"ENGLAND'S ONLY GENERAL."

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3857, 27 November 1883, Page 4

"ENGLAND'S ONLY GENERAL."

Some curious and interesting information regarding the Anglo-Indian Egyptian expedition is being furnished by a Bengalee IJaboo in a series of letters published by a Punjaubee native journal. Tho review at Kassassaiu prior to the battle of Tel-el-Kebir included some incidents Avhich escaped the notice of the English special correspondents. "When Aye reached the camp at Kassassaiu," says the writer, "the wise, highly skilful, and braA-cst of generals, Sir Garnet Wolseley, avhs inspecting the army. The Avhole of the Indian Contingent had not yet arrived in camp. A dark shadow of anxiety Avas plainly visible on the broad forehead of Sir Garnet now and then. But no sooner could you detect it than, Avith tho quickness of lightning, it vanished. I do not mean to say that the great Wolseley entertained any fear, but he was only anxious on account of the entire Indian Contingent not arriving in camp up till then. Presently, as though fired Avitli some supernatural courage, he addressed the troops iv burning words of encouragement. He foretold the future Avhen he said, in the course of his speech : " Within the 15th of this month shall I vanquish the rebel Araby, and make him bow doAvn his proud head before the English throne. If i fail, the profession in which I have whitened my locks I will give up for ever. I will cease to utter tho sacred name of warrior till life is extinct." Ho Avho saw his animated face covered Avith a silver beard, and tho lustre of indomitable courage which shone forth from his cyss, could understand that it Avas no vain brag, but the prediction of a true soothsayer of coming events. During the speech his proudly erect head seemed to become more and more erect, his eyes ilashod fire, the sternness of his resolution become depicted on his face. Tho troops became very much excited. They sang tho National Anthem, Avhich echoed aud echoed back through the field. Instantly the band struck up sweet yet madly exciting music, the A'otcran soldiers became restless for action. Sir Garnet then declared the inspection at an end, and entered his camp with but a few of the chief commanders.