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ABYSSINIA
THE BRITISH EXPEDITION
TO

ABYSSINIA

COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC DOCUMENTS

CAPTAIN HENEY M. HOZIEE

3bd dbagoon guards

late assistant military secretary to lord napieb of magdala

MACMILLAN AND CO.

1869

Riglit of Translation into German granted to Mr. Duncker, Berlin

All other rights reserved

 )DT3S (p

5
H^

LONDON: PEINTKD BY
SPOTIISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STKKEt 6QCAHE
AND PARLIAMENT STREET

H&NRV MOrtSE : I t^f Hli

 cUi,

PREFACE.

QEVEE AL accounts of the British Expedition

^ have been pubHshed, which have displayed
a far higher hterary ability than the following

pages can venture to lay claim to. They have,

however, been written by those who have not
had access to those authentic documents which
cannot be collected directly after the termina-
tion of a campaign.

The endeavour of the author of this sketch

has been to present to readers a succinct and

impartial account of an enterprise which has

rarely been equalled in the annals of war. In

the Abyssinian campaign the enemies to be

feared more than the open foe were natural ob-

stacles and starvation. These were successfully
encountered and subdued. The difficulties would
have been more apparent, had their reduction
been less skilful. The danger and possibility of

M355
VI PREFACE.

disaster would have been more manifest had

they been less carefully guarded against.
The aim of the author has everywhere been

impartiality ; his object truth.

 CONTENTS,

INTRODUCTION.
PAGE
General Topography of Abyssinia . . . ix

CHAPTER I.

British Expedition to Abyssinia . . . 1

CHAPTER II.

Preparation of Expedition . - . .46

CHAPTER III.

Reconnaissance of the Country . . . .70

CHAPTER IV.

Sir R. Napier at Zulla . . . . .80

CHAPTER V.
Advance to Adigerat . . . . .101

CHAPTER VI.
Advance to Antalo . . . . . IIG

CHAPTER VII.

Advance to Ashangi . . . . .150

VIU CONTENTS.

Advance, TO Lat ......

CHAPTER VIII.
PAGE
157

CHAPTEE IX.

Advance to the Takkazie . . . . .164

CHAPTER X.

Advance to the Bashilo . . . . .170

CHAPTER XL
Action of Arogi . . . . . .186

CHAPTER
Surrender of the Captives ....XII.

201

Capture of Magdala .....

CHAPTER XIII.

221

CHAPTER
Destruction of the Fortress ....XIV.
244

The Return March .....

CHAPTER XV.
254
 INTEODUCTION.

GENEBAL TOPOGRAPHY OF ABYSSINIA.

i T the time when a British Expedition into Abys-

-*-^ sinia was determined upon httle was known

of the topography of Abyssinia. This httle could

only be gathered by compilations from the works

of a few travellers who had penetrated into the

country. Such visitors naturally pay little regard

to miUtary necessities. Careful of the safety and

welfare only of a small cavalcade or a diminutive

// following, what would be nothing wherewith to feed

a large host appears to them plenty of both food and

water. On the other hand, obstacles which seem to

their individual powers stupendous fade away before

the disciplined labour of an army. Hence, as authori-

ties for mihtary preparation, the accounts of ordinary

travellers are of no great worth. Still they have an

advantage.

From the pubhshed works of those who had jour-

neyed in Abyssinia it was known that that country

X INTRODUCTION.

is a highland plateau elevated on lofty hills above

the basin of the Indian Ocean on the east and the
Upper Nile on the west. This plateau runs almost

due north and south. At its northern end it impinges

nearly upon the shore of the Eed Sea, and protrudes

its lowest spurs in the neighbourhood of Massowah,

close down upon the coral-bound coast. The Eed Sea

trends towards the east, so that although in the direc-

tion of Massowah the mountains of Abyssinia ap-

jiroach the water, there is a belt of lowland of about

two hundred miles between the southern portion of

the plateau and the ocean.

The plateau was known to be broken by deep

valleys and precipitous gorges, through which the rain

which fell upon its highest peaks drained off towards

the Nile. On it were several political divisions, of

which the best known were Bogos, Barea, Hamasyen,

Tigre in the north ; Semien, Bellesa, Begemeder, Wog-
gera, Dembea, and Tschelga in the centre, separated

by the river Takkazie from the northern provinces and

from Waag Lasta and Amhara on the east. Shoa

lay in the extreme south, and Kuara and Damot on

the western slope. In an elbow of the river, which

rises in lake Tsana and faUs into the Nile at Khar-

toum, are situated the districts of Metcha and Godjam.

From three ports in the eastern coast of Africa can an
 INTRODUCTION. xi

entry be made into Abyssinia. From Massowah on

the north routes lead through mountain passes to

Adowa, the capital of Tigre, or round the base of

those mountains to Kassala and Matamna, whence

'Gondar, the principal city of Dembea, can be reached.

From Amphila Bay a road runs across the low unhealthy

desert to the base of the mountains, and striking

through some waterless passes arrives at Adow^a.

Between Tajurrah, the most southern port, and tlie

mountains, the distance is greater than that from

Amphila Bay. From Tajurrah the most direct road

lies to Ankober, the capital of the kingdom of Shoa.

The lowland along the sea-coast was well known to

be an arid and sandy desert : the plateau was known

to be rugged and mountainous, but while the climate
of the lowlands was known to be extremely preju-
dicial to European constitutions, that of the hill country

was believed to be cool and healthy.

 THE BRITISH EXPEDITION
IN

ABYSSINIA.

CHAPTEK I.

BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA,

rpHE British Expedition to Abyssinia was prompted

-- by no thirst for glory, by no lust of conquest.

Unwillingly entered upon for the sake of humanity

by the Government of England, it was vigorously
carried through in the same cause by the officer to

whom its conduct was entrusted. Its success was great.

England acquired from it no territorial aggrandise-

ment. Yet it did not pass unrewarded, for its result

was greatly to raise the British Army in European

estimation.

The troops of Sir Eobert Napier were not only

hberators of their countrymen, but were explorers and

pioneers in an almost unknown land. A vague charm

was presented to the men who comprised the Expe-
ditionary Force. The theatre of their operations was
little better understood than when it was supposed to
be the seat of empire of the mythical Prester John, or
B
2* BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA. [cnAP. i.

was charmed into an unreal existence by the magic

pen of the author of Easselas. The cloud of mystery

which enveloped the African Switzerland, the certainty

of adventure, and the confidence felt by all ranks of
the army in the chosen commander, lured many volun-

teers to seek for service in the enterprise. Apart from

the army there was no desire for the expedition.

Many were the forebodings of disaster, and of death to

the prisoners in case of an armed intervention in the

afiairs of an uncivilised potentate. These forebodings

were not without cause, but fortuitously so, for they
were due less to thought than to awe, to calculation
than to ignorance.
The country of Abyssinia, or Habesh,* is inhabited

by a mixed race. Of this the majority, although

settled on the confines of tlie I^egro world, came from

the Shemite race, and speaks a language closely allied

to Arabic and Hebrew. Thousands of years ago suc-

cessive migrations of this people must have emerged
from Asia, and settled in Alpine Africa, wliere, though
all historical record is lost, a monument of their migra-

tion is preserved in the name Geez or '

wanderers.'

The ancient Abyssinian tongue was the Ethiopic : while

this was preserved there was comparative civilisation in

the highlands, which are drained by many fountains

of the father of waters. An extensive ecclesiastical

literature existed in the country. The modern lan-

* Habesh signifies ' mixture of peoples in Arabic.

'
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 3

guage of several dialects is descended from the Geez

or Ethiopic, but is contaminated by the proximity of
Arabic-speaking tribes.

Of the earliest history of Abyssinia little is known. Early

history.
Still less can be credited. Legendary chronicles tell,

that from this district the Queen of Sheba travelled to

visit the capital of the Jewish Solomon, returning

thence to the seat of her power at Axum, in Tigre,

with the ark of tlie covenant and a Hebrew colony,

and there raised a temple to the true God. The

mythical traditions still preserved in Abyssinia say, that
the royal house of the comitry has directly descended

from the Queen of the South, and the Negoos, or ruler

of modern Ethiopia, claims descent from Menilek, an
asserted child of Solomon by the Queen of Axum.
The invasion of Abyssinia by the Greek Ptolemies, and
the penetration of the arts and language of Greece
into Tigre, the country of the Axumitee, are proved by
the inscriptions recorded and found at Adulis and
Axum. These were executed before the introduction
of Christianity. They own the worship of Mars, and

also show that Adulis, the modern ZuUa, was the door
by which the Greeks and Egyptians obtained access to

the highlands of Tigre. Christianity was introduced

at the beginning of the fourth century by Erumentius,
who w^as consecrated by Saint Athanasius of Alexan-

dria, the first Primate of Abyssinia. He received the

name of Abuna Salama, or Father of Peace, from the

 4 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

people to -whom he was sent. Since the days of

Frumentius every orthodox Primate of Abyssinia has

been consecrated by the Coptic Patriarch of the church
of Alexandria, and has borne the title of Abuna.

Jews had been numerous in Arabia since the days

when the market of Jerusalem was first suppHed
from Ophir, and the land of spice on the Eed Sea.
After the destruction of the home of the chosen
people, many exiles of Jewish race found an asylum
in the peninsula which forms the eastern shore of
the Eed Sea. Educated to war in Palestine, and
smarting under defeat, they were formidable, both as
warriors and bigots. Some of them, in the year 522,

made a proselyte of Dunaan, who slew and possessed

himself of the crown of the Arian king of the Home-
rites in Yemen. He persecuted those who refused

to renounce Christianity, and at Najiran committed

some of the recusants to the martyrdom of fire. The
oppressed Churches appealed for aid to the Emperor

Justinian. At his request their nearest co-religionist,

the Negoos * of Abyssinia, took up arms. Caleb or

Eleesbam, who then occupied the throne of Axum,
passed his army in vessels from Adulis across the Eed
Conquest Dunaau, and took possession of
gg^^ g]g^y his kingdom.
In the time of Caleb the kingdom of the Axumitas
attained to its highest degree of prosperity, and was

* Negoos signifies ' supreme prince, or leader :

'
it is the same word as
is applied to David in tlie Old Testament.
CHAr. I.
]
INTROD UCTION. 5

most intimately connected with European civilisation.

Its vessels from Adulis traded to Egypt and Ceylon.

Its ruler's alliance was sought by the sovereign of the
Koman Empire. An Ethiopian colony was established

in Yemen, over which Abrahah, the slave of a Eoman

merchant of Adulis, obtained government. But the
army of Abrahah was destroyed before Mecca, and
the Abyssinian invaders expelled from Arabia. The
conquest of Egypt by the Arabs in the middle of the
seventh century, crippled the prosperity of Abyssinia.

The rising wave of Islamism severed the arteries of com-

munication which connected Axum with the centres

of civilisation and of Christianity. Abyssinia sank into

torpid oblivion for almost a thousand years.*

During this time the religion of the country be-

came degraded and perverted. The Abuna was

uniformly sent into Abyssinia by the Patriarch of
Alexandria. But the occasional advent of a high priest
was insufficient to maintain the national creed, even

on so elevated a basis as that of the Coptic Church.

Errors rapidly crept in, and Abyssinian Christianity

became tainted with superstition and Judaism. The
mission of Frumentius appears to have been only

partially successful ; and probably the Jewish adven-

turers in Arabia crossed over in considerable numbers
to the African continent after the conversion of Arabia

The early accounts of Abyssinia are most

* conflicting, as presented

by Bruce, Gibbon, and several other authorities.

 6 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. t.

to Islamism. The Jews gained strength, and the

legends say that, about a.d. 960, Judith, the Queen of

the Abyssinian Jews, overthrew the estabhshed dynasty.

The heir of the Queen of Sheba was carried to the

province of Shoa, where the rightful line continued

to reign. The relatives of Judith ruled the remaining

provinces of the empire under the designation of the

House of Zague. On the death of the foundress of

the line, her successor adopted the Christian faith.

About A.D. 1268, by the mediation of the Abuna

Tecla Haimanout, a treaty was concluded between
Icon Amlac, the descendant of the legitimate line, and
the representative of the Hue of Zague. By virtue

of this agreement, the lands of Lasta were given up

to Naaculto Laab, of the lineage of Judith, who re-

signed to Icon Amlac the kingdom of Abyssinia.*

About the middle of the fifteenth century, Abyssinia

came in contact with Western Europe. An Abyssinian

convent was endowed at Eome, and legates were sent
from the Abyssinian convent at Jerusalem to the

council of Florence. These adhered to the Greek

schism. But from that time the Church of Eome
made an impress upon Ethiopia.

Communi- Princc Hcury of Portugal, youngest son of John

cation with
Portugal, the Avenger, and Grand Master of the Order of
Christ, next opened up communication with Europe.

* This account of the internal history of Abyssinia is extracted from

Bruce's translation of the native annals.
CHAP. I.J INTHODUCTIOy. 7

He hoped to open up a route from the west to the

east coast of Africa, by which the East Indies might

be reached without touching Mahometan territory.

During his efforts to discover such a passage to India,

and to destroy the revenues derived by the Moors
from the spice trade, he sent an ambassador named
Covillan to the Court of Shoa. Covillan was not suf-

fered to return by Alexander, the then Negoos. He

married nobly, and acquired rich possessions in the
country. He kept up correspondence with Portugal,
and urged Prince Henry to diligently continue his

efforts to discover the southern passage to the East.

In 1498 the Portuguese effected the circuit of Africa.

