THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2356, 17 March 1884, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. THE BATTLE BETWEEN BRITISH TROOPS AND ARAB REBELS, 4300 REBELS KILLED AND OVER THAT NUMBER WOUNDED. RETREAT OF OSMAN DIGNA AND FOLLOWERS. BRITISH TROOPS RETURNING TO SOUAKIM. BURNING OF REBEL VILLAGES TO THE GROUND. (Received March 16, 11 a.m.) Cairo, March 14. Latest telegrams from Souakim report that Osman Dlgna with the remnant of his followers, has retreated to the hills near Tamaneh. It has been definitely proved that in the recent battle the rebels suffered more heavily than was at first supposed. Their loss in killed alone is now set down at fully 4300, and the wounded exceed that number. The whole of the British troops engaged in the battle near Tamaneh are now returning to Souakim. Major-General Graham telegraphs from Souakim that Sheikh Mahomed, a prominent Arab chief in Eastern Soudan, has expressed his belief that the recent victory of the British will have the effect of pacifying the natives of that district, and that the road to Berber will now be open. (Received March 17, 11,45 a.m.) March 15. Telegrams from Souakim announce the return of General Graham to that place, and his forces are now arriving there also. Before leaving the scene of the recent battle, all the villages in the neighborhood of Tamaneh occupied by Osman’s followers were burned to the ground. ♦ FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE DEFEAT OF BAKER PASHA, By the San Francisco mail we have received fuller particulars of the defeat on or about the 4th February, of Baker Pasha’s force which was composed of Turkish and Egyptian troops and several European officers. Despatches received in London on the sth February state that Baker had with him 3000 men, and was advacing when attacked. His losses in killed and wounded amounted to 2000. The battle took place near Tokar. The Turks and Europeans fought well, but the Egyptians showed themselves arrant cowards, and most of their officers and men bolted. Colonel Sartorius tried hard to rally them, but without success. The enemy pursued them into Trinkitat. The European police and Turkish infantry were cut to pieces; fourteen European and three native officers are missing. The fight began by a few Arab horsemen attacking Baker Pasha’s cavalry which fled, Baker then formed a square, which the enemy surrounded. The rest of the Egyptians then fled in confusion, and the gunners deserted their guns. Baker Pasha was several times surrounded by the enemp, but with his staff managed to cut his way through. The enemy’s force was inferior in numbers to Colonel Baker’s. Only three sides of a square were formed owing to the fact that two companies of Egyptian troops stood still, overcome with fright. The enemy poured into the gap, when the Egyptians threw away their rifles and flung themselves upon the ground, screaming for mercy. The troops on one side of the square killed many of their own men by wild firing. The enemy betrayed profound contempt for their opponents. Baker Pasha returned at once to Souakim with the remainder of the force. On receipt of the news the Ad,mirajty issued telegraphic orders stopping a troopship on the way to India. In the published correspondence and later advices from the scene of action it is stated that the slaughter of Baker Pasha’s forces continued all the way back to Trinkitat. The Egyptians appealed to the Arabs, but the latter seized them by the neck, thrust their spears into their backs, and ruthlessly cut their throats. The Englishmen missing are Maurice Beez, Surgeon Leslie, Captains Foster and Walker, Lieutenants Carroll, Smith and Watkins, and ten other foreign officers are missing. In the fight the Egyptian cavalry threw away their saddles and turned their horses loose, effecting their retreat on foot in order that they might not be sent back again. The scene at Souakim is described as

painful, the wives of many of the dead soldiers bewailing their loss and tearing their hair and their clothes in anguish. A force of marines has been sent to Souakira, which greatly reassured the populace, but a strict look out is kept for treachery on the part of the Egyptian forces who refused duty. The belief in El Mahdi is increasing. It is estimated that 600- rebels were killed in the 6ght, while the losses on the Egyptian side are 2250. The Khedive sent a message of sympathy to Baker Pasha. The Khedive according to despatches on February 10th appeared to be in a deplorable condition, labouring under the delusion that there is a plot to poison. him. He had appointed Admiral Hewett commander at Souakim, at the request of the British Government.