THE WAR IN EGYPT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2944, 1 September 1882, Page 2

THE WAR IN EGYPT.

LOAFERS IN ALEXANDRIA.

RUMORED TURZO-PERSIAN ALLIANCE.

BRITISH ATTACK AT KASSASOUN.

THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE.

'(Pee Cable to Pbess Association).

[Special to Melboubne “ Aoe.”]

London, August 30,9.10 a.m.

The number of apparent idlers hanging about Alexandria causes apprehension, and it is thought an attack on Port Mex is meditated.

The Porto denies that any alliance exists between it and Persia.

(Eeutee’s Agency.)

London, An official despatch has been received fully confirming the news to hand of the attack by Arabi upon the British position at Kassasoun, and the infliction of a severe defeat upon the enemy. Particulars now received state that Arabi’s force consisted of eight battalions of infantry and a considerable body of artillery with eight guns. The British position was'defended by three and a half battalions of infantry, a few cavalry, and a body of artillery with five guns. After Arab! had made a series of unsuccessful attacks upon the position, the British assumed the offensive, and made an assault on the enemy. The cavalry were employed on their flank,.and were completely successful, a great number of the enemy .being sabred. < Arabi ■ commanded his force in person. After the British attack the enemy withdrew,

and succeeded in taking their gnns> which were not captured as previously ) stated. A large supply of amuuitiom w however,fell into the hands of the British. The British loss is’ noW officially stated at 7 killed and 61 wounded.

August 30. Farther intelligence to hand regarding the battle of Kassasoun’states that the enemy maintained the attack for several hours during the night and Until day-break, when the British attack was commenced. The charge made was thoroughly successful, the enemy being completely routed, with the result already stated, their loss being very

heavy, ■ The railway line between lamailia and and Kassasoun is completely in the hands of the British, and is now working without interruption. The' whole *

of the troops under Sir Garnet Wolseley are consequently being, rapidly moved to the front, and it is Anticipated that an overwhelming force will soon be prepared to attack the enemy. Alexandria, AugustdO. The Highland regiments, -forming part, of the second division, embarked here to-day for Ismaiiia to reinforce the division now operating under Sir Garnet Wolseley. v Latbb. The following are the regiments composing the Highland brigade which left here to-day for Ismaiiia Ist Battalion Royal Highlanders, 42hd Regiment; 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry, 74th Regiment ; Ist Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 75thsRegiment; Ist Battalion ; Camerqn Highlanders, 79th Regiment. -. ....... f