The Turks shortly afterwards extended their conquests

towards India, where they were baulked by the Por-

tuguese, but they established a post and a toU at Zeyla,

on the African coast. From here they hampered and

threatened to destroy the trade of Abyssinia. Under

the advice of Covillan, Helena, Empress of Ethiopia,

sent an embassy to seek assistance of the Portuguese

against the Turks, and aid in the extirpation of the

Moslem on both shores of the Eed Sea. Matthew, an

Armenian, who was selected for this service, was de-
tained for three years by the Portuguese authorities in

India before he was sent to Lisbon by a homeward-

bound fleet laden with spice. During the absence of

Matthew, the Turks of Zeyla, alhed with the Maho-
metan tribes of the coast, invaded Abyssinia. They
 8 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. t.

were defeated by the Negoos David, and at tlie same

time the Turkish town of Zeyla was stormed and
burned by a Portuguese fleet. The Mahometans, not
discouraged, silently prepared for further operations,
equipped themselves with fire-arms, and trained them-
Portuguese selves in the service of artillery. In 1520, a Por-
'^
Mission.
tuguese fleet arrived at Massowah. Matthew was on
board one of the vessels. An embassy from the fleet

visited the court of the Negoos, where nearly six

years were wasted in puerile efforts at diplomacy and

childish wrangling, without benefit to either side. In

1526 the Portuguese mission was dismissed, and sailed

to India, taking with it an Abyssinian ambassador.

This envoy, Zaga Zaab, after touching on the Coro-
mandel coast, arrived safely at Lisbon, but, pleased

with the amenities of European life, did not hurry

forward the affairs of his master. The King of Portu-

gal was not now pressingly desirous of the Abyssinian

alliance. The power of Portugal in India was con-

solidated. A free communication existed between
Europe and India round the Cape of Good Hope.
The successes of the Turks on the shores of the Eed
Sea Httle affected the Portuguese. But the inter-

course of the Portuguese fleets with Abyssinia alarmed

the Turks on the coast, who had strengthened them-
selves by constant communication with Arabia, had
garrisoned Zeyla, and armed that place with a train of

artillery.
 CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 9

A Maliometaii army, under tlie command of Ma-

homet Gragne, governor of Zeyla, invaded the high-
lands, burnt Axum, occupied Amhara, and reduced
the Negoos David to the most dire necessity. When
pressed hard, David persuaded the Abuna to con-
secrate as his successor, Bermudez, a Portuguese, who
had been detained in Abyssinia on the departure of
the mission. Bermudez started immediately to obtain

the consecration of the Pope, which he received at

Bologna, and then proceeded to Portugal to urge for

assistance against the Turks. The viceroy of the

Portuguese possessions in India was ordered to send

a detachment of 400 musqueteers to aid the Chris-
tians of Abyssinia. A Portuguese fleet under the
command of Stephen da Gama came to the port of

Massowah, where they seized by stratagem the town

of Arkeeko on the mainland. Stephen da Gama
then began to enrol the men who were to form the
auxihary force. It was found, however, that the whole
of the Portuguese wished to volunteer for the service.

A considerably larger number than the allotted 400

musqueteers were consequently allowed to take part
with their servants and followers in the expedition,
which was placed under the command of Christopher
da Gama, the younger brother of the Admiral.
The Portuguese force marched from Arkeeko to-

wards Dobarwa, the easiest known entrance to the

highlands. It had no provision to make for either its

10 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

commissariat or transport, as cattle for both food and

carriage were supplied by tlie Bahar ISTagash or Abys-
sinian governor of the sea coast. At Dobarwa, Don
Christopher met the queen, and then, with his Portu-

guese and 12,000 Abyssinian warriors, marched forward

to effect his junction with the army of the king. Mo-
hammed Gragne, desirous of preventing this manoeuvre,
marched into the province of Tigre. An action ensued

on March 25, 1542, in which the Portuguese repelled

the attack of the Moors, but, from the want of cavalry,

were unable to follow up their success. The Portu-

guese then went into cantonments, to avoid the rains.

In August they again entertained the idea of effecting

a junction with the Negoos in Dembea. Mohammed
Gragne threw his army in their way. J3a Gama, with-
out awaiting the arrival of the army of the Negoos,

accepted battle. His army was overthrown, he him-

self taken prisoner, and put to death.
The queen, with Bermudez the Patriarch, sought

and obtained refuge among the Jews who occupied

Mount Semien. Arius Diaz was elected leader of

the surviving Portuguese. On February 10, 1543,

the Negoos Claudius and Arius Diaz defeated the troops

of Mohammed Gragne, w^ho was himself shot in the

action by a Portuguese marksman. Quarrels then
sprang up between the Court and the Cathohc Primate.
Bermudez wish e J the Negoos Claudius to profess him-

self pubhcly as a convert to Eome. The latter refused,

CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 11

not so much from want of conviction as from personal

dislike of Bermudez ; the quarrel progressed until

finally the Negoos, availing himself of force, banished

Bermudez to the country of the coast, whence he re-

turned to India.
It was at this time, in the. middle of the sixteenth inc^,yioi

century, that the Galla tribes first attracted attention.

A migration of Gallas came from the south, and swept

up to and over the confines of Abyssinia. Men of

lighter complexion and fairer skin than most Africans,

they were Pagan in religion and savages in customs.
Notwithstanding frequent efibrts to dislodge them, they
have firmly established themselves. A large colony
has planted itself on the banks of the Upper Takkazie,
the Jidda and the Bashilo. Since their establishment

here they have for the most part embraced the creed
of Mahomet. The province of Shoa is but an outher
of Christian Abyssinia, separated completely from co-

rehgionist districts by these Galla bands. About the

same time the Turks took a firm hold of Massowah
and of the lowland by the coast, which had hitherto
been ruled by the Abyssinian Bahar Nagash. Islamism
and heathenism surrounded Abyssinia, where the lamp
of Christianity faintly glimmered amidst dark super-

stition in the deep recesses of rugged vaUeys.

In the year 1556, St. Ignatius, the general of the Jesuit

Society of Jesus, died at Eome. He had founded a

^^^'"'^"

rehgious Order, of which the influence had been felt in

12 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [ctiap. i.

tlie furthest corners of the world ; and did not neglect

to send aid to the fainting worshippers of Christ in

Abyssinia Two years after the death of their great

master, a Jesuit mission arrived at Massowah five days

before the occupation of that place by the Turks.

This mission was under the guidance of Andrew

Aviedo, who was appointed Patriarch by the Holy

See. The Jesuit missionaries in Ethiopia fixed their

head-quarters at Fremona, about twelve miles from

Adowa. The Jesuits propagated not only religion, but

a knowledge of the rudiments of the arts and sciences,

amongst their African flocks. For nearly a century

Fremona existed, and its superiors were the trusted
advisers of the Ethiopian throne. One of the last,

Peter Paez, appears to have been the instrument of

the foundation of Gondar in the province of Dembea.
This city afterwards became the capital of the Negoos.

But the same fate which fell upon the company of

Jesus in more civihsed lands, pursued it in the

wilds of Africa. The Jesuit missionaries were uni-

versally popular with the Negoos, but the prejudice

of the people refused to recognise the benefits wliich

flowed from Fremona. The Catholic priests were, not

unnaturally, regarded as enemies and opponents by

the national clergy. The Portuguese advisers of tlie

Negoos were looked upon as stranger favourites by

the native aristocracy. Eeligious and social antago-

nisms sprang up. Persecution, the desire of their first

CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 13

master, fell upon the Jesuits. The ignorant super-

stitions of the native priesthood were more potent to

the popular mind than the adoption of mechanical

appliances, or the application of liberal science. On
the death of Socinios, his son ordered the patriarch

and missionaries from the different provinces to pro-

ceed immediately to Fremona. The Jesuits sought the

protection of a rebel chieftain, who refused, from a

curious scruple against breaking his promise of pro-

tection, to deliver them up to Negoos Facilidas, but

agreed, nevertheless, to sell them to the Turks. The

majority were accordingly sold to the Governor of
Massowah. These were ultimately allowed to return
to Portugal ; two of those who remained in Abyssinia,

in desire and expectation of death, had their wishes

completely gratified, and received the martyr's crown

at the hands of the Negoos.
Facihdas, weary of missionaries and of foreign inter- Alliance
^
ference, sent for a Coptic Abuna from Alexandria, churchf

and concluded a treaty with the Turkish governors

of Massowah and Souakin to prevent the passage
of Europeans into his dominions. Some Capuchin
preachers, who attempted to evade this treaty and
enter Abyssinia, met with cruel deaths. Facihdas
thus completed the work of the Turks and tlie Gallas,

and shut Abyssinia out from European influence and .

civilisation. The religion and morals of his people

became rapidly corrupted. The former is now no

 14 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

safeguard of morality, and in the hands of Theodore

became only an excuse for cruelties and barbarity.

The sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist are

celebrated in the manner of the Greek Church, but

children are circumcised, and the Mosaic precepts are

generally observed as far as rehgious and not moral

rites are concerned. Images are not adored, but as

in the Greek Church pictures are enshrined in the

religious edifices. Legends of saints appear to' form

the bulk of Abyssinian literature. After the expul-
sion of the Jesuits, Abyssinia was torn by internal

feuds and constantly harassed by tlie encroachments

of and wars with the Gallas. Anarchy and confusion
ruled supreme. Towns and villages were burnt down,
and the inhabitants sold into slavery.

Mission of Towards the end of the seventeenth century, efforts

M. Poncet. ^ . . . . _ . ^ _ .

were made, both by the Franciscans and Jesuits, to

institute an Ethiopic mission. At the same time the

Negoos Yasous, who, as well as his son, was afflicted

with a scorbutic disease, sent a messenger to Cairo

to seek a physician. The French Consul despatched
M. Poncet, a French surgeon resident in Cairo, who
was entrusted also with diplomatic duties, accompanied
by a Jesuit, Brevedent. These approached Abyssinia
by the valley of the Nile. Brevedent died of dysentery,
but Poncet penetrated to Gondar, where he remained
for nearly a year. He succeeded in curing the Negoos,
but in his political task failed signally. The Abys-
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 15

sinians refused to send a mission to France, and in

1700, Poncet set out from Gondar on his return jour-

ney. At tlie time of Poncet's visit the Negoos was the

virtual as well as the theoretical ruler of the whole

of the country. Poncet describes Yasous as devoted

to war, but averse to bloodshed. This Negoos re-

ceived the epithet Tallac, or Great, in the Abyssinian

annals. A French embassy, under M. du Eoule,

which was despatched from Cairo in 1704, did not
get farther than Sennaar, where the ambassador was
murdered.
Yasous was succeeded by his son, Tecla Haimanout, Decline of
power of
who was assassinated. The brother of Yasous, Theo- Negoos.

philus, ascended the throne. He was the first who

allowed the dignity of the Negoos to decline. Theo-
philus raised Eistas, a maternal grandson of Yasous the

Great, to the position of Eas, or prime minister, and

entrusted him with the government of the two pro-

vinces of Semien and Tigre. On the death of Theo-

philus, Eistas made himself king, but the legitimate

line was restored on his decease. Towards the middle

of the eighteenth century the Gallas appear to have

increased considerably in power. In the intestine

quarrels of Abyssinia their alliance was courted by

each side, and in their country pohtical refugees ob-

tained a secure asylum. In order to obtain the per-

manent assistance of these powerful tribes, Yasous II.,

or Adam Segued, as he is indifferently called, took

 16 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

a Galla woman to wife. She embraced Abyssinian

Christianity, and rehgious scruples, perhaps, would not
have led to any bad effects from the Pagan alliance

of Yasous. On his death, in 1753, he was succeeded

by his son Joas, a minor, who was completely in the

hands of his mother. The absorption of all temporal

benefits by the Galla relations of the queen-mother

quickly roused the indignation of the Abyssinian no-

bility. The whole country rallied round Eas Michael,

governor of Tigre, who assumed the actual direction
of affairs, while the Negoos was maintained as the
theoretical ruler of the country, but was in truth a

mere roi faineant in the hands of the Eas. In this

condition, Bruce found the Negoos Tecla Haimanout II.,

when he visited Gondar in 1770. After the deaths of

Eas Michael and his son, great disorder ensued. The

real power of the Negoos and post of Eas fell into the

hands of the chiefs of the Yedjow Gallas, who, not-

withstanding interruptions, managed to maintain that

position for three generations. The Negoos, who lived

at Gondar, with a small suite, received little considera-

tion and no respect from the governors of the different

provinces. The two districts most remote from the

seat of government, Tigre and Shoa, became inde-

pendent.
Communi- The campaio;ns in Ec^ypt
^"^ ^
attracted En2:lish
atten-
cationwith ^ ^
England, tiou to the Ecd Sea. In 1804 Lord Valentia, the
Viceroy of India, sent his secretary, Mr. Salt, into
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 17

Abyssinia.* Mr. Salt found Eas Walda Selasye governor

of Tigre. wlio liad secured that province on the death

of the sons of Eas Michael. Mr. Salt entered into

friendly relations with Eas Walda, but was unable to
penetrate beyond Tigre, on account of the constant
hostilities between the governor of that province and
the Eas Guksa, chief of the Yedjow Gallas, who ruled

in Amhara. An Enghshman of the name of Pearce

remained in Tigre, when Mr. Salt returned to England,

and took up his residence at Chehcut, a beautiful
village near Antalo. In 1810 Mr. Salt was again sent
with a mission to Abyssinia, and was the bearer of
presents from George III. to the ruler of Abyssinia.

The quarrels between Walda Selasye and Eas Guksa

still continued. The English envoy failed to reach
Amhara. He gave the presents to Eas Walda Selasye,

and left the country, where Mr. Pearce and Mr. Coffin,

who had accompanied the mission, still remained.

On the death of Eas Walda Selasye in 1816, intes- Else of

Sabagadis.
tine disturbance occurred in Tigre. After some con-

flicts Sabagadis, who had been a frequent rebel against

Eas Walda, obtained the supreme power. In 1818

Mr. Pearce left Abyssinia, and shortly afterwards died

at Alexandria. Mr. Coffin became a trusted adviser

and friend of Sabagadis, by whom he was sent in 1828
to Bombay and England to obtain fire-arms. During
* Travels
of Lord Valentia and Salt's Abyssinia are the authorities
which have been consulted as also Dr. Beke's British Captives in
;

Ahyssinia,
C
18 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

Coffin's absence a league was formed against Sabagadis

by the Galla Eas Marye, the son and successor of Eas
Guksa of Amhara, and Dedjatch Oobye, the ruler of

the province of Semien, In a battle, fought 1830,

Sabagadis was taken prisoner and put to death, leav-
ing several sons.* The Gallas occupied Adowa, but on
the death of their chief f retired into Amhara, where

a boy, Eas Ali, nephew of Eas Marye, was entrusted

with the government, his mother being regent.
Dedjatch Oobye, on the withdrawal of the Gallas,
assumed the government over Tigre ; which was hotly
contested by the sons and adherents of Sabagadis.

