The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-11
AT THE FRONT.
Lord Charles BeresfOrd Rescues Colonel
Wilson and His Party.


Wilson and His Party.
TyoNDoN, Feb 10--A dispatch from Korti,
dated Feb 8, says 'rLord Beresford has re-
turned in safety to Gubat, bringing with him
Colonel Wilson and party, who were stranded on
an island somedistance up the Nile, while return
ing from Khartoum. Some difficulty was expe-
rienced in fetching away the stranded party
The rebels on the river banks kept up constant
firing and shortly after the party embarked
bullet from rebel gun pierced the boiler of the
steamer, necessitating anchorage under fire, in
order to make repairs. The British fire, how
ever, now took effect, and the rebels were re-
pulsed. Immediately after reaching Gubat
Colonel Wilson started for Korti, where he has
arrived, to report in person to Lord Wolseley
the details of his reconnaissance at Khartoum."
Lord Wolseley telegraphs further particulars
of Beresford's rescue of Colonel Wilson. When
the steamer had gone down the river about
three miles, battery of the enemy on the left
bank opened fire upon it. The steamer returned
the fire. which was kept up while the steamer
anchored for repairs Meanwhile Colonel Will
son, with small party, took four guns and
landed on the right bank The party marched
down the river till directly opposite the battery,
where they put their guns in position and opened
fire. and much assistance was thus rendered
Lord Charles in keeping the fire of the enemy
down. At sunset Colonel Wilson and his party
marched on three miles further down the river,
and halted for the night, and were there Joined
by Lord Charles on the following morning
The steamer meanwhile had another engage,
ment with rebel battery, but succeeded in
party were taken on board. and the steamer pro-
ceeded to Gubat without further difficulty. Dur
ing the passage from the island to Gubat, one
man was killed and nine injured. OF the in
jured four were natives. who were scalded in the
engine Groom. Lord Wolseley concludes his dis
patch with these words II cannot speak too
highly of the pluck of Lord Charles Beresford
and his party. Col. Wilson's men, likewise, be-
haved admirably, and with the usual determine
.tion of Englishmen."
Sir Charles Beresford and party were ten
hours under fire before they were able to rescue
Colonel Wilson. The enemy used rifles from
behind intrenchments. The fire from the en-
emy's cannon effective. In addition to the
hole made in the boiler, shell burst on the
steamer.
Gubat is strongly fortified to resist any posi-
Bile siege. The fort is constructed with deep
bitches in 'front.' with 5rush-wood and wire
work outside. letter recently sent by
the Mahdi to English officers on
Colonel Wilson's steamer contained a
postscript saying it was the Mahdis first and last
letter to the English, and that unless they sub
mitted he would kill all the Kafir dogs. On
the day after the steamer stranded, Sun
day, the Mahdi's emir landed on the
island and urged the British to surrender.
On Sunday evening Hamed Bey two shippers
and seventeen natives deserted the steamer.
The Steamer Sofa, with Lord Chas Beresford
on board arrived at the island on Tuesday.
During the engagement with the enemy
the Sofas boiler was struck by
a shell, and great explosion occurred, followed
by rush and of steam. After a tenn
porary patch had been fixed on the
boiler, the Sofa passed the enemys
works. under heavy fire, towing a
nuggar containing Colonel Wilson's baggage.
The nuggar grounded GOO yards below the fort
and the night was spent in trying to float her
Perfect silence was maintained on the steamer
which led the Arabs to believe she
hao oeeh aoauooheu ana Ihey stop
ped firing and commenced beating
drums just before daybreak the enemy saw
sparks emerging from the funnel of the steamer
They at once began yelling and opened fierce
fire on the boats. The British replied effectively
and soon passed out of range. The enemy had
three Krupp guns Colonel Wilson's loss on the
island was two killed and twenty wounded of his
Egyptian troops, and four wounded of the British
The Soudanese allies fought we'll until they
heard of the fall of Khartoum when they be-
came demorazed. The Mahdi caused the mas
saere of all Gordons men, together with their
wives and children.
DEATH OF GORDON.