Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-01-22
IN BVTTLE ARRN.
Fighting IN the Heart Of the
Great Desert.
A BLOODY BATTLE ON THE SAND.
English Soldiers IN Hollow Square
Fight the MahdPs Supsrsti-
tious H0des,
THE RED COATS GAIN THE DAY,

LONDON, January 2l.-A dispatch has
been received at the war Office from Gen.
Wolsley dated Korti, January 2l-3 P. m.
which reads substantially as follows Gen
Stewart has had heavy engagement with
a portion of Mahdi's force near Abu Kelea
Wells, about twenty-three miles this side Of
Metemneh. The rebels, had collected from
Berber, Metemneh, and Omduraman. This
last Place, l regret 10 say, prisoners report
was recently captured by the Mahdi
and their men were released from
there TO fight Gen. Stewart.
On the afternoon of January 10th, General
Stewards cavalry reported the enemy were
in position some few miles this side OF the
we'll AS it was too late in the day to al
low an advance and successful encounter,
General Stewart bivouckaed where he was
for the night The enemy kept up harm
less FIRE all night and erected works on Gen.
Stewards right flank. Saturday Gen.
Stewart endeayoredto draw the enemy on to
make an attack but the rebels hesltated.
In consequence Gen. Stewart left all his
implement, also his camels with guard OF
the Sussex regiment and some mounted
infantry. He moved forward, keeping his
forces in the form of square. All the men
were on foot The British army passed
round the enemy's left flank forcing them
to make an attack or be subject to an
enfladc FIRE. The enemy wheeled to the
lef, and made a well organized charge
under witheriug fire from our men. The
square was unfortunately penetrated about
its left near where a heavy cavalry and
camel regiment were in position, by sheer
weight of numbers. The admirable steadi-
ness of our men enabled them to maintain
a hand to hand fight with the opposing
force while severe punishment was being in
ficted upon the enemy BY all other
parts Of the square The enemy
was finally driven back under heavy
fire from all sides. The Nineteenth Hussars
then pushed forward to the wells. which
were in our possession by o'clock in the
evening. The enemy left not less than 500
slain around the square. Prisoners taken
while the enemy was retiring report the
number of the enemys wounded as quite
exceptional. One of the immediate effects
of the battle is that many of the rebels ale
submitting 1t was necessary for
the army to remain at the wells
some hours to obtain water. Soon
as practicaticable the intention was to push
on with all expedition to Matemnah. The
English wounded are doing well. General
Wolsley SAYS General Stewart concludes his
report as follows: 1T has been my duty to
v6rrtr rsSGdeph6naI hardshps ana axssssprtiiQnal
GOb,inu have been called for. 1t would
be impossible to adequately describe the
admirable support given to me BY
every officer and man of the force. l regret
10 say that our loss was severe, but our sue
cess has been so complete that 1t may DIS,
hearten the enemy 10 such an extent that
all their future fighting may be OF less
obstinate character .,
Gen. Lord Wolsley says: Gen. Stewart
operation has been most creditable to him
as commander and the nation has every
reason to be proud of the gallantry and
splendid spirit of Her Msiestys soldiers on
this occasion. Our losses were nine com
missioned officers killed and nine wounded
and sixty.fva non commissioned officers
and men killed and eightv-Rve wounded
Gen. Stewards force consists OF aoop' Il'V'
men al tod