During these quarrels Coffin returned, in 1832, from

England with muskets, some of which he gave to the

sons of Sabagadis, who, notwithstanding, were forced

before long to yield to the superior power of Oobye.

Oobye ruled in Tigre until 1855. Constant wars

occurred between the different provinces, most of

which were now thoroughly independent of Eas Ali,

who ruled the central provinces alone. Goshu was

chief of Godjam, and Sahela Selasye independent King
of Shoa. During the time of the government of Oobye,
several Protestant Missionaries visited Tigre, but were
expelled in 1838, when they directed their attention to

the kingdom of Shoa. In 1841, a Cathohc mission was

established in Tigre, under Padre Jacobis, an Italian

* See Chapter V.

t Ras Dori, brother and heir of Ras Marye.

CHAr. I.] INTRODUCTION. 19

gentleman of noble family, who fixed his head-quarters

not far from Adigerat. An English embassy was sent

in 1841 to the Cornet of Shoa, of which Sir William

Harris was the leader. It had apparently, however,
but little result.

The different Abyssinian chieftains appear about

this time to have desired to enter into relations with

England, possibly with the idea of obtaining aid against

each other, or of seeking for Christian assistance

against their Mahometan neighbours. In the same

year as Harris visited Shoa, Dedjatch Oobye, of Tigre,
sent Mr. Coffin on a mission with presents to the
Queen. In October 1846, Eas Ali also sent a mission
with presents to the Queen by Mr. Plowden, who with
Mr. Bell had arrived in Abyssinia in 1843, and had
since lived there.* At this time Mr. Plowden reported

that the rightful Emperor still resided, a shadow of

royalty, at Gondar. Eas Ali represented the race of
powerful chiefs, Galla by origin, but now Christian,

who had retained the government for about sixty

years.

In January 1848, Mr. Plowden was appointed con- consul

sular agent for the protection of British trade with

Abyssinia, and was sent out with a letter and presents

to Eas Ali. He was also the bearer of the draught

of a treaty of commerce to be concluded between Eas
Ali and England. In the beginning of 1849, Plowden
* Correspondence respecting Abyssinia presented to Parliament.

c 2
 20 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

reached Aclowa and then proceeded to Debra Tabor,

the residence of Eas Ah, whence he returned the treaty

of commerce signed by the Eas. On his arrival at

Debra Tabor, Plowden found his former companion

Bell an officer of high position in the service of the

Eas. Her Majesty's ratification of the treaty of com-

merce was delivered to Eas Ali in 1852. At the end

of the same year the attention of the government of

Debra Tabor was drawn towards the man who rose on

its ruins to be the ruler of Abyssinia.

i^iseof Lij Kassa, afterwards so well known as the Emperor

Theodore,
Theodore, was born in Kouara, the western province of
Abyssinia, about the year 1818. His father was of
noble family, and his uncle Dedjatch* Comfu was the

governor of the provinces of Dembea, Kouara, and

Tschelga. On the death of his father his mother is said

to have been so hard stricken by poverty as to have

been obliged to vend the drug kosso for her livelihood.
Young Kassa was nevertheless educated to be a scribe or

daftera in a convent near lake Tsana, whence he moved

to his native district of Kouara, on the convent being
stormed and plundered by a rebel chief On the death

of his uncle Kassa was made governor of Kouara by

Waizero Menen, the mother of Eas Ali. Finding no
sufficient scope for his ambition in Kouara, he occu-
pied Dembea and raised the standard of rebellion.

Several generals were sent against him, but Kassa had

* Dcjatch, ' chief/ or ^

duke.'
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 21

introduced a kind of discipline among his followers, and

had taken the precaution, unusual in Abyssinia, of hav-

ing his camp watched by sentries and patrols at night.

The chiefs sent against him were successively defeated.

Waizero Menen herself shared no better fate. On the

assurance that he would receive no harm, Kassa visited

the capital of Eas Ah, where, in order to insure the

attachment of the rising chieftain, the Eas gave his

daughter Tavavitch to him in marr"age. During the
life of this lady Theodore is said to have been abste-
mious, humane, sober, and continent. It was after her
death that he commenced the course of atrocities

and cruelties which caused his name to be execrated

in Abyssinia, and his country to be invaded by the
foreigner.

After his marriage Kassa returned to his province

of Kouara. ffis religious education had inspired him

with a belief that he was destined to be the restorer of

the Christian empire of Ethiopia and the exterminator

of the Turks and Pagans, who had encroached upon its

frontiers. With this view he engaged in frequent cru-

sades against the Arabs and Shangallas in the direction

of Sennaar, but was defeated at the head of 16,000

men by a mere handful of Turkish soldiery at Kedaref.

This disaster taught him how difficult it is for wild

warriors to engage with success even the smallest band

of disciphned troops in the open field. Had he enticed

the Turks into an invasion of his own province, acted

 :

22 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

against their communications, and cut off supplies, lie

might have reduced an army three times as numerous

as his own.
In the action of Kedaref Kassa was wounded, and
had to halt, on his retreat, in Dembea. The mother of
Eas Ali insulted him in his fallen state. On the insti-

gation of his wife, Kassa resolved to avenge this insult.

As soon as he recovered from his hurt he proclaimed

his independence in Kouara. Several commanders
were despatched to subdue him. He defeated them,

and their soldiers usually joined the retinue of the

rebel. In 1852 he signally overthrew and killed

Dedjatch Goshu, one of Eas Ah's best generals. The

Eas now took strenuous measures to oppose Kassa's
rise : and called upon Oobye of Tigre to aid him.

Kassa marched into Godjam, and defeated the aUied

troops of Eas Ali and Oobye. The former fled for re-

fuge into the Galla country, soon afterwards gave up the

contest, and hved in an asylum by Kassa's permission.

By this victory, the whole of the possessions of Eas Ali
fell into Kassa's hands. He patched up a peace with
Oobye, by the conditions of which he obtained tribute
and the person of the Abuna. This peace was preserved
until Birro Gosho, the Godjam chief, was overthrown
and captured.* Oobye entered into encouraging cor-

respondence with Gosho while in arms against Kassa

* Birro Gosho of Godjam was released from Magdala, by the British
were the two sons of Oobye of Tigre. Oobye himself died in
troops^ as
1867.
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 23

the latter intercepted the letters, and as soon as Gosho

was subdued, and he had thereby obtained possession
of all the country south and west of the Tacazze, he

turned his arms against Oobye. Victory still followed

his banner, and in the battle of Deraskie, fought in

February 1855, the governor of Tigre, his most

formidable antagonist, was overthrown. In March of
the same year he took the title of Theodore III., and
caused himself to be crowned by the Abuna King of

Ethiopia. He, at this time, put a stop to many

cruel and barbarous customs, and abolished the slave
trade.

The coronation of Theodore by the Abuna led to

the expulsion of the Cathohc missionaries from cen-

tral Abyssinia. Theodore had entered into negotia-

tions with Padre Jacobis, who would have crowned him

Emperor on consenting to adopt, for himself and the
country, the Catholic faith. When Oobye was over-

thrown, the Abuna made some difficulty about crown-

ing Theodore, who threatened to carry out the proposal

of Padre Jacobis. The Abuna could not afford to

allow the perversion of so important a proselyte. His

scruples were immediately overcome. Theodore and
his subjects adhered to the Coptic Church, and the
Cathohcs, with Father Jacobis, had to seek a refuge

with the rebels in the northern districts.

Theodore was now in the zenith of his career, when a

misfortune fell upon him, which graved a deep impress

24 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. t.

on his subsequent life. His queen died. She had been

his good genius, his counsellor, and his companion.

As soon as he was in possession of all Abyssinia,

Theodore united all the forces he could command and

marched against the Mohammedan Gallas, who had
destroyed some churches. He obtained possession of

Magdala, ravaged the Galla country, and enhsted

many of the chiefs and their followers in his own
ranks. He shortly afterwards reduced the outlying

kingdom of Shoa ; but rebellion began to make way

in his annexed but not consolidated acquisitions. Dis-

turbances broke out near Gondar and in Tigre. Owing

to one of these, Mr. Plowden, w^ho was ordered by his
Government, at the beginning of 1860, to return to

Massowah, while crossing the river Kaha, close to Gon-

dar, was attacked by 400 men, headed by a rebel
named Garred, received a mortal wound in the chest,

and was taken prisoner. This Garred was a cousin

of Theodore's, but was at the time under the command

of the rebel chief Dedjatch ISTegussye. The merchants
of Gondar paid a large ransom for Plowden. He was
released, but hved only a few days. Theodore repaid
the merchants, defeated Garred, and in the action the

murderer of Mr. Plowden was slain by Bell, but

the latter also lost his life in preserving Theodore's.

Theodore avenged the deaths of both the Englishmen

severely, by the slaughter or mutilation of about two
thousand rebels.
 CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION, 25

In January 1861 Dedjatch Negussye fell into Theo- French

p connection
5 1 1 rrn 1

dores hands. Tins chief, who was a grandson of with

Abyssinia.
Oobye of Tigre, had overrun all Tigre, and harassed
the country as far as Gondar. The Catholic mission-

aries, expelled from the south by the Abuna, had ob-

tained an asylum with him. Padre de Jacobis had

settled at Halai, at the top of the Taranta pass, which
leads from the Abyssinian plateau to Massowah, where
he had died in 1860. The Government of the Em-
peror of the French had acknowledged Negussye as
King of Abyssinia, and had sent a mission to him.

He in return had ceded to France Annesley Bay and

the island of Dissee : but the French officer who
came to ratify the agreement arrived when Negussye
was faihng before the power of Theodore, and with
difficulty escaped being taken prisoner by the chief of
Dixan. The French acquisition of Annesley Bay fell

to the ground. From this time cruelty seems to have

formed a part of the Emperor's character. The hands
and feet of Negussye were cut off, and he lingered for

days in torture, without being allowed a drop of water

to slack his burning thirst.

About the same date, Theodore married Terunesh,

the daughter of Oobye of Tigre, who bestowed her
hand upon him for her father's sake, but in her heart

despised the upstart who had overthrown her own

ancient family. This queen was the mother of Ala-

mayo, wdio was brought to England after the death

 26 :BJRITISH expedition to ABYSSINIA. [chap. I.

of Theodore. She herself died m the British camp

on the homeward march, and was buried at CheHcut.

Theodore's union with Terunesli was not happy.

He quickly tired of her and sent her with her infant

son Alamayo to Magdala. He then devoted him-

self to mistresses and intoxication.

Captain When the news of Mr. Plowden's death reached

.

Cameron.
England, Captain Cameron was appointed Consul in
Abyssinia. He was detained in London some time
after his appointment, in order to have a personal
interview with Mr. Stern, who returned at this time
from Africa. In February 1862, Captain Cameron
arrived at Massowah, and in July of the same year at

Gondar. By the direction of Lord Eussell, Captain

Cameron presented to Theodore a rifle and a pair of

revolver pistols as presents from the Queen. He was
received with great honour, and treated with every

respect. When he arrived at Gondar a large number

of Europeans were around Theodore. Six German
workmen, who had been sent out as Scripture-readers,

were settled at GafFat, near Debra Tabor. These were

Flad, Waldemaier, Saalmiiller, Kenzlin, Mayer, and
Bender. Flad had with him his European wife, Walde-
maier and Saalmiiller had married daughters of Mr.
Bell by an Abyssinian lady Bender and Kenzlin were
married to two daughters of Schimper, a German
botanist, who had been a long time in the country,
and was then at Theodore's camp. These Scripture-
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 27

readers were permitted to devote but little time to

missionary labour. Theodore employed tliem con-

tinually in the manufacture of munitions of war and
improvement of roads. There were also three mis-

sionaries in Abyssinia Eosenthal, Brandies, and Stai-

ger, of whom Eosenthal had an European wife. These

were soon rejoined by Mr. and Mis. Stern, who re-

turned from Europe after Captain Cameron. The mis-

sion to which Mr. Stern belonged was estabhshed at

Djenda in Dembea. There were also some adven-

turers around Theodore's camp three Frenchmen,
Bardel, Bourgaud, and Makerer. The second was an
armourer, the last a discharged soldier ; a Pole named
Hall, and two German chasseurs who had gone to

Massowah with the Duke of Saxe Coburg in 1862,

and had remained in Africa to collect birds. Many

of the Europeans had married Abyssinian or Galla
wives, and there was accordingly quite an European
colony at Gafiat.
In October 1862, Captain Cameron was dismissed
by King Theodore, who sent by him a letter to the

Queen of England. From Adowa, Captain Cameron

forwarded this letter to Aden, whence it was despatched
to England, and reached the Foreign Office on February
12, 1863. This letter, when translated, ran as fol-

lows :
*

* Correspondence respecting Abyssinia laid before Pai'liament.

28 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

King Theodore to Her Majesty the Queen,

(Received February 12, 1863.)*

[Translation,]

In the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy

Ghost, one God in Trinity, chosen by God, King of Kings,
Theodoros of Ethiopia, to Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of

England. I hope your Majesty is in good health. By the

power of God I am well. My fathers the Emperors having

forgotten our Creator, He handed over their kingdom to the
Gallas and Turks. But God created me, lifted me out of
the dust, and restored this Empire to my rule. He endowed
me with power, and enabled me to stand in the place of my
fathers. By his power I drove away the Gallas. But for

the Turks, I have told them to leave the land of my ances-

tors. They refuse. I am now going to wrestle with them.

Mr. Plowden, and my late Grand Chamberlain, the English-
man Bell, used to tell me that there is a great Christian
Queen, who loves all Christians. When they said to me
this, 'We are able to make you known to her, and to

establish friendship between you,' then in those times I was

very glad. I gave them my love, thinking that I had found

your Majesty's good-will. All men are subject to death, and

my enemies, thinking to injure me, killed these my friends.

