The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-10-09

servances should not be forced on one who had
other views that the chief gave him Jug OF butter
an article also forbidden during the season OF fast
ing. He suffered on from day TO day when the
morning had he longed for the night. and with
morning." When he walked out the rabble jeered
at him. and stones often struck his body. On the
I'D of February Mitchell and one OF the Egyptian
soldiers chained together by the right and left
wrists respectfully and that most effectually. They
were then told that Aiula had received orders from
King John to send them on to him at Adua or
Adowa. as il is sometimes spelled.
CHAINED IN COUPLES.
There were five pairs of them i'll all, chained two
and two and driven at the TOP of their speed along
the narrow stony path like slaves to the galleys.
They We're guarded by twenty Abyssinian soldiers.
commanded by petty officer called u 9tcdH At
shutdown they camped for the night Early the
next morning the Professor unclaimed from his
companion and told to wait in the village, while
the rest OF the party went on as mule would soon
be in readiness for him. Two or three of the guards
remained with MIN. and when the mule was
brought he mounted and they set off toward the
town OF Godofelassie In the afternoon they over
took the main party. and that night camped at the
village just named. Here Mitchell and his soldiers
were treated with great Kindness by some native
Abyssinians who Mosems Nothing special
occurred until the 10th of February when after
they had made about one-half the distance to Adua.
they came upon the battle field of uundet where
Colonel Arrendrup and his army had been slain lit
hours on the battle feld sharing the muddy. stag
nant water OF the wells along with the hocks and
herds that were gathered there at the time.
A CHRISTIAN FOUND
They descended INTO the valley and then COM
menced long night tramp. which lasted till the
break OF day BY eight O'Clock Mitchell had reached
the base of mountain range beyond which
Adua. An Abyssnian soldier marched ut his heels
to force him along and from this fellow he had
little to expect in the way of indulgence. He
staggered up the ascent far possible and
then sank completely exhausted the ground.
The soldier was about to beat him with heavy
club. when by means OF signs AMI few
words that he had picked up Mitchell made
this Abyssinian TO understand that he was Chris
tan. The result was u perfect chord, which
awakened in the soldiers heart all the tenderness
and sympathy of child. All the brute had disap-
peared the took the hand of his prisoner in
his hand. He felt poor Mtchelps heart. which with
every beat seemed ready spring from his breast,
and then made him lie down to rest while After
that the guard helped his prisoner up the steep
places in the route, and ever after. when with the
Professor. upon the march in camp, the latter
ceivod the same kind treatment ut his hands,
ABYssINIAN CAPITAL.
The afternoon OF February % they came in sight
of the town OF Adua. and before night entered the
capital. 1t found that the King was away dis
lance half dozen days journey to the south
east and to him they must be taken Before they
left Adua an Abyssinian woman gave Mitchell all the
bread and milk he desired and OF her sons gave
him shirt. and an Ably ssinan chief of artillery gave
him decent pair Of drawers They marched on
without impediment" until Oh the morning of the
5tn OF March, they were within two or three hours
of the Kings camp. Here they halted, for the King
was coming, on his way back to Adua Presently
he halted and they were handed over to other
Now. the thirty-third day of his captivity. this
American gentleman and scholar was in the hands Of
His Majesty King John OF Abysslnia.
A KINGS HOSPITALITY.
No shelter was provided for the prisoners that
night and the next morning they started the
march back to Adua. At noon the King took rest
and Mitchell was left to stand on the limestone
plateau, broing in the hot MONDAY sun. At night
fall little bread aud little water given
him; and then. suffering from hunger thirst, ver-
MN sorcs cold and severe cramps in his legs,
Mitchell tried to sleep but could not After a
night of suffering he was marched OFT before
daylight without food or drink. and not until
midday had he an opportunity to slake his
thirst More days OF march and nights Of
misery with nothing to eat but scanty allowance
OF sour bread. followed. The Abyssinian soldiers
gave him no help. but now aud then a camp girl
came along and, touched with feeling of pity,
voluntarily gave him q drink from her gourd.
