THEODORE'S LAST MOMENTS

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 349, 12 September 1868, Page 6

THEODORE'S LAST MOMENTS

The Patrie, of May 29th, prints ""what purports to bean Abyssinian version of the last moments of Theodore. The report commences by praising the loyal and generous conduct of England ; " for, whilst regretting the monarch who was our friend, and who now reposes in immortality, we must render homage to the courage and skill of the conquerors." On learning tbt the English had disembarked, Theodore thought they would march on his capital by way of the fertile plains of Dembea, the entrance to which he was prepared to defend. He regarded the occupation of Senafe as &ruse de guerre to make 'him abandon the formidable positions ; he held, and did not move. This is why the English accused Theodore of indecision. He refused to listen to his spies, and when doubt was no longer possible it was too late. His cavalry remained at Amarsha, and with 22,000 musketeers he marched on Magdala. He tried to defend the defiles, but there was no longer time the advance guard appeared. His generals, too, were discouraged, and, gorged with gold, abandoned their <ebief in his extremity. The number of Abyssinians buried amounted to 757, whilst 2-139 were wounded. ■*' To the rifle and the steel gun the victory must be in a great measure attributed ; but —why should we not say so ? the English soldiers (English is underlined) displayed great bravery and intrepidity during the assault, and were humane towards the prisoners and wounded. Accustomed to bloody reprisals, the Abyssinians expected to be massacred. The severe discipline of the English army in preventing excesses and useless cruelty has won for itself the admiration of the conquered. Amoingst the dead were seven balantcheras, or men who resembled Theodore, and were purposely dressed like him, and one general-in-chief. The Abyssinians thought on the 15th that the English ■would remain in the country, and they desired this. The generosity of the conquerors, their brilliant triumph, and their respect for property, caused •it to he foreseen that under their administration there would be liberty, fortune, and protection for commerce industry, and agriculture. They feared anarchy if the country were "evacuated. Theodore did not commit sucide. Having witnessed the destruction of his army, and having sought death in vain amid ball and shell, when he saw the head of the enemy's columns crown the breach, he under- • stood that his last hour had come ; he saw that resistance was impossible, : aad that he was about to be made prisoner. This reflection made him roar (rugir). If the English captives had been still in his power, their death would have been certain. In a fit of fury, or rather madness, he ordered their extermination, forgetting that they were free, and in the English camp. On seeing his power fleeting from nim -with the blood of his soldiers, contemplating his empire destroyed, his dynasty overturned, his reign finished, two streams of tears coursed down his cheeks, the muscles of his face and chest were contracted with pain, and hi 3 limbs writhed in mute 'despair. His bitter sufferings should atone for many of his crimes Two balantcheras, pistol in hand, stood silently waiting his order. He gave his will to Emgheddo. Crossing his arms over his breast, he prayed ; then with a hollow voice he repeated several times, ' Ethiopia! Ethiopia! my wife ! my children !' The gate, 'trembling under the blows of the assailants, was giving way. Proudly raising his head, Theodore drew his sword to perish like a European. 'ln the bosom of the Trinity,' said he to the balantcheras,' fire!' they both aimed at his head, but Emgheddo's courage failed, and his arm fell inert. Area alone obeyed, and his bullet 'Broke the skull of Africa's bravest warrior. The balantcheras remained by the body of their master expecting death. At this moment the gate was broken in, and the English soldiers, drunk with blood and carnage, rushed forward. Emgheddo showed, them the lifeless body of Theodore. At this sight the -soldiers, stupified, let fall their arms, and the two guards were saved." The will was copied and :distributed to such -officers as had remained faithful. 'lHEcmoKE's "wiiii,. —In the name of the Trinity, Theodore, last King of Ethiopia.—To conquer Theodore, God •said to the nation which holds under its.sceptre more than half the universe. " Go and unite your armies -and fleets; I shall be with you; we will fight together and will crush him." It "has been so. Should England keep the empire of my Abyssinian warriors, mat to the oppressors. If they retire,

I desire that my son Mechecha may succeed me ; and I, Emperor, say to him—Be the friend of those to whom God hath given the victory, for they know how to protect their friends; be the friend of those warriors, for they are invincible. The other .... jackals are afraid of the English lion. Mechecha, be great as thy father, and fear the Trinity. This narrative is signed by Count R. du Bisson, a traveller in Abyssinia, and who was always on friendly terms with its late ruler, and not in favour of the English expedition.