But by the power of God I have exterminated those enemies,

not leaving one alive, though they were of my own family,

that I may get, by the power of God, your friendship.

I was prevented by the Turks occupying the sea-coast
from sending you an Embassy when I was in difficulty.

Consul Cameron arrived with a letter and presents of friend-

ship. By the power of God I was very glad hearing of your
welfare, and being assured of your amity. I have received
your presents, and thank you much.

* Laid before Parliament, 1866.

CHAr. I.] INTRODUCTION. 29

I fear that if I send Ambassadors with presents of amity

by Consul Cameron, they may be arrested by the Turks.
And now I wish that you may arrange for the safe pas-

sage of my Ambassadors everywhere on the road.

I wish to have an answer to this letter by Consul Cameron,
and that he may conduct my Embassy to England. See
how the Islam oppress the Christian !

After forwarding this letter, Captain Cameron pro-

ceeded to Bogos, a small province at the extreme
north-east of Abyssinia, nearly surrounded by Egyptian
territory. The Christians of Bogos had been plundered
by the Shangallas, black tribes under the dominion of

Egypt, and Captain Cameron, in imitation of the con-

duct of Consul Plowden under similar circumstances,
went to Bogos, to do what he could in behalf of the

Christian community. In this journey, he was accom-

panied by Samuel, afterwards known as Samuel the

King's steward. From Bogos, where he left Samuel,

he proceeded to Kassala, the centre of the Egyptian

administration in that quarter. At Kassala, he met
Mr. Speedy, whom he sent as vice-consul to Massowah,
while he remained away from that port. Thence lie

travelled to Matamma. Here he was taken ill, and,

in order to recruit his health in a cool climate, returned

to the highland of Abyssinia, and reached Djenda in

August 1863. Captain Cameron's visit to Eg^^otian ter-

ritory had been dictated purely by a desire of affording

protection to oppressed Christians, and for the purpose

 30 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

of collecting information with regard to the slave

trade in the Soudan.

At the same time as Captain Cameron received

Theodore's letter for the Queen of England, a letter
was despatched to the Emperor of the French by the
Kegoos. Of this M. Bardel was the bearer. He was
not received well by the Court of Tuilleries, and re-

turned to Theodore with loud complaints against the

Emperor of the French. During his absence, M.
Lejean, a French gentleman who had been appointed
consul at Massowah, visited Theodore's court. He was
accompanied by a physician named Dr. Legard and
by Mr. Dufton.* At his audience with Theodore, he
presented a letter from the French Minister of Foreign

Affairs, as well as some valuable presents.

Imprison- ^^ ^^^^ ^mc of the arrival of M. Lejean, Theodore

French was ou the poiut of Setting out on an incursion into

Theodore, tlic proviucc of Godjam, which had revolted. M.
Lejean accompanied him in this expedition, which
set out on February 11. At the beginning of March,

the Frenchman, weary with Abyssinian life and the

hardships of the campaign, resolved to demand his

dismissal. Theodore refused to see him, M. Lejean

attempted to force his way into the Emperor's pre-

sence, who put him in irons for four-and-twenty hours.

He was then released, and sent to Gaffat. On the

* Mr. Dufton towards the close of the expedition was murdered by a

party of Shohos in the Senafe Pass.
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 31

return of Bardel, Theodore considered that he had

been insulted by the Emperor of the French, and

ordered his representative to immediately quit Abys-
sinia. M. Lejean set out from Gondar on October 2,

1863. It was thus a French subject who was the first

European that suffered under Theodore, and in whose

person the law of nations and the sacred character of
ambassador were violated by the Negoos.
In October Mr. Stern obtained leave to return to
the coast. On his way he passed the King's camp in

Woggera, and stopped to pay his respects. He was

seized and imprisoned. On November 13, a detach-

ment of troops was sent to Djenda, seized most of

the missionaries as well as Mrs. Flad, brought them to

the King's camp, and loaded them with chains. On

November 20 a public court was held, at which Mr.

Stern and Mr. Eosenthal were tried. Many charges of

a puerile nature were brought against them ; and the

Europeans were assembled to be their judges. The pri-
soners were, after the trial, kept in close confinement.
Almost immediately after this, on November 22, a
young Irishman, Kerans, who had come out to act as

secretary to Captain Cameron, arrived at Gondar. He

was the bearer of despatches from the Foreign Office

to Captain Cameron, in one of which the latter was

ordered to quit Abyssinia and return to Massowah.
There was no answer to Theodore's letter to the

Queen. Theodore was enraged.

 32 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

Captain Cameron, after the arrival of Kerans, was

summoned to the King's camp, and told to remain
there until further orders. He wished to return to
Gondar on the plea of bad health, but was not
allowed to do so. On December 4, Stern and Eosen-

thal were summoned before the Negoos. The knives

were prepared to cut off their hands and feet. They
were only saved from horrible mutilation and a lin-

'
gering death by the intercession of the Abuna.

Till the beginning of January Consul Cameron

waited, when he informed the Emperor that he was
ordered to Massowah, and requested permission to be
allowed to leave in a few days.
Imprison- Qu the followlug momiug, January 4, 1864, Captain
ment of
Captain Cauicrou, his European servants, the Gondar mis-
Cameron.
sionaries, and Mr. Stern and Mr. Eosenthal, were
summoned into Theodore's presence. Captain Cameron
was rudely interrogated as to there being no letter to

Theodore sent by Mr. Kerans from Queen Victoria ; and

the Negoos abruptly closed the interview by ordering

them all to be kept close prisoners. M. Bardel was

then sent off to Kassala, probably for the purpose of
finding out what an Egyptian general with a con-
siderable force was doing at Matamma ; of investigating

what Captain Cameron had been doing during his

journey in that quarter ; as well as to enquire into a

Quixotish enterprise undertaken by some Frenchmen,

under Comte de Bisson, against Abyssinia. Bisson's

CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 33

expedition never readied Abyssinian territory, but

failed at Barea, where Bisson began to fortify tlie

permanent camp, when he was immediately brought

back to Kassala by a strong detachment of Egyptian
troops. It disquieted Theodore, however, who no
doubt thought that Captain Cameron's visit to Kassala

in the previous year had some connection with Bisson's

enterprise. On the return of Bardel, the European

workmen from Gaffat were summoned by the Negoos

to dehberate in a special council on the liberation of

the captives. On February 4 the council was held,

and, by the recommendation of the Gaffat Scripture-

readers, Flad, Staiger, Brandies, Cornelius,* and the

two German chassemrs, were set at liberty. The

British Consul, his suite, ]\Ir. Stern and ^h\ Eo-
senthal, were kept in chains. The head of the

Gaffat missionaries told Captahi Cameron that he

would request Theodore to release him and the other
prisoners if Cameron would engage that England
would insist on no satisfaction for the insult offered

to her Envoy. This Captain Cameron declined to

undertake. He and his companions were retained in

captivity.f

A few days afterwards M. Bardel was himself

added to the number of captives, when Theodore
found his services no longer requisite.

* Cornelius died before the release of the other Europeans,

t Dr. Blanc's Captivity in Abyssinia.

D
 34 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

On February 14 the Scripture-readers were ordered

back to Gaffat, and the prisoners who had been hbe-

rated were sent there also to work with them in the

manufacture of materiel of war. On the same day

Captain Cameron contrived to send a note in pencil to

Mr. Speedy at Massowah, in which he told that he

himself, his suite consisting of Kerans, McKelvie, and
Pietro as well as Stern, Eosenthal, and Makerer,
were confined in chains at Gondar, and that their
release was hopeless until the receipt of a civil letter

in answer to that of Theodore to the Queen.

Torture of On May 12 the captives, and especially Mr. Stern,
Mr. Stern.
were most brutally tortured. The torture was repeated
again on the night of the loth. The particulars of

the atrocious sufferings to which they were subjected

by the command of the Negoos have been already told

by Mr. Stern. After the rains of 1864 Theodore
started for a campaign in Godjam against the rebel

Tadela Guralu, and the captives Avere sent off to Amba

Magdala chained two-and-two together. In Magdala

they were detained in hand-chains till July 1, 1865,

when Menilek, the Crown Prince of Shoa, who had also
been a prisoner in the fortress, escaped. Theodore,
who watched him with a glass, saw him received by a
number of Gallas, and was thereat so incensed that he
ordered the execution of all the Mohammedan Galla

prisoners, among others, of the son of the Galla queen,

Werkait, who was in his hands as a hostage. These

unfortunates had their hands and feet hacked off, and
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION, 35

then their mutilated and bleeding but still living car-

casses were hurled over the precipitous rock on which

the amba stood. Hand-chains as well as ancle-chains
were also placed on the Christian prisoners, and the
two were fastened together so that the wearers were
bent double, and thus rendered unable to stand erect
by day or stretch their wearied Kmbs at night. Thus
they remained till February 25, 1866, when they
heard of the arrival of Mr. Eassam at the camp of the
Negoos, and were ordered to be set at liberty.

When the news of Consul Cameron's detention in Mission

Abyssinia arrived in England it was hardly believed. Eassam.

It was soon, however, proved true by the receipt of

his letter. The Foreign Office selected Mr. Hormuzd

Eassam, Assistant Pohtical Eesident at Aden, to be the
bearer of a letter from the Queen of England to

Theodore. Mr. Eassam was also furnished with a

letter from the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria to

Theodore, and one from the same spiritual chief to the
Abuna. The Queen's letter was translated into Arabic
in Egypt, and forwarded to Mr. Eassam at Aden,
whence he set out on July 20, 1864, for Massowah, in
H.M.S. 'Dalhousie,' accompanied by Dr. Blanc. On
the 23rd ]\Ir. Eassam arrived at Massowah, and on the
following day sent off messengers to Theodore with

the letters from the Patriarch to the Abuna and the

Emperor, as well as with one from himself to Theo-

dore, announcing the arrival of the Queen's letter at

j> 2
36 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

Massowah. Mr. Eassam also informed the JSTegoos

that he was desirous of delivering the Queen's letter

in person ; that at Massowah he would await the Em-

peror's reply, and that in case the Emperor desired
his presence, he solicited to be provided with an escort.

For a long time Mr. Eassam received no answer, but

he was enabled to communicate with the captives, and
to supply them with stores and money. In February

1865, as no answer was received from Theodore, it was

thought that perhaps Mr. Eassam's mission would

acquire more dignity by the addition of a mihtary

officer. Lieutenant Prideaux of the Bombay Staff

Corps was therefore attached to it. He arrived at

Massowah in May of the same year. As no intelli-

gence could be obtained from Theodore, a letter was

again sent by a relation of Samuel, the Emperor's

steward, who happened to be at Massowah. He

returned, after a long lapse of time, in July, with
information that Captain Cameron was released, and

brought with him a letter from Theodore, neither

signed nor sealed, in which he ordered Mr. Eassam and

his companions to proceed to Matamma, and inform

him of their arrival at that place. In the meantime
the Government had ordered Mr. Eassam to withdraw,

and had appointed in his stead Mr. Palgrave, the

celebrated traveller in Arabia. Mr. Eassam under

these circumstances considered it his duty to go to
Egypt, and request further orders. He telegraphed
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 37

the news of Captain Cameron's release home ; when he

arrived in Egypt on September 5. Here Mr. Palgrave
was ordered to remain, and Mr. Eassam ordered to re-

turn to Massowah. He arrived there on September 25,

where he found that letters had arrived from the

captives in which a denial of their release was made,
and that on the contrary they had had hand-chains
added to their previous bonds. These letters had been
taken to Aden by a man-of-war. Mr. Eassam, in order
to make himself acquainted with their contents, and to

consult with the Political Eesident at that station,

Colonel Merewether, went to Aden. Captain Cameron's

letter, which had arrived there, contained an earnest
appeal to Mr. Eassam * to go up to Theodore at once,

as his dechning to do so would prove of the utmost

danger to the prisoners. Colonel Merewether accord-

ingly advised Mr. Eassam to proceed.

Mr. Eassam, Dr. Blanc, and Lieutenant Prideaux

returned to the African coast. On October 15 they
left Massowah, and arrived at Kassala on November 6 ;

on the 17th at Sheik Abu Sin, capital of the province

of Kedaref, and at Matamma on November 21. They
thus, deducting seven days when they were forced to

halt for want of carriage, accomplished the distance of

five hundred and forty miles in thirty days. Their

track had lain through the unhealthy lowland of the

Soudan, which teems with fever and malaria. They

* Dr, Blanc's Captivity in Abyssinia.
38 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

had travelled with all speed, but at the expiration of

much time and trouble were only within the same

distance of Magdala as they would have been in
Annesley Bay.*
The day after his arrival at Matamma Mr. Eassam
despatched two messengers to Theodore to inform him
of his arrival. After a month's delay these returned

with courteous messages ; on December 25 (1865),

Sheik Jumna, the governor of Matamma, who paid

tribute to both the Negoos and the Viceroy, was

ordered to treat the mission well, and to provide them
with camels as far as Wochnee, where they would be
met by an Abyssinian escort.

On December 28, the party left Matamma, crossed

into Abyssinia, and on the 30th arrived at Wochnee.

On January 25, Mr. Eassam's mission arrived at

Theodore's camp in Damot. They were received with

all honour, and delivered the Queen's letter. Theodore
signified his intention of releasing the prisoners, and
himself accompanied them a part of the way to Kourata
or Lake Tsana, which was to be their residence until
the arrival of the captives from Magdala. At Kourata
the mission was attended by Samuel the King's steward
who acted as valderaba (introducer), and also, on
account of his knowledge of Arabic, had been inter-

* These remarks are necessary, as some people wlio have little know-
ledge of the subject have advocated the imhealthy route through the
Soudan as the one by which the British forces should have advanced to
assail Magdala.
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 39

preter between Theodore and Mr. Eassam. On Feb-

ruary 17, the party arrived at Kourata, where a few
days afterwards it was joined by the GafFat people,
who had been ordered by Theodore to come to

Kourata, in case the mission might feel lonely.

