The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-03-12
THE WEEK
In the United States and the
Old World.
AGfaphlo Description of Colonel Burn
aby's Fighting at Abu Kloa.
HOW HE WAS SLAIN,

a Sfaphlo DosofIpttOh OF Colonel hurh- :
aby's Fighting at Abu Kloa.
LONDON, March 4, lsS5,-Mr. Burleigh, the
var correspondent who was wounded at Abu
Klea, has, under tho inspiration OF his hurt,
written to the DAILY Telegraph thrilling ae-
sount of the battle, and in 1t occurs this de-
scription oil Col Burnaby's death, which must
become historical
"Still down upon us the dark Arab wave
rolled, II had arrived within 800 yards, und.
minished in volume, unbroken in strength, n
rush of spearsmen and swordsmen. Their
rifle fire had ceased, Other Arab forces sur
rounding us-the Mahdi's troops plunderins
Bedoins and pillaging villagers from tho river
side-stood eager on the hillsidcs watching tho
charge upon the British square. In wild eX-
element, their white teeth glistgnng, and tho
sheen of the brandished weapons flashing like
thousands OF mirrors, onward they came,
charging straight into our ranks. was at that
instant inside the square, not far from the
Gardner gun, when / saw the loft face move
somewhere backward. Col Burnaby himself,
whose every action at the time j saw from a
distance oil about 80 yards, rode out in front
of tho rear, left face, apparently to assist two
or three skirmishers running N hard pressed
All but ono man OF them succeeded in reach
sng our lines. Col Bunaby went forward tohs
colonel rode forward he put himself in the
way OF shiek charging down on horseback,
Ere the Arab closed with him bullet from
some one in our ranks brought the sheik head
long to tho ground. The enemy's spearsmcn
were close behind, and one of them suddenly
dashed at Col. Burnaby, pointing the long
blade ofhis spear at his throat. Checking his
horse and pulling II backward, Burnaby leaped
forward in his saddle and parried tho Mos
aud n,,t tlo
length OF the mans wcapon-eight icct--put
it out OF his power to return with interest
the Arabs murderous intent. Once or twice
Col. Burnaby Just touched his man only to
make him more wary and eager. Tho attlay
was tho work OF seconds only. for the savage
horde OF swNrthy negroes from Korloan and
straightforward tawny -oompeXoned Arabs of
the Bayuda Steppe were fast closing IN upon
our square. Col. Burnabv fenced the swarthy
Arab as il he were playing in an assault Mt
arms, and there was q slnil, on his features
as he drove OFT the mans awk0rl points. The
scene was taken in at glance, with that
high ming instinct which have seen desert
warriors before now display in battle while
coming to one anothcrs aid. An Arab, who
was pursuing soldier, and had passed five
PAGES to Burnaby's right and rear turned with
a sudden spring, and this second Arab ran his
spear into the colonels right soldier. 1t was
but slight wound. Enough, though, to cause
Burnaby to twist around in his saddle and de-
fend himself from this unexpected attack be-
fore the savage could repeat his unloaked-ior
blow. SO near the ranks of the square was
the scene now being enacted soldier ran out
and drove his sword bayonet through the
second assistant. Brief as was Burma Us
glance backward at this fatal episode it was
long enough to enable the first Arab to deliver
his spear point full in the brave officers throat.
The blow drove Burnuby out Of his saddle, but
IT required a second one before he let go his
grip on the relns and tumbled upon tho ground.
Halfa dozen Arabs were now about him.
With blood gushing in streams from his gashed
thront the dauntless guardsman lcapt to his
feet, sword in hand and slashed ut the
ferocious group. They were tho wild strokes
of proud, brave mans dying hand, and he
was quickly ovelboln AMI left helpless and
diving"