Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-03-23
DISASTER TO THE BRITISH
DIGNA'S ARABS SURPRISE THE
HASHEEN OUTPOSTS.

52 of the English Killed and So Wound
ed-The Native Loss Placed at L 1000
The Entire Annihilation of the Force
Averted Only by a Hairs Breadth.
LONDON, March 22.-while detach-
ments of the English and Indian infantry
were making a zereba seven miles south
west of SUakin to-day they were suddenly
surprised by rush of Arabs who had
been massed and concealed in defiles west
of Hasheen. The English formed a square
as quickly as possible, but the camels,
mules and horses were driven back in
confusion on the troops, causing a stam-
pede, and amid clouds of dust the Arabs
penetrated the south and north sides of
the square. Meanwhile the marines and
Berkshire Regiment, who were on the
east and west sides of the square, main-
tanned a continuous fire, holding the
enemy at bay while a charge of cavalry
and fire from the guns at the Hasheen
zereba checked the onslaught OF the
Arabs, which at the onset threatened a
serious disaster TO the British.
% OF THE BRITISH KILLED.
The official estimate places the British
killed at % and the wounded at So. Nearly
all the casualties were due TO spear
thrusts received in hand to hand engage
ments. The Arabs got between the trans
port train and the zereba, speared the
men of the transport corps and killed the
animals. They fought savagely, refusing
to give or take quarter. Gen, Mcneil
who was commanding the zereba, re-
ports vaguely that there were several
thousand rebels in the fight, and that over
1000 were killed or wounded. Gen. Nc
Neil is blamed for not taking precautions
against surprise.
ATTACKED BEFORE DAY.
The enemy began the attack at 3o'clock
this morning. They were repulsed and
the ground was cleared by 4. The
damage done to the transport material
yesterday is immense. The guards and
artillery were sent to reinforce the troops
who were attacked. The whole British
force remained in the field during the
night. The camels and mules were ham
strung by the Arabs. Scores OF camp
followers were cut up. The Arabs
scattered about in the whole vicinity
intercepting native fugitives. The APP
pearance and yells of the Arabs were
so sudden that the whole assemblage OF
transport animals, mixed with the na-
tiyes, became panic-stricken and surged
on the zereba, making resistance hope
less. The scene was indescribable. The
Arabs glided and crept in all directions
among the animals. The HaddendoWaS
swarmed from the bush like magic and
attacked the zereba tiercely on all sides.
FRIENDLY NATIVES KILLED.
The SOudanese coolies were mistaken
for enemies and many were killed by
friends. The Berkshire regiment and
Marines stood firm and cool and fired
VOlley after vOlley into the ranks of the
enemy. The naval brigade, which was
inside of the zereba, also opened a hot
fire. The Indian troops held their own
gallantly as soon as they were able to
close the square again. Eventually being
unable to stand the rattling fire the enc
my disappeared as they came. Gen. Nc
Neil drew in all of his forces and stood to
arms. The Hussars brought in the wound
ed, though menaced by an Arab camel
force which watched them vigilantly. The
desert is dotted in every direction with
runaway animals. The enemy's loss
must be heavy. The camp at Suakin was
prepared for renewal of the attack, but
was unmClested.
Ell MAHDI'S CRUELTY.
El Mahdi has sentenced many natives
to death for not revealing treasure sup
posed to be hidden at KhartOum. MANY
slave women from Khartoum are being
sold in the vicinity of Korti at S100 each.
Advicae rom Massowah state that the
rebels, who had been reinforced from
Berber, altacked kassala. but were re-
pulsed. The Governor of Kassala states
that he can hold out for some time. aud
VIII burn the town rather than submit to
the rebels.