On March 12, the captives from Magdala, who were

joined at Debra Tabor by those there, arrived at

Kourata. Theodore was at this time engaged in plun-

dering and destroying with fire the crops, villages, and

towns in Damot, Metcha, and Zage. He sent, however,

some charges, which were read to the captives, and
these, after acknowledging that they had done wrong,
were to be released. A few days later, Theodore
wrote to Mr. Eassam, requesting him to write for
workmen, and to await their return. Mr. Eassam,
in return, said it would be better if he w^as allowed to
depart, as he could better represent the desires of his

Majesty. Theodore then sent a courteous invitation to

Mr. Eassam to spend a day with him, and on March 25,

received him at the town of Zage.
Theodore met Mr. Eassam and his companions with
every token of deference. His object was to obtain
European workmen, and he attempted to accomphsh
his purpose with cringing servility. In private, he
was, however, very much annoyed that Mr. Eassam
had not written for the artisans, and he took counsel
of his own chiefs and the GafTat people whether he
should let the Europeans go. He was counselled by
 40 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

all to permit the Europeans to depart. Mr. Eassam

and his companions returned to Kourata, in the ex-
pectation of immediately setting out with their released

countrymen for England. They were destined to be

grievously disappointed.

Imprison- Ou April 13, the Magdala and Gaffat prisoners

ment of
Mr. started for the coast. JMr. Eassam's mission, accom-
Eassam.
panied by the Gaffat workpeople, were to pay a visit

to King Theodore, and afterwards to meet the pri-

soners at Tankal near the north-west extremity of Lake

Tsana, whence all were to start for Massowah together.

At Zage, Mr. Eassam was met by Eas Engeddah,*

Theodore's prime-minister, and treated with every

respect. He was conducted into the tent of the

Negoos, where the Abyssinian grandees were collected.
The throne was also there, but Theodore was absent.
At a given signal, soldiers rushed on Mr. Eassam and
his companions, tore off their accoutrements, submitted

them to great indignity, and made them prisoners.

The prisoners who had departed on the Tankal road

were also brought back and confined. The excuse

advanced by Theodore for this conduct was that the
prisoners had been sent away without being reconciled
to him. On April 17, all the Europeans were brought

before Theodore, who dictated a letter to tlie Queen

of England, of which Mr. Flad was to be the bearer.
Mr. Elad was also the bearer of a letter from Mr.

* Has Engeddah was afterwards killed in the assault on Magdala.

CHAP. L] INTRODUCTION. 41

Eassam to Lord Clarendon, the then Secretary of State

for Foreign Afiairs, which was written by the order of

and inspected by Theodore. In both of these letters

application was made for Emopean workmen, and ma-

chinery for the manufacture of munitions of war, and

for an instructor of artillery. Mr. Flad left the camp

April 21, arrived in Alexandria June 29, and in

London July 10.

Declension
The detention of Mr. Eassam as a means to obtain
of Iheo-

artillery was probably not unconnected with the fact "^^^^^

that Theodore's power was already waning. His large

army had depopulated whole provinces which were
hostile to him, but now he was compelled to devastate

provinces even friendly to him, as insurrection and

rebellion were closing upon him. Gobaze, the de-
scendant of the royal house of Zague, whose father

had been hanged by Theodore, raised the standard of

revolt in 1865, in Lasta. He was quickly joined by

the mountaineers of that district, by large numbers of

discontented peasantry, and was aided by the soldiery

of his stepfather, the chief of Wadela. All Lasta suc-

cumbed to him. He then marched against Tigre,

where he defeated Theodore's general, and left as

ruler his lieutenant, Dedjatch Kassai. Wadela, Enderta,

Dalanta, and Damot afterwards submitted to him. In

1865, Menilek, Prince of Shoa, escaped from Magdala,

and called his retainers together against Theodore. The
Gallas were also in constant enmity with the Negoos.
42 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

Till the end of June, the Europeans, although de-

tained as prisoners, were not unkindly treated. They
were then sent to Magdala, where they were soon
afterwards put in chains. They suffered hunger, cold,

and misery, till the spring of 1868; and in constant

fear of any angry paroxysm of the Negoos faced

the bitterness of death, till they were reheved by the

British troops.

In December 1866, they heard that Mr. Flad had

reached Massowah, bringing with him a letter from
the Queen to Theodore. In this letter Her Majesty
said that machinery had been sent to Massowah, to
be handed over to Theodore's officers who should

bring down the captives to that place. Some artisans

also accompanied Mr. Flad. Colonel Merewether ar-

rived at Massowah at the same time, and wrote to

Theodore that he would only allow the artisans to

proceed into Abyssinia when the captives were re-

turned to him. These letters had no effect on Theo-

dore. For many weary months the prisoners lingered
on. It was not till December 1867 that they heard

that British troops had landed in the country of their

captivity, and were marching to their release.

From the time that Mr. Eassam and his companions

left Theodore for Magdala, his cruelties and atrocities

increased. He shortly afterwards plundered Gondar,

pillaged the churches, burnt the buildings, and had

many priests and young girls cast alive into the flames.
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 43

In April 1867, the rebellion brought about by his mis-

deeds was almost general against Theodore. Except his
fortresses and his camp little of his acquisitions owned
his authority. In April 1867, fearful that his Euro-
pean workmen at Gaffat might be seized by some
rebel, he moved them into his camp. At the same
time he began the construction of two roads from
Debra Tabor, one towards Godjam, the other towards
Magdala. At this time the Gaffat people, in order

to court Theodore's favour, and, if possible, to avert

from themselves the executions, floggings, and beat-

ings which were continually being carried on, pro-

posed to cast for him a gigantic mortar. The idea

delighted him : the work was commenced, and was
not without influence on the British Expedition.

In the spring of 1867, Dedjatch Kassai, the lieu-

tenant of Wagshum Gobaze in Tigre, rebelled against

his master, and assumed the supreme power of that

province.

On April 26, 1867, Mr. Flad found Theodore in

Dembea. His army was rapidly deserting him. He
could hardly obtain food for his followers. The pea-
santry destroyed their own crops and villages at the

sign of his approach, but revenged themselves on

the Negoos by cutting off his stragglers and nightly

alarming his camp. He retorted by torturing and

executing all who fell into his hands. In one month,

in Begemder, he killed or burnt ahve more than

 44 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. i.

3,000 people. Famine now threatened his camp, which

became ahuost uninhabitable by the smell of horses

and mules which had died from starvation.

Theodore Under thcsc circumstances, Theodore resolved to

moA es to
Magdaia. quit Dcbra Tabor and march to Magdala. Waggons
to convey his artillery were prepared. On October

10, 1867, he set out, having first burnt Debra Tabor.

His march was difficult and harassed. By desertions,

death, and his own executions, his army was reduced

to about 5,000 men. On the line of march his troops

were surrounded by peasantry and rebels, who cut off

every straggler and missed no chance of plunder.

Every day the road must be made for the passage of

the artillery. The distances daily traversed were neces-

sarily short. On November 22, he reached the steep

acclivity which leads from the plain of Begemder up

to the plateau of Zebit. He had to quarry a road up
the basalt precipice which forms the face of this ascent.

By December 15 this road was ready, and on the

25th he encamped on the Wadela plateau, above the
ravine of the Jidda. Here arduous work awaited him.
The descent to the Jidda and ascent on the Dalanta
side are nearly precipitous. Up and down these the

road had to be carried, and the heavy ordnance

dragged. Theodore made friends with tlie peasantry

of Dalanta, and employed large working parties of the

country people as well as his own soldiers to push on

the road. On January 10 he began his descent, and
CHAP. I.] INTRODUCTION. 45

reached the bottom of the ravine on the 28th. Thence

he gradually ascended and encamped on tlie plateau

of Dalanta on February 20, within sight of the fortress

of Magdala.

Meanwhile, the British captives within that prison-

house wore away a monotonous existence of misery
and squalor, unbroken except by frequent fright and
constant terror of torture and of death.
 46 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

CHAPTEE II.

PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION.

Orj^gin of
expedition.
VJ
"^^ET
V
tlie captives in the hands of Theodore had not
been forgotten by the people of England. Fre-

quent appeals in their behalf had been made to the

Government. Several travellers had volunteered to

attempt their liberation. But the statesmen who guided

the actions of the country were unmlling to risk more
envoys in the hands of a barbarian chieftain who paid
no respect to the office of ambassador. The rulers of

England, supported by the public opinion of the coun-

try, were loth to thrust an expedition into a distant
land, shrouded in mystery, where danger alone was
certain. The disasters of the Crimea still hung heavy
on men's minds. An idea was widely spread abroad

not only in this country, but throughout Europe, that

through some adverse disposition of the British charac-

ter it was impossible but that England should fail in

any military enterprise which depended more on the

spirit of order than on the stubborn courage of her

troops. Men in India, confident in the power shown

in the suppression of the great mutiny, thought other-
CHAP. II.] PREPARATIOX OF EXPEDITION. 47

wise. Accustomed to treat with a high hand restive

princes of the more civihsed East, who so much as

lifted a voice against the Enghsh name, they writhed

beneath the insult which a British envoy had received

at the hands of an African savage. They loudly spoke
out their opinions. These were carried home and
acted as a stimulus on the minority of public opinion,

which did not yet despair of the prowess of the

country. The tiny band which had always advocated
the rescue of the captives by force, gained in numbers

and brought its weight to bear upon the Government.

Colonel Merewether, the Pohtical Eesident at Aden,

perpetually urged upon the notice of the Foreign Office

that force alone would ever cause Theodore to yield

up his prisoners. He dwelt strongly in his despatches

upon this point. Had it not been for Merewether,

the captives might yet linger in chains at Magdala.

He was the author of the Abyssinian Expedition.

Of high courage and chivalrous temperament, Mere-

wether chided the delay in the employment of troops.
He clearly foresaw and predicted that no diplomacy
would suffice, and that embassies would only deliver
more prisoners into the hands of Theodore. His re-
presentations were not without effect. It appears that

towards the middle of April 1867, the Government

first began to contemplate the possibility of an expe-
dition to Abyssinia. Those who understood the matter
and had hitherto deprecated an incursion of British
 48 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap.il

troops into a land known only to be rugged and barren,

in the spring of this year had reluctantly come to the

conclusion that no other measures would avail for the

rescue of Mr. Eassam and his companions in captivity.

Among those whose opinions were now altered was

Sir William Coghlan. To his counsels Ministers lis-

tened attentively. It was, however, only reluctantly

and dubiously that the Government determined upon

sending an expedition. With the view of such an
eventual necessity, in April, the Secretary of State for

Foreign Aflairs, in whose department the management

of the Abyssinian difficulty had hitherto lain, officially

invited the attention of the Secretary of War and of

the Secretary for India to the subject. In June, the

Government sought information as to the possibility of

an expedition into the country of Theodore.

Choice of As soou as the idea of a possible invasion of Abys-
base of
operations, siuia was couccivcd by the Ministers of England, it

was natural that they should look around to see

whence a force could most conveniently be thrown
upon the eastern coast of Africa. An army could

have been prepared in England and sent by way of

Egypt to Abyssinia. Many thought that this course

should have been adopted. But such an army could

only have been organised and equipped on Egyptian
territory, or on the sea-shore of Africa. It would
have been composed of troops not yet inured to a

tropical climate, and could have depended for its sup-


CHAP. II.] pheparation of expedition, 49

plies, &c. from England alone. Double marine trans-

port would have been required, as tlie combatants

and their supplies must have been carried in vessels

from England to Alexandria. Across Egypt they could

have been transported only slowly by railway. The
transport of the stores across the isthmus of Suez
would have been very expensive, even if the canal

had been made use of. A separate fleet of shipping

would again have been required to carry the soldiery

and materials of war down the Eed Sea. The con-

stant changes would have been not only inconvenient,
but would have sacrificed to no purpose both time
and money. Aden is the nearest point to Massowah,

over which the British flag floats. The scarcity of

water on that arid, volcanic rock, and the small space

included within the British boundary, made Aden un-
suitable for the preparation and organisation of an

expeditionary army. The directors of the possible

invasion must therefore look farther off. On the

western shore of Hindostan are two great harbours

Kurrachee and Bombay. The former, the gateway of
Sind, the key of the traffic of the Indus, has not,

however, the same advantages as the base of an ex-

pedition as her more southern sister. Bombay is the

merchant queen of the eastern seas, the portal of the

rapid conimerce of Hindostan, the first naval station

of British India. In her harbour floats the craft of

all nations. Her storehouses teem with the products

E
 a

50 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. it.

of every quarter of the globe. In tlie Presidency of

Bombay is quartered the least prejudiced and not the

least faithful portion of the Indian army of Britain.

The sepoys of Bombay object less to cross the ocean

than do those of Bengal or Madras. Their caste is less

tenacious of its rites and diet. They had already

proved high capability of foreign service in the Per-

sian war. AfTghanistan, Sind, Beloochistan, Central

India, and the Punjab had borne testimony to their

prowess in the field. British troops also could con-

veniently be drawn from the interior and assembled

at the port. Bombay was eminently fitted to be the
starting-point of tlie enterprise. At this time the

Governor of Bombay was Mr. Seymour Fitzgerald

politician of no slight fame in the debates of Parliament
and in the Government in England. On the accession

of Lord Derby's Ministry to power, he had been en-

trusted with the presidential administration of Bombay.
Mr. Pitzgerald, although eminent as a politician, had
as yet had little experience of military rule. In India,
where empire is maintained by the sword, he had in-

deed acquired some military experience, but in many

things was dependent on his advisers. Schooled to
study popular feeling, he was most careful of the finan-

cial prosperity of the district over which he ruled ; and

from an eager and well-intentioned economy, sometimes
failed to perceive that a large expenditure at the be-

ginning may in some enterprises be the surest preven-

CHAP. II.] PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION. 51

tive of lavish waste in the issue. At his call, Sir Eobert

Napier, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay army,
was prompt to tender military advice. But Mr. Fitz-

gerald relied more upon other counsellors.

