The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-21
His Position One Of Extreme Peril, from
Which lie Can Only Be Released By the
Arrival Of Reinforcements.
A Sensation Caused in England by the
Sudden Calling Out of the Militia.
The Home Government Thankfully Accepts
the Offers of Assistance from the Col
Onies-Death of Gen. Stewart.
BULLER's DANGER.
Abu-Klea Wells Likely To BE the Scene of

Abu-Klea Wells Likely To Be the Scene of
Another Bloody Struggle.
LONDON, Feb 20.-A dispatch from Kort says
General Butler, who began his retreat from
Gubat several days ago, has been compelled to
halt at Abu-Klea Wells and intrench his troops
in order to safely defend himself against Ell
Mahdis men, who are gathering in large num-
bers on his line of retreat and continually men
acing his forces. The dispatch indicates that
General Wolseley will have to send strong rein
forcements to General Butler if the latter is to
be rescued from his perilous position. Grave
fears are entertained that Butler may meet the
fate of Gordon unless speedily succored.
A dispatch has been received from Korti dated
yesterday, in which the retreat Of Gen. Butler
from Gubat is further explained. This dispatch
says that Ell Mahdi, up to the 11th inst, had
been engaged for three days in collecting an army
outside Khartoum, for an advance against the
English at Gubat He was loading steamers
with guns and ammunition, and, on the 9Th inst,
he dispatched two sheikhs, with 5000 men and
four guns. down the right bank of the Nile to
erect fort opposite the English camp at Gubat.
The government has called out the militia, and
suspended transfers of officers from the regular
army to the reserves This action has created a
profound sensation, and general feeling Of
alarm respecting the safety of not only the forces
under General Butler, but also those under VOL
seley and Brackenbury. The opinion is widely
expressed that the War Office has received more
startling information from Wolseley than was
conveyed in the telegram of this afternoon, in
relation to Butler being hemmed in at Abu-K Klea
Wells
A dispatch from Korti states that the Mahdi
has ordered all tribes the east bank of the
Nile to assemble opposite Gubat
A dispatch from Korti to the London Times,
dated yesterday, says the latest advices from
Khartoum are to the effect that when Ell Mahdi
heard the result of the battle at Abu-Klea Wells
he at once proclaimed that his own troops had
gained a great victory, and announced that the
English had been destroyed He paraded Brit
ish accoutrements, such as helmets hoisted on
spears, as proof of the truth of his statements.
When the Prophet made this proclamation the
garrison in Khartoum were on short rations,
and believed what Ell Mahd announced When
the Mahdi's men approached the place mem
Der of the disaffected garrison leveled portion
of the wall to admit the enemy.
Another message from Lord Wolseley says:
General Butler reports from Abu Klea, on
Tuesday, as follows: About thirty of the
enemy's cavalry secuted around us ali day on
Monday; they were reinforced, about an hour
before sunset, by 400 infantry. armed with
rifles The infantry crossed to the hills northeast
of US and kept up well maintained but
desultory long-range fire. This fire has thus
far caused sixteen casualties. l am perfectly
safe here against an attack from even a large
force but of course this continued firing is an
noyIng'
7 General Wood, who is at Gakdul, is sending
camels to General Butler, as the latter needs ad-
dtional transport service"
Lord Wolseley further says: II anticipate
that OH the arrival of the camels at Abu-Klea
General Butler will move to Gakdul"