Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-03-21
OSMAN DIGMA DEFEATED.
The English Meet with Great Exhibi-
ton of Bravery.

SuAKIM March 13.-Gen. Graham defeat
ed Osman Digma this morning. Seventy of
the British were killed and one hundred
wounded. About 2400 of the Rebels we're
killed, The British forces advanced in two
brigades, which were thrown into the form
of squares A series of encounters follow
cd and soon after leaving Zariba large body
of the rebels charged the leading square,
spearing many of the British. The sailors
inside the square Immediately closed up and
the rebels were repulsed with great slaughter.
The advance was again resumed when
immense hordcs rushed upon the
British from both sides. A terri
bic struggle ensued. The Arabs fought with
the greatest pluck and brayado, but nearly
I'll were killed The second brigade met
with obstinate resistance ard was at one
time repulsed. The Calling and Gardiner
guns fell into the hands of the rebels and
were only recovered after severe fight,
when the British gained possession of the
rebel camp. The Hussars made forward
movement and cut off the rebels retreat to
Sinkat. 1t is hoped they will save the fami-
lies of the mastered garrison.
Later.
The enemy were enabled to penetrate to
the second square and capture the. guns
by the movements of the Black Watch regi-
ment which advanced impetuously and broke
ranks. A number of the rebels still hover
around the camp and fire when the cattle are
being watered. The native guides bolted
when the square was broken. Further
fighting is improbable. The battle ragged
two and half hours. The rebel loss is es-
timated at 1000 killed and 5000 wounded.
The rebels entered the second square up
on their hands and knees, crawled beneath
the muzzles of the Calling guns and then
commenced slashing with their weapons,
doing terrible execution. The British were
no match for them al close quarters.
The rebels under cover of the smoke crept
close up TO the British lines and dashed
gainst the marines of the Sixty fifth and
Black Watch regiments, throwing themselves
upon the bayonets of the British,
giving and receiving fearful wounds
Great confusion ensued. The Slxty-ffth
began to retreat, crowding upon the
marines, when all became ineItricably
mixed. Gen. Graham and his staff die
their utmost to rally the men, but re
treated 500 yards to enable them to reform
Assistance from the other brigade prevented
serious disaster. There were many narrow
escapes among the officers. The horse OF
Gen. Butler was shot from under him
The pluck shown by the rebels is unex
amplcd
The Eject of the Victory I'm London
LONDON, March 13.-The Queen has tele
graphed Gen. Graham her congratulationi
upon yesterdays victory and the government
has received congratu lations upon the vic
tory from the foreign embassies here. TIT
Post says 1t understands that Baker Pashi
Will shortly be rcnstated in the British army
with the rank of major-general.
Alter the Battle
SUAKM, March 14-Gen. Graham an,
Col. Stewart with their stalls have returnc,
to Suakim. The wounded will return to
day. The latter are doing well. While dc
stroylng the rebel ammunition the troop
unearthed and DESTROYED 200O Remington
rifles. Wounded rebels state that Osmal
Digma's nephew and many OF the chief
ware killed in Thursdays fight. Osmal
was present early in the battle but fed whel
defeat became evident. Fifteen hundred
rebel corpses were found in one pit.
Hcartrending Scene.
Parties of Arabs wandered over the bettl
field in the moonlight and uttered heartrend
ing cries of grief whenever they found tn
dead bodies of friends in many places pile
in heaps. The Black Watch regiment wa
almost denuded of sub-officers in tn
battle. Friendly sheikhs are of the opinio
that Osman Digma will go to FL Mahdi an
report recent disasters ard ask for orders
They doubt that he will succeed in musterin
"a fresh force.
The immense volumes of black smok
which rose from the burning camp and vi
lagos made greater impression upon tn
fugitives than the British proclamation made
Before the battle Osman Digma went invent