He still chung to the remnants of his one shoe. but
both his feet greatly swollen and worn to tho
living flesh. His body nothing but mass Of
scabs aud raw. bleeding sores from neck to heels.
while hair beard and tattered rags were alive with
vermin 1t was thus that he crept, gaunt, starv-
ing feeble shadow of his former SELF into hovel in
Abyssinian capital to enjoy the hospitality Of
His Most Christian Majesty Johanis King of Kings.
AMONG FRIENDS AT LAST.
Although in the midst Of plenty Professor Mitch
ell and his soldiers still ted only once day. and
in proportion to their needs, on almost micros-
copic quantity of black bread and water. Knowing
| that there were Europeans in the town Professor
Mitchell made application to the officer Of the guard
| for permission to visit them. Tho matter was re-
| ferred to the King, who gave his consent. but
dered that the Profess or. irons might first be
fessors soldiers slaves to the King. were forced
by blows, and while chained in pairs. to work on
| the roads as mcnials while he himself WAS
| taken to the anteroom OF the palace Here he was
| met by an Abyssinian. who addressed him kindly
and in good English. This officer OF the King had
| lived in London and in Paris He gave Professor
Mitchell assurances OF his sympathy. and told him
that he need have tear. as he would probably be
released and permitted to leave Adua for Mass
owah. Another Of the Kings officers, who also
spoke English sent for a needle ana some thread
and made use or 1t for tine mex. naf hour IN en-,
stitching together the tattered bits of his garments
After this Mitchell hunted up the Europeans
and presently the hands OF good Samar
+ tans he was rchabilitated. stimulated fed and
cared for az child One Of the gentlemen he met
was German scientist. who had lived in the coun
united to that OF humanity, drew him toward
Mitchell with twofod sympathy and power. He
Schimpfer. eighty-two years OF age. who
mas spent half OF them i'll Abyssinia, who helped
him all that was possible Now q lance was NO
longer at his back: he could walk or rest rs In
pleased. and the taunting words. "Move on!" were
no longer ringing in his cars.
On the 18th OF March Professor Mitchell wal
handed letter from Gordon Pacha in which he was
informed that everything possible was being done
His Majesty from Colonel Gordon asking fol
Mtchelrs release. and containing propositions fol
peace between Egypt and Abyssinia On the 10th
In the afternoon. the kind Kings officer stepped vi
| to Mitchell and SAID =
Il have good news for you. had an interview
with the King this morning, and referring t.
Gordon Pacha's communication asking your releas,
His Majesty remarked THAT letter has now III
significance. have already set Mr.. Mitchell free
| u he wishes he may remain in my country Ions
as he lives or he can start for Masso wah. SO you
are free to do whatever you please. You have
| full liberty, and am glad OF it,"
ONCE MORE WITH HIS coUNrnYMES.
Professor Mitchell again free Ameri
| can. Shackes had not only falleA from his hand
| but from his mind. For the first time in his lf
lie realized the full Significance. the real mean
ing. of the word Liberty" His forty-eight days
| captive life were at an ED. The King, however
| withheld all assistance; but. thanks to kind Eu
| ropeans and Coptic merchant from Cairo, ever
arrangement necessary for Mitchell journey to Mas
sowah comfortably as possible was made ii
still too weak 10 travel. but each day there
to him u sensible increment of strength. On Satuf
! day afternoon. the 10Th of March. he mounted
mule and with light heart set out for tho coast
and Monday. April Z, he rode into Massowah
Just sixty-seven days had passed since the mornin
OF his capture, at Ailct-days which had boon fillc
to the utmost limit with hopes fears and sufferings
At six o'clock on the evening of April 20 Professo
! Mitchell arrived at Cairo. where ho met by nu
| merous friends and countrymen.