Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-02-13
FOREIGN NEWS.
THE EGYPTIAN WAR.
Battle in Which Gen. Earle was Killed
No Official Report Of Gen. Cor.
dOn's Death-Various Ru.
nOrs-An Important
Document Dis.
covered.

LONDON, Feb. l2
Sir Samuel Baker writes that he believes
khartoum had already failed when the battles
of Abu Klea aud Gakdul were fought lie
says that the treachery which caused the fall
of the city originated among traders who,
being absolutely ruined by England's policy
of abandonment, wisely sought the Mahnis
protection. Sir Samuel urges that the new
expedition consist of $1,000 men and that all
converge at Berher, which would make a
base that could be supplied fran Suakim
Continuing he saws IF the present imbecile
government delays an, longer, the splendid
army in Soudan will be paralyzed by hot
weather. England should let the Italians
occupy Kassala relieving the present gallant
garrison at that place and retaining the coun-
try from Massowah 10 the Atbara river" lie
asks how long England will stand the present
terrible misgovernment.
The London Standards correspondent de-
scribes the battle in which General Earle
killed on Tuesday.
The enemy was in strongly fortified posi-
ton near Berti The British force consisted
of the Black Watch and South Stafford regi-
ments, a squadron Of IIusslrs, two guns Of
the Egyptian artillery, an Egyptian camel
corps and section OF the field hospital corps
The troops at once set to work to form "A
zareba In the meantime the enemy fired
several shots from the high hills Our pickets
advanced and drove back the Arabs who had
descended the hills to make an attack.
Night ensued and the guards were posted.
Everything passed quietly during the night
Tuesday morning the troops formed and
advanced to the enemy's position, marching
in two parallel columns. Two companies of
the Sonth Stafford regiment and two guns
occupied the ground directly in front of the
enemy to attract their attention. At eight
o'clock our guns opened the attack and for
some time desultory fire was maintained.
In the meantime the main body of our troops
was advancing steadily over the almost inn
practicable ground pushing the enemy before
them and seizing each successive ridge by
short determined rush. The forward move
ment was continued until the advanced troops
reached the right rear of the enemy which
rested on the river. This completed the
movement whereby the rebels ware surround
ed. The enemy's position was very strong
one. 1t was on rocky broken ground and
was strengthened by loop holed walls from
which they maintained heavy, well directed
fire. After the British forces had succeeded
in completely surrounding the enemys posi-
ton, Gen. Earle commanded the Black Watch
regiment to carry the enemy's works at the
point of the bayonet The regiment respond
ed calamity to this command The pipers
struck up and with inspiring cheers the men
moved forward with a steadiness and valor
which the enemy unable to withstand
and which called forth expressions Of admir-
alton from the lips of General Earle. From
loopholes in the enemy's works rifle puts
shot out continually, but the Black Watch
kept bravely advancing. The men of Stat
fordshire were not to be resisted and they
finally drove the enemy from the hill This
brought the battle of FL Kibekan to a close.
From first to last it was gallantly contested.
General Earle was killed while leading the
charge Four other officers were killed and
four wounded Nine of the men were killed
and forty-two wounded. The enemy's loss
was considerable.
The rebels consisted of Arabs of Monassir
and Debatal tribes. With them were num-
bers of Dervishes from Berber. 1t is i'm
possible to Judge of the number Of the enemy
owing to their extended position and the
rocky nature of the ground Tie corps of
the rebels who were slain lie in heaps upon
the ridges from which they were driven by
the British charge. The leader of the foe
who WAS from Berber, together with several
Emrs, was among the killed. The number
of fugitives who escaped from the field was
very small. Half a battalion of the Black
Watch regiment will remain in occupation Of
the eaemy's position. The wounded have
been brought into camp and everything pos
sible. u der the circumstances, have been
done for their comfort.
The main body of the forces advanced
Wednesday some miles up the river The
guns spiked by Colonel Stewart when he was
forced to abandon the steamer Abbas we're
found buried at Berti.
Lord Wolseley telegrsphs again today from
Korti to the government that no reliable par
ticulars about the fate of Gen. Gordon have
yet been received. He assures the ministry
that the press reports which have been pub
lished have been founded on rumors
Lord Wolseley inform the government that
| the Mufdir Of Dongola and all the natives