THE ABYSSINIAN EXPEDITION.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume II, Issue 62, 7 March 1868, Page 3

THE ABYSSINIAN EXPEDITION.

Several of our contcmporics who Lave special correspondents in Abyssinia publish letters from them, the latest date being in the “ Daily News,” Aimesley-bay, Dec. 5. The correspondent of the “ Daily News ” describes the camp life, and communicates some details on the subject of roads, piers, supplies and water. The aboona, whose death is mentioned in the news from Magdala, was the head of the Abyssinian church—a man who did not personally bear a high character, but whose loss is to be regretted, as he was an enemy to Theodore, and has been latterly friendly and useful to us. If the new aboona, who is consecrated by the head of the coptie church at Alexandria, should rouse the fanaticism of Abyssinia against us, this death might prove of political importance. At Magdala, nearly a hundred political prisoners had been carried off by a dreadful epidemic but none of the Europeans had suffered. On the sth, the advance upon Sonafe was in course of execution by the 3rd light cavalry, the 10th native infantry, and Major Mallet’s battery of mountain trains. It was said, on excellent authority, that Knssa, the leading chief of Tigre, one of the chief provinces of Abyssinia, and that nearest the coast, was in the immediate neighbourhood of Senafe with 7,000 men He had sent word that his intentions are friendly; but Dr Krapf, who was with our advanced guard, and who has lived for many years in the country, advises no weight to be attached to such protestations until they were supplemented by the material guarantee of an important chief sent as hostage. No matter what obstacles and difficulties the nature of the country or the policy of local chiefs may oppose to our advance, an immediate establishment upon the crest of the plateau, the correspondent of the “ Daily News” says had become necessary. As yet there has been only one death from natural causes; hut mortality among the camels and mules was very great. Much confusion was caused by the want of drivers and of responsible men to control the muleteers. Goods’ including a complete telegraphic apparatus, with sappers to lay it, which would establish communication with the high land, had arrived in large quantities from England. The correspondent of the “ Times ” gives a formidable account of the task before the Bombay commissariat—the country about Annesley-bay not supplying any article for consumption or use except fuel. "This gentleman had paid a visit to Massowah, where he had seen several messengers from Magdalo and Debra Tabor. The belief in the country was that the English intended to make them proselytes by the sword. Massowah itself, it seems, is exceptionally free from disease, and healthy even for Europeans. Among the persons sloping there was a German, a llev. Mr. Ilaussman, who had been imprisoned with the Magdala captives, but was realeascd on Theodore’s dicoverirg that Mr. Ilaussman had not, like Dr. Blanc and other of the captives, been writing or speaking against him. A A letter had been received from Mr. Fla.l, dated Oct. 12, at which time Theodore was said to be on his way from Debra Tabor to Magdala. Mr. Flad’s letter was written in a very desponding tone, and as if the captives had begun to despair of English aid; but otherwise all was well with them. Theodore was taking them with him. He is said to have at last heard ottbe arrival of the advance brigade, and to be boasting, in the half-crazy style which lias for some years been habitual to him, that he will “ soon send the English back without their heads,” The correspondent sends a translation from the Ambaric.of a proclamation issued by Sir Robert Napier to the Abyssinians. It runs as follows: ‘‘Hear! Tedros, King of Abyssinia, by binding Cameron, the counsel of England, and Rassam, the envoy of England, with many other men, has violated the law of every country where the peopele abide by laws. Now, all friendly measures tried to free them having proved useless, I am coming, commanded by the Queen, with an array to liberate them. Whoever is the friend of those prisoners, and who will help to deliver them, shall be rewarded; but whoever illtreats them shall receive punishment, Further, reflect in you heart, 0 people of Ethiopia in the time of the coming of the army into your country, that the Queen of England has not a thought of anger against you, your liberty, and existence. All your persons and property, all your convents"and churches in your country, shall be protected with much care. All who may bring provisions for sale will receive their price. The inhabitants who remain quiet will not be troubled by anyone.” A telegram had been received from the Governor of Bombay, dated 21st Dec., stating that Sir Charles Napier hid sailed that evening for Annesly Bay, in her Majesty's ship Octavia.