The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-02-16
DEFEATED BY Ell MAHDI.
Baker Pnsha's Army Completely Routed
by tho False Prophet.

LONDON, February "a portion of
Baker Pasha's force left Trinkitat Saturday
and threw up intrenchments on the shore at
Laquaka, four miles distant. The rest Of
the troops followed Monday. Baker Pasha
intended to advance to the Well OF Teb, five
miles further and halfway to Tokar. Moth
ing was heard afterwards of his movements
until the news came Of his defeat. This
defeat was rather expected, as his force
consisted of raw, badly-equipped, drilled
and disciplined recruits, some of whom
were sent to the front without arms and
some with only muskets. The gloomiest
rumors have prevailed since the start Of the
expedition. Advices about the defeat
are conflicting, but the following
details are received. Baker began to ad-
vance from Trinkitat Sunday with 5000
troops badly armed and short OF ammuni-
ton, many Of whom were unwilling to pro-
ceed. He had asked for rifles instead Of
muskets, but received orders to try and
force his way to Tokar without delay, and
he obeyed, expecting defeat. The spies
falsely reported the way clear except of
small bands. Monday morning portion Of
the advance encountered body Of Osman
Degna's troops, and the fight which ensued
was more of a route than battle. The
khedive has telegram from Baker Pasha
regal ding his defeat. His losses were 1000
men, four Krupp cannon and two Gatling
guns. The Turks and Europeans fought
well. Baker Pasha will return at once to
Suakim with the remainder Of his force.
Baker Pasha lost all his camels and bag
gage in the fight. Most Of the Egyptian Of
ficers and men bolted. The Europeans be.
haved splendidly. The enemy pursued
them al most into Trinkat. Fourteen Eu-
70 peans and three native lofiicers are miss
ing. The fight was begun by few Arab
horsemen attacking Baker Pasha's cavalry,
which fed. Baker then formed square,
which the enemy surrounded. The rest Of
the Egyptians then fled IN confusion and the
gunners deserted their guns. Baker Pasha
was several times surrounded by the enemy,
but with his staff managed to cut his way
through. The enemy's force was inferior
in numbers to Baker Pash's. Only three
sides of square were formed, owing to the
fact that two companies of Egyptian troops
stood still, overcome with fright The enc
my poured into this gap, when the Egyp-
tians threw away their rifles and flung them
telves upon the ground, screaming for
mercy. The troops on one side OF the
square killed many of their own men by
wild firing.
Later adyices of the defeat of Baker
Pasha state that the slaughter of his forces
continued all the way back to Trinkitat. The
Egyptians were panic stricken and fell upon
their knees, but their appeals for mercy
were fruitless. The Arabs seized them by
the necks, thrust speers into their backs
and savagely cut their throat. The English
men missing are Maurice Bey, Surgeon Les
lie, Captains Foster and Walker, Lieuten-
ants Carroll, Smith and Watkins. Ten
other foreign officers are missing. The fugi-
tives were -huddled together on the shore at
Trinkitat, and might easily have been
but the enemy gave over the
pursuit. The men embarked as quickly as
possible upon six transports lying. there,
and with Baker Pasha and Colonel Ssr-
torious, arrived at midnight at Suakim. In
tense excitment prevails in Suakim, and an
attack Of the enemy is expected. The forts
are occupied by the English marines. The
French agent has telegraphed for man-of-