EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1006, 19 September 1882, Page 3

EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS.

London, Sept, 13. Official despatches from Sir Garnet Wolseley to the Government, regarding the victory over the Egyptians at Tel-el-Kebir, have been received. The following is a digest of the communication :

The enemy’s force consisted of regulars, 6100 Bedouins, and 70 guns. The British attacking force comprised 11,000 infantry, 2000 cavalry, and several brigades of artillery, with 60 guns, including in the First Division all the Highland regi nents, the Naval Brigade and the Indian contingent. In consequence of the known strength of the enemy’s entrenched position, it was decided that an assault should be made in the darkness, and the British troops accordingly left the ground on which they had bivouaked for the night, and a general attack commenced before daybreak. The bulk of the cavalry advanced first, with the object of turning .{hc enemy Vlines. This movement was

completely successful, and at the same time a strong - force threatened the rear of Tel-cl-Kohir. An attack along the wlio’e line followed. The charge of infantry and cavalry was resistless, and the Egyptians made, no stand against the British troops, who fought splendidly. The greatest''emulation was shown by the various regiments in carrying the enemy’s position. Thousands of Egyptians threw down their arms and fled. The Egyptian and Bedouin camps and earthworks, several trains, ann an immense quantity of stores and raw materials and many guns fell into the hands of the British. The enemy’s positions were completely carried. 6.45 p.ra. Sir Garnet Wolseley, in his official despatch, states that Major-General G Graham, Y.C., C. 8., R.E., commanding the Second Brigade, led the attack on Arabi’s left, supported by the First Brigade of Guards, commanded by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught. The Highland Brigade and the Indian contingent attacked the enemy on the south of the Fresh Water Canal. There was great emulation among the various regiments engaged. The Second Battalion of the 18th Royal Irish Infantry and the First Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, both included in the Second Division, particularly distinguished themselves by their dashing conduct. The cavalry under Major-General Drury-Lowe are now advancing on Bel beis, anA the Indian contingent under Major-General Macpherson are advancing on Zagazig. Arabi escaped from Tel-el-Kebir on horseback in the direction of the Zagazig railway, which our troops failed to destroy. Several trains on it laden with fugitives were, however, captured. Our cavrlry completely outflanked the enemy before the attack in front commenced. The assault on, an 1 capture ©f, Tel-el-Kebir only lasted 30 minutes. 300 prisoners were taken. Sept. 14. The news of the victory of Tel-el-Kebir was received with great enthusiasm in Alexandria, and there was a great public demonstration of rejoicing made by the European inhabitants ol that city. Reghab Pasha, the CommissaryGeneral of Arahi’a army, is among the prisoners. It i« estimated that the enemy lost 8000 killed and wounded, and 4000 were taken prisoners. The British casualties are reported to be about 400. '

The Indian contingent under General Macpherson have now occupied Zagazig, They entered the town at 4 o’clock in the evening, after a very rapid march. No opposition was offered by the inhabitants, and the Governor at once tendered his submission. Five locomotive engines and one hundred carriages were seized, at the railway stations. The news of Sir Garnet Wolseley’s victory was somewhat coldly received in Paris, but immense enthusiasm was exhibited in. Canada when the news reached there. 5.22 p.m. A deputation from Cairo has sought an and ience with th e Khed ive, and offered the submission of the Notables. The Khedive demanded absolute surrender, and that Kafradowar should be surrendered also. The majority of Arabi’s leading officers are among the prisoners taken at Tel-el-Kebir. Sixty guns were captured. . , Sept. 15. Intelligence is to hand that the Kxovernor of Kafradowar has offered to surrender the town to the British-forces.

Arabi, it is known, after his flight from Tel-el-Kobir, proceeded to Cairo, and has arrived at that city. The British cavalry have entered Belbeis, a small town twenty-eight miles to the north-east of Cairo, and Sir Garnet Wolseley and the infantry from Tel-il-Kebir will arrive at Belbeis to-day. It is probab'e Sir Garnet will push from there on to Cairo with the Guards without delay. A despatch has been received from Sir Garnet Wolseley at Benha-el-Asl reporting that General Drury-Lowe at the head of the British Cavalry occupied Cairo yesterday, Arabi and Toulba at once yielded unconditionally, and 10,COO of their troops stationed there also submitted. The Prefect of Cairo has undertaken to keep 'order in the city. Sir Garnet adds that ho starts forthwith for Cairo. Later. A further despatch has been received from Sir Garnet Wolseley reporting his arrival at Cairo, where he was received with open arms by The populace. Sir Garnet adds that the war may now he considered over, and that no more troops need be gent.

have 'formally occupied Kafradowar. The Khedive is giving n magnificent banquet to celebrate the British victories . The Continental Powers and Press generally welcome the British triumph ; but‘England is strongly urged to consult a Conference of Ptwers as to the final settlement of the difficulty, and the future safeguards to be taken for the preservation of law and order in Egypt. Alexandria,, Sept. 14, The customary annual ceremony of initiating the cutting of the canal dams to admit the overflow of the waters of the Kile was performed by the Khedive yesterday. The various regiments of the Egyptian army stationed at Aboukir, Damietta and other places in the north of the Delta have ceased to manifest any hostility towards the British troops. Sept. 15. Intelligence is to hand that the British vanguard has reached Cairo by rail, The attitude of the natives everywhere towards the troops is most abject. It is now known that Arabi proceeded from Tel-el-Kebir to Cairo, and on his arrival there he was pelted with stones by the populace. An official return states the British loss in killed and wounded at the capture of Tel-el-Kebir to be 396, Sept. 16. Telegrams are to hand from Cairo announcing that Arabi and Toulha, his chief officer, have been arrested for inciting the populace to plunder and burn the city.