The Ministry of England judged that in the event of

an invasion of Abyssinia, Bombay must be the base of

operations. On July 10, the Secretary of State for

India telegraphed to the Governor of that Presidency,

the demand how soon, if an expedition were determined

upon, the force could be ready to start from Bombay
fully equipped and provisioned. No orders were given

for preparation. Information alone was required with

the view to an only possible contingency. Yet this

telegram was not unimportant : it pointed out to the

Government of Bombay that its Presidency would be

adopted for the base of operations against Abyssinia.
Mr. Fitzgerald, on the receipt of this huportant tele-

gram from the Government at home, conferred with

Sir Eobert Napier. The latter was unaware that it

might be his own fortune to command the expedition,

for which thought alone was now taken. He was

asked only for counsel ; and under the belief that some
other would be called to the supreme guidance, he
gave his advice for the composition of the army
which afterwards handled l)y himself achieved so

much.
At this time Colonel Phayre was Quartermaster- Compi-
lation of
General of the Bombay army; a man of tall and informa-
tion.

E 2
52 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

powerful figure, of iron constitution, and indefatigable

in labour, lie was well suited for an office which
requires in its possessor a superfluity of both phj-sical

and mental exertion. Sir Eobert Napier, the Com-

mander-in-Chief at Bombay, caused all available

sources of information to be searched for a knowledge

of the nature of the country. All the books and

records that the library of the Bombay Asiatic Society

and the archives of the Government could supply

were placed in the hands of the Quartermaster-General.

Colonel Phayre waded through a vast mass of travels

and correspondence, and condensed the result of his

investigations in a brief report. From this information

it appeared that Massowah, or its neighbourhood, would

be the point most convenient for the disembarkation of
an expedition to obtain tJie release of the European
captives imprisoned at Magdala. It seemed that the
best route for the army to pursue would be found in

the most direct line to the latter place. This line

would lead by way of Antalo and Lake Ashangi, and

would cut almost at right angles tlie lines of general

watershed of the country ; as it would, however, cut

the streams near their sources, they would not be such

formidable obstacles as the large rivers which must be

encountered in an advance by way of Matamna and

Kassala. On such meagre information had Sir Eobert
Napier to form his dispositions.* He recommended
* Memorandum of Sir Robert Napier, July 23, 18G7.
 :

CHAP. II.] PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION, 53

that an advanced force should be despatched as

early as possible to make arrangements for the

formation of a base of operations in the vicinity

of Massowah, as well as for the convenience and

protection of the troops and stores on first landing.

The distance between Massowah and Mas^dala was

computed at about 400 miles ; Antalo, the capital of

the province of Enderta, was beheved to be a consi-

derable place, about halfway between the coast and the

fortress. Sir Eobert Napier calculated, from such in-

formation as he could collate, that Theodore's cruelties

had rendered most of his neio'hbours hostile to his

dynasty, and at this early period looked forward to

securing the aid of the people of Tigre and of the

Gallas in the operations. Yet he did not neglect to

perceive that Theodore's quarrels Avith his neighbours

might not be permanent : that they might reconcile

themselves to him and band with him against a foreign

invader, or that intripruers of other nations mitrht raise

hostility in the country against the members of a British

expedition. Nor did his humane and Christian feelings

allow him to regard with callous indifference the

prospect of British soldiers being the means of allowing

the pagan Gallas to overwhelm the representatives of a

corrupt and vitiated still not yet moribund Christianity

nor did he contemplate making use of some portion of

the people to leave it, after the departure of the expedi-

tion, to the terrible vengeance which is dealt out to

 54 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. it.

their enemies by the barbarous tribes of Africa. He

did not despise the friendship of such races, nor was

he averse to receiving any assistance they could afford,

but he firmly held that a British expedition should be

sufficiently strong to do its own work with ease and

security. For this purpose he considered that a force

of about 12,000 men would be required. Such a force
could hold with security its base of operations near the
sea, and could maintain a supporting force at a distance

of about 200 miles from the coast. It could also de-

tach an advanced party of about 5,000 men, which

should act over the last 200 miles to Magdala or to

such other place as the prisoners might be conveyed,

Suggest- and cover their communications.

E. Napier. Sir Eobcrt ISTapier impressed upon the Government
that although, by proper arrangements, meat, corn, and
forage might be procured in the country, still that to

render a force efficient a large quantity of carriage

would be required. He advocated the employ of mules,

but also of camels and carts, as well as the formation of

a corps of o,000 coolies. A Chinese cooly corps had
done good service in the army of Sir Hope Grant which
in 1860 reduced the Taku forts and planted the standard
of St. George on the walls of Pekin. He urged that
agents with sufficient funds should be despatched to the

best places for procuring cattle and supplies, and that

officials should also be stationed at Massowah with
ample authority and means to direct the preliminary
cnAP. II.] PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION, 55

arrangements. In his correspondence it will also be

found that he insisted upon the development by these

officers of the local carriage of the country, which he

inferred must exist on account of the salt-trade of Abys-

sinia. This suggestion was ultimately attended to by

tlie officers- sent forward to develop the local resources

of the country, but not till after much valuable time had

been wasted.
Sir Eobert Napier did not fail to point out that the

Government, which immediately directed the opera-

tions, should have full authority to provide everything

necessary for the health and comfort of the troops.

Nor did he omit to observe that no such expedition

could be carried out without very great expenditure,
and that the very best arrangements might be crippled
by some misplaced economy. From a very imperfect

meteorological register kept by Harris, he concluded

that the troops would be obhged to encounter both

rain and cold, and that it was absolutely necessary that

the soldiers should have their tents, warm clothing, and
a waterproof sheet for each man.
On July 23, Sir Eobert Napier submitted officially

the above views to the Government of Bombay. He

had previously * demi-officially answered Mr. Fitzgerald's
* Sir R. Xapier's letter to Mr. Fitzgerald, July 13.
Force, 3 regiments of European infantry.
7 Native
4 Cavalry.
4 batteries of field artillery.
Punjab pioneers.
56 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

queries as to how soon a force sucli as that which

the Government proposed could be ready for service

in Abyssinia. Before writing this letter he consulted

with the officers of the army departments, and came
to the conclusion that in everything, except carriage,

such a force could be equipped in from three to four

months. Not much carriage could be collected at

Bombay, and transplanted so as to be immediately

ready to move. Sir Eobert Napier suggested that

attention should be turned to Aden, Egypt, and
Abyssinia itself; that carriage should be collected as

near the point of debarkation as possible, and that

every exertion should be made to enlist and develop
the native carriage of the country. He considered

that the advanced party could not commence its

enquiries too soon, and should have an escort to

enable it to reconnoitre freely ; and that troops should

be obtained from Madras and Bengal to relieve troops
sent from Bombay to Abyssinia. He held that moun-

tain artillery ought to be attached to the expedition,

but urged Mr. Fitzgerald to impress on the Home
Government the necessity of giving early orders for

carriage and commissariat.

On July 25, the Home Government telegraphed for

further information, with a view to an expedition, in

case one might be decided upon. Orders were also

received at Bombay directing that a reconnoitring

party of such officers as Sir Eobert Napier might

CHAP. II.] PIt:EPA2{ATI0^' OF EXPEDITION. 57

advise to be necessary, should be sent to tlie Abys-

sinian coast, to make enquiries on the spot, and to

communicate with Colonel Merewether, the Political

Resident at Aden. Sir Eobert Napier, by his memo-

randum of July 23, had anticipated the demand for

further information. He now urged the immediate

despatch of the reconnoitring party. Mr. Fitzgerald
considered it advisable to await the information brought

by Colonel Merewether, who was ordered to Bombay

from Aden.
On the last day of July, Sir Stafford Northcote, the Coiiectioa

Secretary of State for India, telegraphed to the Go- port.

vernor of Bombay to begin the collection of transport

animals. This order was repeated on August 1, ac-

companied with a telegraphic demand as to what would

be required from England. But not yet had the
Cabinet fully decided on prosecuting the campaign, and
till it was finally determined what woidd be the issue
of the ministerial consultations in London, the prepa-

rations at Bombay were naturally crippled and luke-

warm. By August 13, the Cabinet had decided upon

the despatch of a force to Africa, and the Secretary of

State for India telegraphed to Bombay that it was

proposed that Sir Eobert Napier should be the Com-
mander-in-Chief of the Expedition to Abyssinia.

Eightly England made her choice : he had been well

trained in campaigns and political duties in India.

In the middle of August the Duke of Cambridge

58 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

recommended that SirEobert Napier should be the. Com-

mander-in-Chief of the Abyssinian Expedition. In former

wars Enghsh statesmen have been apt to interfere with
the generals commanding English armies, and have
striven from the cabinet at home to direct the actions

in the field. Sir Eobert Napier was more fortunate. A

practical soldier was at the head of the British army.
His royal birth, his experience in the field, and his

well-known zeal for his profession gave weight to his

words. He strongly impressed upon the Government
the necessity that after statesmen have made their

choice of a general they should leave him unhampered

by any interruptions, and content themselves with
supplying his demands and requirements. In this

clear-sighted course tl\e Duke of Cambridge was

worthily supported by Sir Stafford Northcote, the

Secretary of State for India. As far as the Govern-

ment of England was concerned, Sir Eobert Napier

enjoyed more advantages than usually fall to the

lot of a British commander. Abroad he was not so

fortunate.

As soon as the expedition was determined upon,

the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief and the

Secretary of State for War allowed Sir Eobert

Napier to seek his materials from the wliole army
both in England and India. No questions of routine

or precedent were permitted to stand in his way.

By these aids he was enabled to draw the officers of
CHAP. II.] PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION, 59

his staff from Enorland as well as from India. Amoiif^c

those who came fi^om the former country for the ex-
pedition were Milward, who afterwards commanded
the mountain guns, and Thesiger, the Deputy Adjutant-
General of the force.
The various departments of the Government assi&ted

each to the best of its ability. As Abyssinia has no

sea-board, the Foreign Office obtained permission for

disembarkation on Egyptian soil. It also engaged its

agencies in the Mediterranean ports to aid in the pur-

chase of animals for the transport service of the ex-

pedition. The War Department laid open its stores

and arsenals to supply the demands from Bombay.

The Admiralty took measures for lighting and buoying
the approaches to Massowah through the intricate and
dangerous coral reefs which abound on the western
margin of the Eed Sea. Vessels were chartered by
that department for the conveyance of animals from

the ports of the Mediterranean and Levant to Alexan-

dria. Other vessels teeming; with warlike carg^oes were

engaged to sail from the Thames to Bombay. They
carried clothing, ammunition, and breech-loading arms

for the British troops who were to be thrown into the

unknown region. Three large ships were despatched
to act as floating hospitals in the port of debarkation.

The climate of the sea-board was supposed to be almost

deadly to the European constitution. Every precaution

was adopted to lessen and alleviate its baneful effects.
60 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

These ships were fitted with every appliance which

science could suggest or experience dictate for the re-

storation of the sick and the comfort of the suffering.

Tried and skilled surgeons were stationed on board

of them. Nor were the researches of science adapted

to minister to the comfort of the sick and wounded

alone. Vast stores of coal were sent to the Cape
of Good Hope, Bombay, and Aden to provide the
motive power for the transit of troops, and the

means of condensing from the sea fresh water for

the use of men and animals. The electric fluid was

pressed into the use of the campaign, and a tele-

graph was constructed suitable for service in the field,

to connect the office of the commander with the ves-

sels of the fleet. The discoveries of chemists were

combined with the skill of the mechanician to enable

the outposts by means of lamps to flash instantaneously

their observations to head-quarters. By another ar-

rangement, for Theodore was reported to be daring in
attacks conducted under the cover of darkness, the

whole of the country adjacent to a camp could be illu-

mined by a light as useful as the sun. The power of

steam was not to be limited to the sea alone. Pre-
parations were made for sending out a railway to

connect the landing place with the interior, but these

were rendered unnecessary by its being obtained from

Bombay. Condensers such as the latest experiments of

science had proved to be tlie most efficacious were
CHAP. II.] PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION. 61

supplied for use on shore. Piping of iron many miles in

length was sent forth to collect the slender rills of the

African mountains, and carry their waters to the

stations of the British troops. Carts for the convey-

ance of supplies, and ambulances for the carriage of the

wounded, w^ith the harness for their draught animals,
were sent forth from the storehouses of Woohvich,
wdiile the factories of Enfield hurried to supply the

Europeans of the expedition w^ith breech-loading fire-

arms. Special artillery, fitted for mountain warfare,

was prepared at the Eoyal gun factories, and equipped

for transport on the backs of mules. Wells were
obtained for finding water in inland positions, and

powerful pumps for forcing it to the surface within

the easy reach of thirsty claimants.

It w^as necessary that the army should be provided

w^ith treasure. Without the means of paying its w^ay

it could have obtained no supplies in the country.

The natives would have w^ithered away before its

presence. Xo coinage was current in Abyssinia except

the Maria Theresa dollar of Austria. To obtain these,

British agents were employed to buy all that they

could obtain in Southern Germany, and British in-

fluence set the machinery of the mint at Vienna in

motion. These dollars were shipped from Tiie.^te to

Alexandria, thence conveyed to Suez, and despatched

to the scene of operations. Truly, the rulers of Eng-

land did w^ell. The experience of the Eussian war

 62 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

was not forgotten. Europe in general looked upon

the undertaking witli the smile of quiet scorn.

Peeling of To the majority of men in England the Abyssinian
the people t n t i i i ^ a
oiEngiand. Expedition appeared foolish and chimerical. Argu-
ments repeatedly appeared against it in the daily

journals. Letters from correspondents were inserted

in tlieir columns, which drew ghastly pictures of the

malaria of the coast and the insalubrity of the country.

At times the expedition was to die of thirst, at times

to be destroyed by hippopotami. Every beast antago-

nistic to the life of man was, according to these

writers, to be found in the jungles or the swamps

of that treacherous country. Animals were to perish

by flies, men by worms. The return of the expedition

was regarded as chimerical, the massacre of the pri-

soners as certain. The climate was hastily laid down

as similar to that of the West Coast of Africa. In-

surance offices raised their rates mercilessly to the

officers volunteering for the service, who were re-

garded as rushing blindfold into suicide. Yet there

was much curiosity manifested with regard to Abys-
sinia. Many were eager competitors for military ser-

vice in that unknown land, and numbers of applicants

besieged the press to be allowed to act as special cor-

respondents. Men of science were attached to the

army. Foreign officers were also, at the wish of their

governments, permitted to accompany head-quarters.

