Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-03-07
HOW BURNABY DIED.


From the N. Y, Herald.
Mr. Burleigh, the war correspondent who was
wounded at Abu Klea, has, under the inspira-
ton of his hurt, written to the London Daily
Telegraph thrilling account of the battle, and
In 1t occurs this description Of Col. Burnaby's
death, which must become historical:
"Still down upon us the dark Arab wave
rolled. 1t had arrived within three hundred
yards undiminished in volume, unbroken in
SIrength-a rush of SpearSmen and swordsmen.
IheIr rifle fire had ceased. Other Arab forces
surrounding us-the mahdi's troops, plundering
BedoulnS aud pillaging villagers from the river
side-stood eager on the hillsides watching the
charge upon the British square. In wild excite
ment their white teeth glistening and the sheen
vi thelr brandished weapons flashing like thou
SANDS OF mirrors, onward they came, charging
straight into our ranks.
Il was at that instant inside the square, not
lar rom the Gardner gun, when saw the left
lace move somewhat backward. Col. Bur
napy himself, whose every action at the time
saw from distance of about thirty yards, rode
out in front of the rear left face, apparently to
assist two or three sl1irmishers running in hard
pressed. All but one man of them succeeded
IN reaching our lines. Col. Burnaby went for
ward TO his assistance, sword in hand. AS the
dauntless colonel rode forward he put himself
IN me way of sheik charging down on horse
"Ere the Arab closed with him a bullet from
some one In our ranks brought the sheik head
were close behind, and one of them suddenly
dashed at Colonel Burnaby, pointing the long
blade OF his spear at his throat. Checking his
morse and pulling it backward Barnaby leapt
forward IN his saddle and parted the Moslem's
rapid and ferocious thrustS But the length of
the mans weapon-eight feet--put it out of his
power to return with interest the Arabs MUIR
derous intent. Once or twice Colonel Burnaby
Just touched his man, only to make him more
wary and eager. The affray was the work of
seconds only, for the savage horde of swarthy
negroes from kordofan and straight-haired
tawny complexioned Arabs of the Bayuda
steppe were fast closing in upon our square.
Colonel Burnaby fenced the swarthy Arab
as If he were playing in an assault at arms, and
there was smile on his features as he drove
on the mans awkward points. The scene was
taken in at a glance. With that lightning in
now display in battle while coming to one
anofher's aid, an Arab. who was pursuing q
soldier and had passed five PAGES to Burnaby'S
right and rear, turned with sudden spring,
and this second Arab ran his spear point into
the colonel's right shoulder. 1t was but slight
twist around in his saddle and defend himself
from this unexpected attack.
Before the savage could repeat his unlocked
1Or dow, so near the ranks of the square was the
scene now being enacted. a soldier ran out and
drove his SwOrd-bayonet through the second as
sailant. Brief as was Burnabys glance back
ward at this fatal episode it was long enough to
full in the brave officers throat. The blow
drove Burnaby out OF his saddle, but it required
second one before he let go his grip Of the reins
and tumbled upon the ground.
" Half n dozen Arabs We're now about him.
With blood gushing in streams from his gashed
feet, sword in hand, and slashed at the ferocious
group. They We're the wild strokes of proud
brave man dying hard, and he was quickly
overcome and left helpless and dying"