, 1885-03-20
THE EGYPTIAN WAR.
The British Troops Again Sur
prised by the Arabs
And Retire After a Short En-
gagement.
0sman Digna Withdrawing His
Forces Toward Tamia.
British Advance and Retreat.

British Advance and Retreat.
.SUAKIM, March l0.-The whole force
started at 7 o'clock this morning in the
direction of Hasheen. Each man had a
day ration and a hundred rounds of am
munition. The troops at 10 O'Clock were
three miles from the city, the cavalry
has been sent out to beat up the enemy
and fighting is expected to begin at any
moment.
LOOKING o II ENEMY.
NooN-Gen. Graham inspected all
the troops this forenoon, except the
Shropshire, Berkshire, and Surrey. Five
hundred Of the enemy were seen on the
hills near Hasheen. and the cavalry,
mounted infantry, and the Indian infan-
try were sent to ~yeconnoitre, while the
guards acted as a reserve. The enemy
retreated before the British advance. The
head Of the British column is now close
to Hasheen.
THE BRITISH RETIRE.
The mounted infantry and scouts, sup
ported by the main body of troops,
marching 600 yards behind, advanced to
the base of the hills near Hasheen. The
scouts, on reaching the summit of the
hills, discovered the Arabs massed in the
valleys. The Arabs at once retired to
shelter. but fifty remaining in sight.
When the British advance reached the
ridge of the hills, the Hadendowah tribe
rushed from their ambush and made an
attack. During this attack Capt. Birch
was spcared through the shoulder. The
Arabs got within ten yards of the British
line before the latter opened a regular fire,
which the enemy promptly replied to.
Three infantry men were wounded and
several Arabs killed. Lieut.. O'Connor,
whose horse was shot from under him,
killed four rebels with his " hand.
the Arabs showing no disposition to fol-
low. During the engagement on the
ridge the Bengal cavalry took many
prisoners. 1t was ascertained by recon
noisance that the Arabs, in large
bodies, were along the entire range of
hills.
SUAKM. March l9.-As the British
retired from Hasheen the rebels reoccu-
pied it. The Mahdi's adherents declare
that before the summer is far advanced
Gen. Wolseley's army will be cut off from
Cairo. Gen. Graham. in his letter to
Osman Digna, declares hat England re-
spects all religions, and desires the friend
ship of the Arabs, and advises the shieks
to submit and rely upon the mercy Of
England; otherwise he threatens to de-
stroy the focks and other property of
their followers.
After the skirmish Gen. Graham's
right, consisting of British infantry, In
dian infantry and the guards, began to
advance toward Handoub, The mounted
infantry and TIM Bengal cavalry, renew
ing the reconnaissance, occupied Hasheen
and found Osman Digna withdrawing his
forces toward Tamia. The concentration
Of the Arabs was effected in unusually
good order.
SUAKIM, March 20.-Ihe enemys loss
in yesterdays engagement is unknown.
Letters were found in the Arab chiefs
tent from Osman Digna, telling him to
hold his position at any cost, and to act
strictly on the defensive and not trust
the people in the Suakim district. 0sman
Digna's last orders TO the Arabs were to
withdraw in order to lure the English
among the hills, when Osman intended to
rally out and prevent the British from re-
treating.
There is report that Osman is pre-
pared to give battle between Tanai and
Tamaieb. The Arabs are estimated at
from 1000 to 10000.
LONDON, March 20.-It was stated in
the house of commons last night that the
regular army numbers $4,000 men. the
volunteer force 20s, 200. The newspapers
are pleased with the statement.