The National tribune., 1885-02-05
IN THE SOUDAN.
Gen. Stewards Second Victory In His March To-
ward khartOum.

ward khartOum.
For some ten days the gravest apprehensions
were felt as to the fate of Gen. Herbert Stew
art, commanding the English expeditionary
force in Egypt. After defeating the Arabs at
the Abu- Klea wells, Jan. II, he disappeared in
the desert with his little force of less than
1900 men. His course was marked by frequent
engagements of greater or less magnitude until
he reached the River Nile, on Jan. 81. his
loss was heavy, considering the small force I'M
der his command, but in each and every con-
test won handsome victory. The last and
most important engagement took place on Jan.
49, near Metemneh, and about three miles from
the Nile In his desire to reach the latter Gen.
Stewart had marched his troops most of the
previous night, and, indeed, almost to the limit
of their endurance for several previous days
and nights A halt was made at O'Clock in
the morning, and while eating n hurried break
fast the Arabs opened a CALLING fire upon them.
The British troops first betook themselves to
strengthening the works for the protection of
the wounded of the present engagement and
those of previous battles, which were being
borne upon the march, and the baggage While
engaged in this work the British made little
reply to the attack. This emboldened the en-
envy, and they poured in a destructive fire, re-
suting in the loss of many men. 1t was while
arrangements were being made for repelling
the Arabs that Gen Stewart was wounded by
him completely.
The command was then assumed by Sir
Charles Wilson, who soon advanced his force
to ridge a short distance in front of the biv
ouac. Here the British repealed furious as
sault by force of both infantry and cavalry
estimated at 1000 men. The Arabs could not
stand the well-directed and CALLING fire of the
British soldiers. They broke and fed in dis
order when within so yards of the hollow
square that had been formed to receive them.
Destructive volleys were poured into the ranks
of the panic-stricken Arabs with deadly effect,
causing great slaughter. Pursuit was not
deemed advisable. as the British commander
was extremely anxious to reach the great
river, where he could receive supplies and re-
endorsements. The reports state that the loss
of the Arabs in killed and wounded was from
1900 to 1,500, while that of the British was 20
killed and 60 wounded. Among these were the
correspondents of three of the London dailieS.
Mr. Cameron. of the Standard, and Mr.. Herbert,
of the Post, were killed, and Col. Burleigh, of
the Telegraph, was severely wounded.
Gen. Stewards force is now strongly in
trenched on the Nile, just south of Metemneh
and about midway between Berber and Khar-
toum. Here hospital has been established,
where the wounded and sick are receiving
every possible attention. The position is
strong one and can, it is believed successfully
resist any attack from the enemy. Metemneh
is held by force of Arabs of about equal
strength, with three Krupp guns. Sir Charles
Wilson reported that in his opinion he coald
carry the place by assault, but it was not
thought expedient TO risk the loss of life which
capture by that means would involve. Stew
art is in communication by steamboats, with
Gordon, who is intrenched at Khartoum. The
latter's situation is said to be not as desperate
as has been supposed. He says he can hold
out there for years.
anti Irr;pn hic vol,
across the desert in the succession of engage
ments, was 104 killed and PIC wounded. That
of the enemy is stated to have been not less
than 3,000
Khartoum, where Gen. Gordon's forces are
lying, is the center of the great caravan routes
from the interior of Africa, and the largest
town in that part of Egypt. The White and
the Blue Nile separate some distance below,
and on the peninsula thus formed the town of
mud huts has been built. The Governor has
stone-faced palace, and few substantial build
ings have been erected, but nearly all the
other houses are of mud. The landing place
by which khartoum is most easily reached is
on the Blue Nile and the river lies far below
the town, so that an attack from that direc-
ton could be easily repulsed. Back of the
town level plain stretches for miles, and
here the approach Of an enemy could be easily
noted But the enemy are on the other or
the west side of the river and cannot get
across to the plain. They have no boats and no
wood out of which TO construct RATS; and even
if they had, Gordon has launched eight little
gunboats, with which the river is regularly
patrolled. The tribes for 500 miles are friendly,
and as long as they remain so Gordon can defy
the Mahdi. There is no danger of starvation,
for within and around the town are some of
the most fertile gardens of all Egypt, and along
the bank of the river are extensive groves of
date, PALM fig and orange trees. Twenty years
ago Khartoum claimed $4,000 inhabitants, but
the disturbed state of the country brought the
number down to ID, 600 in 10 years, and at pres
emit there are probably $4,000 persons in the
town.