THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2355, 15 March 1884, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

♦ [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. THE BATTLE BETWEEN BRITISH TROOPS AND ARAB REBELS. SPEEDY ROUT OF THE ENEMY. BRITISH LOSS, SEVENTY KILLED, ONE HUNDRED WOUNDED. FURTHER PARTICULARS OP THE BIG BATTLE. 3000 REBELS KILLED AND 4000 WOUNDED. [The following cablegrams in small type were not received till 4.43 p.m., yesterday, after a portion of our issue had been printed and sent out. They appeared only in the second edition of last evening's issue.] (Received March 14, 2,20 p.m.) London, March 13. Further intelligence from Souakim states that the battle with the rebels under Osman Dignah, which commenced this morning, lasted only half-an-hour, during which time the fighting was severe. The rebels were defeated on all sides. The British loss is stated to be trifling. Afternoon. A despatch to hand from General Graham states that Osman Dignah's camp had been taken after heavy fighting on both sides. The engagement was a very brief one. The loss on the British side is given as 70 killed and 100 wounded. The entire loss is not known. (Received March 15, 1 p.m.) London, March. 14. Full particulars are now to hand from Souakim regarding the defeat of the rebels near Tatnaneh. The British troops advanced from Zariba into squares, and shortly came up with the enemy, who at once opened fire. They attacked the British columns most ferociously, and repeatedly broke the leading square, and after desperate fighting captured some of our guns and drove back the Ist Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment (65th Foot). The marines and troops, however, speedily rallied, further heavy fighting took place, and the rebels were finally driven back, completely defeated, and the guns lost in the early part of the battle recaptured. The fighting lasted fully two hours and a-half, during which time the whole of both forces were actively engaged. The rebels are said to have lost 3000 killed and 4000 wounded. The previous telegram setting the British loss at 70 killed and 100 wounded is confirmed. The Ist Battalion Royal Highlanders (42nd Foot) were the heaviest sufferers. >——< [special to press association.] London, March 11. The telegraph wire to Khartoum has been cut. The Government are unwilling that Yeheber should be entrusted with the government of Khartoum, and are anxious that General Gordon should himself remain there. THE SURRENDER OF SINKAT. A correspondent at Souakim telegraphs on February 13th :—At last the heroic garrison at Sinkat has been butchered. For a fortnight they have been eating roots and tree leaves. It was a feeble band indeed which made a sortie to die amidst the rebel hordes. Tewfik Bey harangued his inen, sayiing that by fighting they might save themselves, but by remaining they must die from hunger in a few days, as flight was impossible. The men thus animated with Tewfik Bey's spirit destroyed the military stores, exploded the magazine, filled their pouches to the utmost with cartridges, and issued forth 600 strong against the rebels. Osman Digna's hordes rushed to attack Tewfik Bey, whose men fought nobly for a, long time. They repulsed every attempt to break their ranks but finally superior numbers prevailed, and with a rush the rebels burst through one of ths sides of the Egyptian square. A general massacre ensued, and not a soul escaped according to latest reports ; only four sick men, who wero unable to take part in the

sortie were spared by the rebels. Before the sortie the rebel chief approached Sinkat, and summoned Tewfik Bey to surrender, saying his life would be spared. The garrisou answered defiantly, reviling the rebels. During the sortie women and children followed in the rear of the soldiers. < Large numbers of the rebels were killed.