Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-02-22
THE SoUDAN WAR.
THE SITUATION CRITICAL.

Abu Klca General Butler sent por-
ton Of his force. including all the ma
tive troops, to Gakdul on tho 10th in
slant. after which Arab scouts made
their appearance about Abu klea.
General Butler thercupon ordered new
forts to DO constructed and our position
strengthened. with the view of protec-
ton against possible attack. The
first Arabs appeared about 3 in the at
ternoon. and their numbers continually
increased until within two hours the
ridges on the Berbcr road were
fairly swarming with them. While a
row Of stone defence walls was being
erected our infantry advanced several
times and fired a volley At the rebels,
killing many Of them. and preventing
them from coming nearer than 800
yards. Lord Charles Beresford also
fired the Gardner guns. which were
placed in the fort. Until this time the
Arabs had made hardly any reply, but
at $3.50 p. NJ, without any warning,
they opened a well-directcd fire from
500 Remington rifles. Bullets now
ratified all over our camp continually.
and there was 10 intcrmission till sun
down. After sunset an occasional volley
was fired. All fires and lights were for
hidden in our camp during the entire
night. which was cold and windy"
Later details Of the night attack on
General Buffers forces while on the
retreat from Gubat towards Korti says
1.-THE attack was made by party Of
Arab sharpshooters, estimated to mum
Der about 400, as previously stated.
The Arabs fired at long range, and the
British soldiers shielded themselves as
well as they could behind their hastily
constructed entertainments. No serious
attempt was made to return the cnemy's
fire, owing to the necessity Of husband
ing ammunition. On the British side
two men were killed and eleven wound
ed. Among the latter is Mr.. Charles
Williams, correspondent Of the London
Chronicle, who was shot in the leg, but
not seriously wounded. General Butler
has erected three new forts, and is pre-
pairing for a siege. lie has dispatched
a messenger to General Wolseley. dc
scribing his situation as critical, and
stating that III Mahdi is advancing upon
his position with an immense force.
The only correspondents now left with
General Butler are Mr.. Williams and
Colonel Burleigh, of the London DaHy
7'eleqraph. who was surrounded in the
action near Gubat. in which General
Stewart was shot.
TIE GRENADIERs Staff FOR SuA-
The Third battalion of the Grenadier
Guards started for Suakim to-day.
Previous to their setting out from Wind
sOr this morning they were Inspected by
the Prince of Wales, WHO also addressed
them. lie said he well remembered
that day thirty-one years ago when this
same battalion departed for the Crimea,
and he distinctly recalled the bravery
with which they bore their part in that
great struggle. In the campaign upon
which they were now entering he felt
sure that they would uphold the honor
of the country. In conclusion, he
wished them God-speed and a safe and
speedy return to England. After this
address the Prince shook hands heartily
with the officers, while the men raised
an enthusiastic cheer. The Queen COM
mcmorated the occasion by sending an
autograph letter to the officers. In this
she assured them Of her good wishes
and her prayers. After the inspection
was over the Guards marched from the
Castle to the southwestern railway ter
minus in Dachet road. The streets
through which they passed were
brightly decorated with flags and
banners. aud crowds of people
tirongcd the walks on either side
ard checred as the GrcuadierS marched
by. Al the station train was waiting
them. They quickly entered, and a
ride of something over an hour brought
them to Waterloo station, London.
The wives Of the soldiers were admitted
to the platform to bid their husbands
goodbye, and the pathetic scenes of
yesterday. when the Cold Stream
Guards took their leave. were again
enacted. When the last partingS
were over the train moved out from
the station amid renewed cheers
from the multitude and pro-
cecdcd TO Gravesend. 1t was like a
constant ovation from Windsor to
Grayesend. The men. though touched
by the lcave-taking, quickly rallied, and
were soon in remarkable high spirits,
singing war-sOng after war-Song with
stirring effect as the train moved to it,
destination. At GraycScnd an cnthu-
siaStic reception awaited them, and
they embarked on the steamer which
takes them to Egypt to the inspiring
strains of music from the bands, and to
the swcctcr music Of cheers from the
throatS of thousands Of their fellow
cOuntrymen.