The Government pursued its course not without hope
CHAP. II.] PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION. G3

that Theodore, terrified by the menace of an invasion,

might yield.

At Bombay men were not idle while preparation

was being made in England. As soon as the intelli-

gence that the expedition was to proceed readied

Bombay, on August 18, the din of preparation and
hum of bustle began steadily to rise from her arsenals

and dockyards. The wish of the Government of Eng-

land was, mthout doubt, to leave all arrangements
entirely to the Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay
army.* This unfortunately was not made sufficiently

explicit. The local government of the Presidency did

not allow the interference of the supreme government

of India in any of its arrangements, yet it did not

accord a perfect compliance to the wishes of the nomi-

nated commander of the expedition. Hence arose
some inconvenience.
One of the first points towards which attention
was turned, was the organisation of the force to be

employed. This was naturally dependent upon the

plan of the campaign, which must be of an elastic

nature, so as to meet all the possible contingencies

of its unknown theatre. Sir Eobert Napier, con-

scious that over such a long line of communication

as lay between the sea-coast and Magdala, many de-
tached posts would be necessary, strongly advocated
the employment of several regiments weak in numbers
* Despatch of India Office, September 30.
64 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

rather tlian of one or two of great strength. He also

perceived the necessity of wheeled artillery and of

British cavalry; and rightly arguing that where wheeled
artillery could move wheeled transport could follow,

insisted on carts being obtained for commissariat pur-

poses. The force selected consisted of one wing of

the 3rd Dragoon Guards and four battalions of Euro-

pean infantry. These were the first battalion of the

4th King's Own regiment, the 26th Cameronians, the

33rd, Duke of WelHngton's regiment, and the 45th,

Sherwood Foresters. These were chosen because they

were in quarters near the coast of Bombay, where
they could readily be prepared for foreign service,
and in case of tlie prisoners being released, could,

without expense, be returned to a peace footing. To

these were added four regiments of native Indian
cavalry namely, the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, a

regiment of the Sind Horse, and the 10th and 12th

Bengal Lancers nine regiments of native Indian in-

fantr}^ two regiments of Punjab pioneers, and several

companies of sappers and mmers. The artillery con-

sisted of Major Murray's G battery of the 14th Brigade

Eoyal Artillery, two mountain batteries of Eoyal Artil-

lery, under the command of Colonel Milwaixl, a Bom-

bay native mountain battery, and a mortar train, with

the 5th battery 25th brigade Eoyal Artillery. A

rocket brigade, manned by the sailors of the fleet, was
subsequently organised.
CHAP. II.] PREPARATION OF EXPEDITION. 65

The Government of Bombay, as soon as the decision

of the Home Government was known, took immediate

steps to charter and fit vessels for the transport of

troops, animals, and stores. Barges and hghters for

landing them on the African coast were prepared,

although not in sufficient numbers at first, and in

consequence much delay in the landing of stores was

incurred. Breech-loading arms and ammunition were
demanded from England, and condensing vessels were
obtained for the service of the expedition.

But the Commander-in-Chief foresaw that in a bar-

ren country, the real stress of the campaign must fall

upon the means by which food for the fighting men

was to be carried to them. He early directed his

attention to the formation of a transport corps, but in

its composition was, unfortunately, not allowed to act

untrammelled. Sir Eobert JSTapier in August had a
plan for the organisation of a transport corps sub-

mitted to the Government of Bombay. To this plan

the Government objected, on the ground that it

threatened to place the Land Transport corps under

the control of the Quartermaster-General, while the

Government considered that the transport should be

controlled by the Commissariat department. Sir Eobert
Napier cared little under what department the trans-
port corps should be, but claimed for it an efficient

mihtary organisation, and proposed that this organi-

sation should be settled by a committee of officers,

1'
66 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

From this proposal the Governor of the Presidency

dissented, as he said that to two things he felt a great

objection first, that the corps should be organised

in a shape that should render it an independent corps

instead of being a corps subordinate to the commis-

sariat ; secondly, to devolve upon a committee the

decision of a point which tlie Government could very

well settle without the intervention of sucli a body.

The Commander-in-Chief, when the Governor ob-

jected to the appointment of a committee to prepare

a scale of establishment for the land transport, finding

that he should be outvoted on every point, and yet be

held to have acquiesced in the decision, declined on

such terms to share in the councils. Holding aloof

from the discussion, he left the Government to appoint

some officer or other person to prepare an establish-

ment for the land transport, and merely requested,

when any definite form of estabhshment was resolved

upon, that lie might have an opportunity of offering

an opinion upon it. In October, Sir Eobert Kapier

was allowed an opportunity of inspecting the Land

Transport corps, as organised by the Government of
Bombay, and immediately wrote to the Governor to
say that he felt that in its then disjointed state it

would utterly fail to answer its purpose. The lower

grades of inspectors were not of character and respon-
sibility sufficient to be capable of managing the mules
and mule-drivers, which must often necessarily be de-
 ;

CHAP. II.] pheparation of expedition. 67

tached under their charge, and there was no class

provided that could teach them and their subordinates
the proper care of their animals and their equipments

nor was there any guarantee that the food of the

animals which would be under their care when de-

tached, would be properly apphed. Intermediate

grades were required between the second inspectors

and head muccadums * to connect the chain of respon-

sibility, and the want of a military element also augured

a total want of the principle of order and discipline.
Sir Eobert Napier having already failed to obtain the

organisation for his transport which he desired, sug-

gested, however, that instead of the proposed establish-

ment of four head inspectors, eight second inspectors,

and sixteen head muccadums for a division of 2,000

mules, the establishment should be four head inspec-

tors, four second inspectors, ten third inspectors, and

twenty head muccadums, and that the inspectors

should be drawn from the non-commissioned officers

of British and native regiments. This, after some

delay, was agreed to, but much valuable time had

been lost ; and as the military element of control was

very insufficient, it was found afterwards necessary,
under the pressure of disaster, to reorganise the estab-

lishment on African soil, while the expedition was

delayed by want of transport. While such was the

course which was adopted in arranging the controlling

* Ovei-seers.

Y -2
68 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ii.

element of the Land Transport corps, vigorous mea-

sures were taken to obtain animals and drivers. The
latter, however, were necessarily taken from the seaports
of the Mediterranean and the commercial towns of the

East. They were the sweepings of the Eastern world ;

yet it was over such men that the Government of

Bombay declined to place any effective supervision.

Officers were despatched to the Persian Gulf to pur-

chase mules and hire muleteers. Purchases were made
wherever practicable in India, but the principal portion
of the mules were obtained on the coast of the Medi-

terranean. Officers and veterinary surgeons were sent

from England to the ports of Spain and the Levant,
accredited by the Foreign Office. Aided by the
consular agents at those places, they purchased over

8,000 mules. Ten vessels, which were kept cruis-

ing for the purpose in the Mediterranean, conveyed

these animals to Alexandria, where they were received

by Colonel Clarke Kennedy and a detachment of the
military train. From Alexandria the mules were sent

by railway to Suez, where a depot was formed. Here

they were embarked and conveyed down the Eed Sea
to Zulla. Pack and draught bullocks were largely

collected at Bombay; camels were contracted for at

Aden, Hodeida, and neighbouring ports, and elephants

were shipped at Bombay for the carriage of artillery.

More than 2,000 mules were obtained in the Punjab

for transport purposes ; whence came, by the sanction
CHAP. II.] PREPABAIIOJ^ OF EXPEDITION, 69

of the Government of Bengal, the two military and

organised mule trains of Lahore and Eawul Pindee,

which afterwards did much useful service. These
measures were so vigorously carried out, that between
the time when the expedition was decided upon and
the fall of Magdala, over 40,000 transport animals were

disembarked at ZuUa.
The climate of the lowland on the African coast

was believed to be more dangerous to European con-

stitutions than that of the most unhealthy stations of
India. Hence it was necessary that almost the same
large number of followers which, for sanitary reasons,

always accompany an Indian army, should be trans-

ported to Abyssinia, and should remain with the com-
batant troops until the latter had at least gained the

hills. These caused considerable addition to the

amount of tonnage required for the marine transport

of the army, but subsequent events showed that this

addition had not been made in vain.

70 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. in.

CHAPTEE III.

RECONNAISSANCE OF THE COUNTRY.

T lEUT.-COL. MEEEWETHEE, the Political Eesi-

-*^ dent at Aden, foreseeing the inevitable results of

Theodore's detention of the captives, had during the

early part of 1867 devoted considerable attention to

obtaining information concerning Abyssinia. In his

exertions in this direction he was aided by Mr. Muh-
zinger, who since 1865 had been the British and
French consular agent at Massowah. His experience
of the Abyssinian difficulty and constant intercourse

with the captives made it only natural to suppose that

he would bring valuable information to aid the coun-
cils held at Bombay during the preparation of the ex-
pedition. Colonel Merewether was ordered to come
from Aden. Sir Eobert Xapier had previously urged
the despatch of officers to the African coast to recon-

noitre, as well as agents to collect supplies and trans-

port near tlie point of disembarkation. His proposal
was now carried into effect.

The party detached to reconnoitre the coast of

Africa and to select a convenient spot for the de-

barkation of the force, sailed from Bombay on Sep-

 -

CHAP, m.] RECONNAISSANCE OF THE COUNTRY. 71

tember 16. This party was composed of a committee,

attended by an escort of marine infantry and some

cavalry. The president of the committee was Lieut.-

Colonel Merewether, C.B. The members were Lieut.

Colonel Phayre, Quartermaster-General of the Bom-

bay Army ; Lieut.-Colonel Wilkins, Eoyal Engineers ;

the senior naval officer, and the senior medical officer.

The instructions given to this committee by Sir Eobert

Napier pointed conclusively to the selection of Annesley
Bay as the point to be first examined.* He had fore-

seen even from Bombay that the routes from Tajurrah

and Amphilla Bay would be dangerous to the health

of the troops. The lines from these points to the

highlands of Abyssinia would have been untenable
during the hot weather, and would have led through
a country entirely devoid of water and forage. Officers

were despatched with the reconnoitring party to draw

up special reports, each regarding his own department.

The reconnoitring party was authorised to take into

employment such portions of the native tribes under

Egyptian rule as might be found necessary and ex-
pedient for guards for forage parties and escorts.

Colonel Merewether arrived with his committee and

escort, f which consisted of one company of the Bom-

* Blue Book, p. 440.

t The whole party consisted of Lieutenant-Colonel Merewether, C.B.,

Lieutenant- Colonel Phayre, C.B., quartermaster-general, Lieutenant-
colonel Wilkins, R.E,, Major Mignon, assistant commissary-general,
Major Baigrie, assistant quartermaster-general, Captain Goodfellow, R.E.,
 72 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. hi.

bay marine battalion and forty men of the 3rd Cavalry,

reached Massowahon October 1, where he remained on

the 2nd, and investigated the port and its neighbour-
hood. It was found that the water near Massowah
was totally insufficient for the sustenance of a large

force^ and that the nearest running water could be

reached more quickly and conveniently from Annesley
Bay. The reconnoitring party accordingly sailed to

that harbour, and landed on October 4 at Mvdkutto, a

watering place in the delta of the Huddas torrent, near

Zulla, the ancient Adulis, Here appeared a con-
venient landing place, except that the western coast of

Annesley Bay trends so gently to the water that

boats could not approach the land, and a great part of

the shore was covered by water at spring tides. The

vicinity of the mountains through which a road had to
be found to the highlands, and the presence of some
water, decided Colonel Merewether to select Zulla as

the landing place for the army. The horses and ani-

mals were disembarked with some difficulty, and pre-

parations made to survey the neighbouring country.
The first step taken was with the object of finding a
passage through the mountains to the tableland ; with
this view the Huddas and Komayh defiles were re-

Captain Pottinger, E.A., Lieutenant Jopp, R.E., Lieut. Mortemer, R.A.,

Lieutenant Henriel, Surgeon Lumsdaine, Assistant-surgeon Martin, 1
company Marine battalion, 8 men, sappers and miuers, 3 draughtsmen,
5 guides, 35 tent lascars, 136 public followers, 93 private followers, 40
men 3rd Bombay Light Cavahy, 149 mules.
 CHAP. III.] RECONNAISSANCE OF THE COUNTRY. 73

connoitred. In the latter water was found at the foot

of the mountains, about fourteen miles from Zulla.
Colonel Phayre pushed up the Komayli Pass, and on

October 11 found water at Sooro. The pass was ex-

tremely difficult, but it was seen that with labour it

could be made fit even for the passage of an army.

Colonel Phayre perceived this, and urged that the

work of making a road through the difficulties of the

defile should be undertaken at once. By the middle

of October the water at Zulla failed, and all the

cavalry and infantry of the reconnoitring party had to

be sent to Adoda, to encamp there, where some

existed. The instructions of the Commander-in-Chief
to the reconnoitring party warned them against any
route that would not lead by the shortest line to the

highlands, or that would entail a change of the con-

necting posts in the hot weather ; but Colonel Mere-

wether believed that a route might be found from the
southern extremity of Annesley Bay to the highlands,

which would be shorter than that by KomayH. On

October 21 he started to make investigations in this

direction, but the route was found so difficult and

impracticable that, after wasting nearly fifteen days,

it had to be given up. It was unfortunate when time

was so valuable that Colonel Phayre's recommendation
with regard to the Senafe Pass had not at once been
acted upon.

