Evening journal., 1904-03-08
CORPORAL ROSSELL
HOME FROM AFRICA
Well-known Wilmington Man
Returns From an Expe-
dition to Abyssinia
He HAS MEDAL FRDM A KING

Joseph A. Rossen, son Of John S. Ros-
sell, of the Security Trust and safe
Deposit Company, who is now a cor
poral in the United States Marine
Corps, passed though Wilmington yes
terday on his way to Washington TO
report TO the commanding officer at
the marine barracks in that city. Cor
poral Rossell arrived in New York from
Naples by the steamship Vincenzo
Forio. on Sunday. At French street
station he was greeted by members Of
his family and friends.
Corporal Rossell is a graduate OF the
High School and has large circle
OF friends here. He enlisted in the
Marine Corps two years ago and has
seen service in several foreign coun-
tries.
During the past year he was attached
TO the cruiser San Francisco and was
present at the receptions rendered the
American squadron by Emperor will
liam az Kiel. Germany; by King Ed
ward at Plymouth England, and by
King Carlos at Lisbon. Portugal He
was also at Beirut. Syria. during Sep
tember and October, when the massa-
ere Of Christians by the Mohammedans
was threatened, Immediately following
the attempted assassination Of the
American vice-consul, and only averted
by the timely arrival OF the American
fleet. He was one of the landing party
organized and held in readiness to pro-
tect Americans and foreign residents
at that place.
Corporal RosselIs last assignment
prior to his return to the United States
was in connection with the mission of
Committeeman Skinner TO King Men
elk, of Abyssinia. to negotiate "a treaty
Of friendship and commerce with the
far-away monarch, and he is the first
member Of the expedition to return to
America. He was one Of the three nom
commissioned officers in the guard that
accompanied Mr.. Skinner, and was de-
tailed to carry ont a number Of i'm
portant orders. He had charge OF the
escorts at Adds Ababa, the capital Of
Abyssinia, and was selected TO explain
TO the king and to the head Of his army
the mechanism Of the American rifles.
After he had done this the king took
the rifle in his own hands and dis
charged IL IN the air to the great merri-
ment Of all present. Corporal R0sseu
was twice formally presented to the
king and received from him a military
medal in commemoration Of the mis-
sion, which medal, however. he cannot
retain, unless Congress should pass an
enabling act.
Corporal Rossen returns to Washing
ton on the special order of Secretary
Moody of the Navy Department. issued
at the request of Senator Ball. He has
been travelling since December q, when
the expedition left the capital Of Alb
ysinnia, and has covered more than
5000 miles.
The expedition suffered many hard
ships while travelling from the coast Il
Adds Ababa, and on the return trip
and for nearly two months. received nc
news from home.
1t required nearly forty camels to
carry the baggage of the expedition
and thirty mules as mounts FOR the
consul-general and his immediate staf
and accompanying guard. Lieutenant
Hussey. Of the-navy, flag lieutenant OF
Admiral Cotton. who was entrusted
with the investigation Of the situation
at Beirut, when the massacre was mo-
mentarily expected. was in chief COM
mand, while Captain Thorp, an expert
NAiNNA tilNti VI the Marine corps mad
immediate command of the marine
guard.
on arriving at King Menelik's capi-
tai the king sent his chief counsellor
to welcome the party. This dignitary
delivered an appropriate address in
French, which was responded to in the
same language by Mr.. Skinner. All
were subsequently presented to the king
and the negotiations between Mr.. Skim
ner and the king we've successfully car
ried out.
Every honor was shown to the Ameri-
cans during the stay at the capital. and
the camp which they established not
far from the kings palace. and which
was named in honor of President
Roosevelt, attracted great attention.
The king was very thoughtful Of his
visitors and was constantly sending
presents to the camp for the marines
and sailors.
Before the expedition started on the
return trip he delivered to Mr.. Skinner
several unique presents to be delivered
to President Roosevelt, including two
live lions. Unfortunately one of the
lions died on the way. but its skin was
removed and preserved and will be
brought to this country.