THE BRITISH IN AFRICA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2450, 24 March 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE BRITISH IN AFRICA.

GREAT SLAUGHTER OF NATIVES

Full partie ilars have just been received of the lighting between the British mid the natives in the neighbourhood of Sierra Leone, resulting in tho capturo of three native towns, a number of strongholds, and the slaughter of a very large number of natives. One report mentioned th.it in the battles which had taken place, about 2000 natives were killed or wounded. Previous advices mentioned the capture of Robari by tho British forces, and the infonntion just' received states that two more towns namely, Macondoo and Romotto have beeu t.tken. All three places are iinportanttowuain the Yonnie country. When the enemy were driven out of Robari they fell back upon Macondoo. Every preparation had been made by the natives for a desperate resistance, the route being obstructed by felled trees and other impediments. Besides this, the enemies were found in strong , parties in ambush at different points. The Yonnioa made a determined stand, and were consequently cut or shot down in large numbers. Tho first buttle lasted from seven o'clock in the morning till three o'clook in the afternoon. The Yonniea at that time commenced to retreat. The British force consisted chiefly of the Ist West India Regiment, assisted by native police from Sierra Leone, and a force of the Naval Brigade, the sailors inflicting havoc with their shells. The stronghold was entered. Robari was found to be a beautiful town situated on a hill; and here Sir Francis De Winton, who commanded the expedition, made his headqurters. The Yonnies were said to number about 36 0 fighting men, and were aided by the followers of Mararapah, and Maaimerah, making the combined forces to number about 6500. The English expedition all told wus about 2006 strong. The advance guard consisted of eighteen men of the Naval Brigade flnd 180 rank and file, under the command of Major Pigott. There were no fatalities on tho English side, but about sixteen men were wounded, some seriously. After capturing Robari the force marched on Macondoo, the Naval Brigade again leading. There was little opposition, but there were evident traces of extensive preparations for receiving the enemy. The natives, however, had evidently been frightened by the battle before Robari, and most of the strongholds had scarcely been completed When the town itself was assaulted but little retistance was offered, and the place was captured without casualty on the British side. Macondoo was taken on the 2oth ult, and next day the English advanced on Rometto. The reeistance llefe wsih much more spirited, the Yonnie? fighting with much courage. Fourteen of their number were killed and a great many wounded, after which the expedition entered the town. The quickness of the march on Rometto had evidontly taken the enemy by surprises, as many of the leading chiefs had not time to escape, and were consequently taken prisoners by the English. Amongst these were the brother of the late Bay Shesbro, of Yonnie, a son of Bey Simmerah, and Bey Cobolo, of Marampah. Besides these ii large quantity of arms was captured. There wore again no casualties on the British side. The Yonnies who managed to escape fled to Masiraerah. After tho battle, orders wore issued by Sir Francis de Winton and Deputy-Governor Hay, acknowledging the bravery of the British troops in all the engagements. There was great excitement in the Yonnie country, and it was believed that the expedition would have a snlutory effect. H.M.S. Rifleman returned to Sierra Leone on the 3rd instant, bringing about 200 men who hud been engaged in the battle with the Yonnies.