Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-03-14
Red Coats Victorious-The Enemy
Completely Routed.
Osman Digms's Camp Taken After
Hard Fighting.
Seventy British and Six Thousand
Rebels Killed.

LONDON, March IS.
Th. dispatches from Suakim state that the
rebels opened fire on Gen. Grshsm's forces
at one clock this morning. The British
forces were at once formed to repel the
charge, but no attack came. The men were
thereupon ordered to lie down again. The
fire of the rebels continued all night, but the
British did not reply. An officer and two
men were wounded. and one man was killed.
The fighting began at dsybreak. The in
fantry and artillery completely routed the en-
envy from their pits and trenches. The bat
tie had not lasted more than half an hour.
when the victory of the British was made
certain. telegraph dispatch has been re-
ceived from Gen. Graham, dated at Osmam
Digna's camp, March 18th, ll.40 A. VI.
The camp of the enemy has been taken
after hard fighting since o'clock this morn
ing" Over seventy of the British were
killed, and one hundred wounded.
Later dispatches say that the bivouac last
night was exceedingly unpleasant. The
Arabs kept up persistent fusilade till just
before daybreak. The bright moonlight rem
dered objects distinctly visible at a long dis
tance, but prevented the enemy from max
ing sudden onset. The rebels directed
their fire especially towards the hospital
wagons, which were conspicuous in the
staff officers had many narrow escapes. At
6 O'Clock, sunrise, Gardiner gun and a nine
FOUNDER were turned against the rebels, who
were within 1900 yards of the British posi-
ton, and afforded most excellent target.
The Arabs were soon compelled to retire
to the main position near Tamia wells. Col.
Stewards cavalry arrived at half past six,
and took a position on the British left, so as
to turn the enemy's right.
The British forces advanced in two bri
gades, which were thrown into the form of
a square. A series of encounters followed.
Soon after leaving Zeariba great body of
rebel charged the leading square, spearing
many of the British. The sailors who were
inside the squares closed up, and the rebels
were repulsed with great slaughter. The
advance was again resumed when hordes
rushed upon the British from both sides. A
terrible struggle ensued. The Arabs fought
with the greatest pluck and bravado, but
nearly all were killed. The second brigade
met with an obstinate resistance and at one
time were repulsed. The Calling and Gar
diner guns fell into the hands of the rebels
and were only recovered after a severe fight,
when the British like wise gained possession
of the rebel camp. The loss of Osman
Digma's forces was 2400.
The rebels. under cover of the smoke
crept close up to the British, and dashed
against the Marines and 65th and Blacx
Watch regiments, throwing themselves on
the bayonets of the British, and giving and
receiving fearful wounds. Great confusion
ensued. The Goth began to retreat, crowd
ing on the marines, when all became mixed.
Gen Graham and staff did their utmost TO
rally the men retreating, and to enable them
to re form. Assistance from the other brig
ade prevented serious disaster. The pluck
shown by the rebels was unexampled.
The Queen telegraphed to Gen. Graham
congratulating him on his victory. from for
eign embassies in London.
A dispatch from Nakum to the Rauters
Telegram Co., says that the enemy pene
tr ated to the second square, and captured
some guns by the movements of the Black
regiment, which advanced impetuOusly, and
broke ranks. The native guides belted when
the square was broken. The rebels loss is
1000 killed and 5000 wounded.