Khedive
was frst turned to the United States as
recruiting field for the offering of his
army, the rebellion had Just terminated
The Egyptian sovereign wisely concluded
that the ending OF 80 great conflict
would leave unemployed a considerable
number OF experienced oficers. whose
tastes would incline them to replain in
military life, rather than to seek employ
ment in civil pursuits. Besides, his or
fers Of pay and promotion we're such az
to tempt even the younger officers of our
regular army, who we're impatient Of the
allow advancement in their own service.
When il was once known. therefore, that
the Khedive was seeking for officers, the
application for places became nsmer0ns.
Mr. Merchant, Of this city, the agent Of
the Egyptian Government in the matter,
and himself the son Of United States
army officer Of excellent reputation and
long service, had his choice among an
exceptionally capable body Of officers.
His good judgment in the selection has
been proved by the conduct of those who
have taken commissions Egypt.
The most famous Anne rican officer ia
the service Of the Khedive is General
Charles P. Stone, who now holds the
position Of Chief of the General Stat.
he is the general officer who suffered so
terribly and unjustly, in loss OF reputa-
ton and actual imprisonment, for the
failure Of the affair at Balls Bluff, on
the Potomac, near Lees burg, in the first.
year Of the war, the autumn of 1861
The opportunity from which he was de-.
barred in his own country General Stone,
has found and improved in Egypt. He
was recognized here as one of the bravest
and most capable OF our officers. No
one who knew General Stone can be at
all surprised at his rapid elevation in the
service whore he hss met with kinder
fortunes. In September, 1873, he re-
ceived promotion 20 the rank of "Ferik
Pscha, the highest military grade in
the Egyptian service, outside of the
royal family. His skill as an organizer
has proved Of the greatest service to the
Khedive, who has not failed to appreci-
ate and reward his efforts.
Another Of the American officers in
Egypt is Colonel Horstio B. Reed, of
this city, who is Lieutenant Colonel of
staff. he served with Sheridan iu the
Shenandoah, at one time com manding a
brigade, and greatly distinguished him
self generally during the war. Colonel
X. u. ColstOn, also Of the general staf
is Yirginian, who commanded q regi-
ment Of his State in Lees army, Pick
etts division. He bore a high reputa-
ton, and won his brigadier generalcy
before the end OF the war. Colonels
ColstoD aud Reed commanded an expe-
dition for reconnaissance aud conqueut
into the unexplored regions a Kordo-
fan and Dsrfour, which stared from
Cairo on the 5th Of last December An.
other expedition for q similar purpose is
commanded by two Americans Colonel
sparrow Purdy aud Lieutenant Colonel
a. Macomb Mason, likewise Of the gen.
eral staff. These commands are well
equipped with bowitsets aud GRtling
batteries, aud arc accompanied by q
large party Of Typographical engineers
aud o scientific corps of nsturalists.
For the first time the oouutry will be
\ mappeda and hitherto unexplored regions
lsuFVuIsda As The expeditions are 10 be
\ gou6 4hr6e years, aud will extend
Ter lDte tbs interior 10 hitherto un
visited territory, these American off
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