In the meantime, the advanced brigade of the ex-

74 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. hi.

pedition, under the command of Colonel Field, lOtli

Native Infantry, was despatched from Bombay, ar-

rived in Annesley Bay on October 21, and landed on
October 30. It consisted of the SrdEegiment of Bom-
bay Liglit Cavalry, No. 1 company of Bombay Native
Artillery, with a mountain train, Nos. 3 and 4 com-

panies Bombay Sappers and Miners, the 10th Eegiment

of Native Infantry, a division of the Land Transport
corps, and some of the Commissariat corps. This force

was designed by Sir Eobert Napier to act as a guard for

the establishment of magazines and depots on the sea-

coast, and to assist generally in necessary works. About

the same time arrived also Captain Edye, E.N., with

H.M.S. 'Satellite,' who immediately made valuable

arrangements for condensing water to supply the

troops and animals on shore. Early in November,
Colonel Merewether undertook a thorough survey of

the Komayli Pass, and reached a point about nine

miles from Senafe ; farther he could not penetrate, as

it was for political reasons undesirable that as yet he

should enter Abyssinian territory, or come into contact
with Abyssinian people. The survey of the pass, how-
ever, was so favourable that as soon as Colonel Mere-
wether returned to Zulla he ordered up working par-
ties to improve the road in the pass, and to commence
a passage through the most difficult obstacles. Not
satisfied with the pass which he had discovered to be
practicable for the passage of the army. Colonel Mere-
CHAP. til] reconnaissance OF THE COUNTRY. 75

wether spent some time in investigating the Huddas

Pass, which leads to Tekonda, but found it much more
difficult than that by Komayh. Colonel Mere wether

then resolved to move the advanced brigade to the

highlands, to occupy Senafe and cover the issue of the

defile. It was also advisable to move the cavalry away

from the plains, as an epidemic had broken out among
the horses, from which many died. On December 2

Colonel Merewether picked up the 10th Native In-

fantry at Sooro, and with that regiment and the Bom-

bay mountain train occupied Senafe on December 5.

The 3rd Cavalry came up on the following day.

When it was foreseen that an expedition to Abys-

sinia was inevitable, a letter was written by Lord

Stanley to King Theodore, the purport of which w^as

that remonstrances having failed to obtain the release

of the captives, the matter had been placed in the

hands of Sir Eobert Napier. This letter was sent in

quadruplicate to the political resident at Aden, who

had orders to forward its difierent copies by different

messengers from Massowah to the court of Theodore.

Sir Eobert Napier was also ordered to make a de-
mand for the captives from Theodore as he thought fit.

Lord Stanley's letter reached Colonel Merewether at

ZuUa on October 10, who despatched it to Mr. Eas-

sam, by whom it was ultimately destroyed for fear of

the effects it might have upon Theodore's temper. By

order of Sir Eobert Napier, Colonel Merewether dis-

76 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, chap. m.

tributed a message * to the people of Abyssinia and a

proclamation to Theodore in the country, the purport

of which was that the British force came to make war

* The following is the text of the message and proclamation :

Fro77i Lienienant- General Sir RoheH Napier, Commander-in-Chief,

Bombay Ariny.
To TheodoPvUS, King of Abyssinia,
I am commanded by Her Majesty the Queen of England to demand
that the prisoners whom your Majesty has wrongfully detained in cap-
tivity shall be immediately released and sent in safety to the British
Camp.
Should your Majesty fail to comply with this command, I am further
commanded to enter your Majesty's country at the head of an army to
enforce it, and nothing will arrest my progress until this object shall
have been accomplished.
My Sovereign has no desire to deprive you of any part of your do-
minions, nor to subvert your authority, although it is obvious that such
would in all probability be the result of hostilities.
Your Majesty might avert this danger by the immediate surrender of
the prisoners.
But should they not be delivered safely into my hands, should they
suffer a continuance of ill-treatment, or should any injury befall them,
your Majesty will be held personally responsible, and no hope of future
condonation need be entertained.
R. Napiek, Lieut.-General,
Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Army.

To the Governors, the Chiefs, the Religious Orders, and the

People of Abyssinia.

It is known to you that Theodorus, King of Abyssinia, detains in

captivity the British Consul Cameron, the British Envoy Rassam, and
many others, in violation of the laws of all civilised nations.
All friendly persuasion having failed to obtain their release, my Sove-
reign has commanded me to lead an army to liberate them.
All who befriend the prisoners or assist in their liberation shall be
well rewarded, but those who may injure them shall be severely pun-
ished.
When the time shall arrive for the march of a British army through
your country, bear in mind, People of Abyssinia, that the Queen of Eng-
land has no unfriendly feelings towards you, and no design against your
country or your liberty.
<3HAr. III.] RECONXAISSAXCE OF THE COUNTRY. 77

against Tlieodore alone, and that no peaceful inhabit-

ant of Abyssinia would be molested.

In consequence of this proclamation, Colonel Mere-

wether had hardly established himself at Senafe when
he received friendly communications from Kassai, the
lieutenant of Wagshum Gobaze, w^ho had rebelled
against his chief, and installed himself as governor of
Tigre. Kassai sent to the British camp Murcha Werke,
the son of an Armenian who had resided in Abyssinia,

"who had himself been educated as a missionary by

Dr. Wilson, at Bombay, and spoke English exceedingly

well. A letter was also received at the same time
from the Wagshum himself.
During the first few days of December, the Sind
brigade from Kurrachee arrived in Annesley Bay under

the command of Brigadier Collings. It consisted of

the 33rd British regiment, the Belooch regiment of

Bombay infantry, the Sind Horse and Murray's Arm-
strong battery. At the same time Sir Charles Staveley

arrived with orders from Sir Eobert Napier to dissolve

the committee of which Colonel Merewether was presi-

Your Religious establishments, your persons, and property shall be

carefully protected.
All supplies required for my soldiers shall be paid for.
No peaceable inhabitant shall be molested.
The sole object for which the British Force has been sent to Abyssinia
is the liberation of Her Majesty's subjects.
There is no intention to occupy permanently any portion of the Abys-
sinian Territory, or to interfere with the government of the country.
R. Xapiek, Lieut.-General,
Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Army.
October 20, 1807.
 ;

78 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap, iii,

dent, and to assume supreme command of the forces

imtil the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief himself.

Sir Charles Staveley found matters in an unsatisfactory

state at Zulla. There was no guiding hand at the port

of disembarkation. All the superior officers had re-

mained in the mountains ; the result of the faulty

organisation of the transport train was evident ; from

want of discipline and superintendence animals were lost,

strayed or stolen, while those that remained were starved

from want of food or dying from want of water. The

condition of the animals was such that few could ac-

complish the arduous march to Senafe. Hundreds died

on the way, and their bodies quickly mortifying under
the blazing sun, threatened to produce direful diseases

throughout the wliole force. Sir Charles Staveley

took instantaneous and vigorous measures : parties of

native Shohos were enlisted to burn the carcasses, both

at Zulla and in the pass. Some stores were pushed

up by vigorous means to Senafe, where the troops,

through the failure of the transport corps, were

threatened with starvation. The Belooch regiment
was sent into the defile to clear a road in the most
difficult places. Some sort of order was restored. For
nearly a month, until reheved by Sir Eobert Napier,
Sir Charles Staveley remained in command. During
that time two batteries of mountain guns arrived from
England, and the gunners to man them from Bombay
the 4th (King's Own) British regiment also arrived, as
CHAP. III.] BECONNAISSANCE OF THE COUNTRY. 79

did the 3rd Bombay Native Infantry, the 25th Bombay

Native Light Infantry, a regiment of Punjab pioneers,
and two companies of Madras sappers. A pier was
commenced, which projected for some nine hundred
feet into the sea, but it was built with great difficulty,

as there was no stone in the Zulla coast, and all had

to be brought from the island of Dissee, some ten
miles distant. A tramway was laid down to connect

the extremity of the pier with the commissariat camp

and the ordnance department. At the end of the pier

and on a small artificial island, some three hundred

yards farther south, two fixed condensers w^ere placed,
which, with the shipping in harbour, were by the be-
ginning of January able to supply one hundred and

sixty tons of fresh w^ater daily, of wdiich one hundred

and twenty tons were daily placed on shore for the use

of men and animals. A second pier, for the sole use of

the commissariat department, was also commenced.

Two large wooden sheds, for commissariat stores, w^ere

commenced, and rations were collected at Zulla for

2,000 Europeans for three months and for 7,000 natives

for six months. By means of these vigorous measures

to supply food and w^ater, the epidemic which had

been raging among the horses and transport animals
was much decreased, and the organisation of the Land
Transport corps was daily improved.
80 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iv.

CHAPTER IV.

SIB B. NAPIEB AT ZULLA.

/^N the afternoon of January 2, 1868, Her Majesty's

" ship '
Octavia steamed slowly into Annesley Bay,
'

picked her way carefully through the fleet of trans-

port vessels which rocked heavily on the monotonous

swell, and dropped anchor opposite to the landing

place of Zulla. On board of this vessel were Sir

Robert Napier and General Malcolm, with several staff

officers. Annesley Bay is formed by nature to be a

first-rate harbour. Its entrance is on the north. But
the waves raised by the northerly winds, which sweep

savagely down the Red Sea, are debarred from agi-

tating its waters. They break in harmless foam upon

the low bare coral island of Dissee, which lurks as a

sentinel at tlie mouth of the bay. On the east it is

separated from the sea by the low promontory of

Birri, which stretches out from the foot of the hills

to leave only a narrow passage between its farthest

point and tlie island of Dissee. On the eastern shore,

the high mountains of Abyssinia press at the southern

bend of the bay close down to the water's edge, but

trending away in their northward course, leave a flat

CHAP. IV.] Sm i?. NAFIER AT ZULLA. 81

alluvial plain, fourteen miles wide, between their lowest

spurs and the water's edge. This plain is bounded

on the north by the sandy chain of Mount Gedam,
which runs from the main chain of hills down to the

sea opposite the island of Dissee. The plain is formed

in the lap of the mountains by the alluvial deposits

of the Huddas and Komayli torrents ; it is thickly

covered with the shrubs of the salt-plant, and on it

are found the ruins of the ancient Greek colony of

Adulis. The name has been corrupted by the pro-
nunciation of the nomad Danakil tribes who roam the

plain into Zulla. Those who gazed from the deck

of the '
Octavia ' could perceive upon this plain a thick

congregation of white canvas tents ghstening in the

tropical sun. Here and there a few scarlet coats

showed the presence of British soldiers, and the ensign

of England floated lazily from a tall flagstaff in one
portion of the camp. Down by the water's edge a

rude wharf was in course of construction, and near it

lay crowds of boats and barges eager to discharge

their teeming cargoes of merchandise of war. Hun-

dreds of boats sped between the coast and the vessels

of the transport fleet. Crowds of workmen on the

shore toiled to carry the discharged cargoes from the

water's edge to the commissariat depot. Condensers

were at work pumping with their whirring machinery
salt water from the sea and urging it out again fit for

drinking towards the land. Beyond this busy scene,

G
82 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iv.

the low plain, studded with stunted shrubs, spread

towards the mountains, which shot from their heavy

masses, sprinkled with numerous acacia, their clear-cut

edges into the sky.

Sir Eobert Napier was not able to land. The fatigue

of preparation had told on his usually hardy consti-

tution. For a few days he was sick, but fortunately

not for long. JSTevertheless, he assumed personal

command of the forces, and on the 5th was able to

disembark, and to minutely scrutinise the state of

preparation at Zulla. On January 7, the Commander-

in-Chief landed in state. The yards of the 'Octavia'
were manned by long rows of white-clad seamen, who
stood rigid and firm against the deep blue sky. As
his barge pulled away from the side of the man-of-

war, the guns bellowed a parting salute, which was

answered back as he neared the shore by the milder

reports of a mountain battery. On the wharf a guard

of honour was drawn up to receive him, and while

the soldiers presented arms, and the officers lowered

their swords to greet their chief, the commander of

the British expedition to Abyssinia stepped on the

African shore.

The low plain on which the British camp was

pitched stretches for about fourteen miles from the

sea to the foot of the mountains. Through these

mountains there are two passes which lead to the
Abyssinian highlands. These are formed respectively
CHAP. IV.] SIB R. NAPIER AT ZULLA. 83

by tlie ravines cut through the hills by the Huddas

and Komayh torrents. During the rainy season,

which lasts from May till September, these torrents

are for short times formidable masses of water, which

rush down the passes, carrying away rocks, stones, and
trees in their headlong course. During the remaining
months of the year the passes are nearly dry avail-

able as roads ; and even in the rainy season it is

probable that small numbers of careful travellers

hghtly equipped could pass up and down the Ko-

mayli Pass with safety, for this torrent drains no large
portion of the highlands. Water is found in the

passes only at rare intervals, and then in small quan-

tities. The Pass of Komayli, which was shorter than

the Huddas route by about ten miles, was selected
for the march of the army. The road led along the

bed of the torrent. When this route was first in-

vestigated by the reconnoitring party, it was barely

practicable for the passage of animals. At Komayli
the road entered the mountains : this point lies about

fourteen miles from Zulla. Here a station was estab-

hshed, as a halting place for troops and transport

animals. Deep wells were dug, and by great labour
sufficient water was found for the requirements of the
passing detachments. At Komayh the road entered

the mountains, but for about three miles farther ran

nearly level. The defile in this part was about a

quarter of a mile broad. The sides of the water-

G 2
84 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. it.

course, which itself was wide but filled with large

water-rolled stones and loose shingly gravel, were

covered with prickly acacia trees that ran up the

mountain side. Three miles from Komayli the ascent

began. The track took to the dry bed of the tor-

rent, and twisted painfully through large boulder

rocks and debris washed dow^n from the hills. The
mountains drew more towards each other, rising more
precipitously and to a greater height till at Lower
Sooro, ten miles beyond Komayli, they press so

close upon the river bed as to leave only a fissure of

a few yards through which the water could force its

way. The confined torrent, in its desperate struggles

to escape, had washed down rocks, torn deep holes,

and piled mighty stones in wild confusion in the

narrow pass. Through this chaotic mass the road

had to be driven, as the cliffs rose up sheer on either

hand, hanging inwards, as if yearning to clasp each

other to their craggy bosoms, and to close altogether

the narrow fissure which some convulsion of nature

had rent through their bowels. So steep and high

were their sides that even at mid-day there w^as a
gloom on the tiny rill which, rising at Upper Sooro,

trickled down to Lower Sooro, where it was sucked

up and lost in the thirsty sand, and the high tropical

moon never struck down to its waters, or lit up the

contorted scenery through which it wandered. This
narrow defile lasted for over two miles, and till the
CHAP. IT.] Sm H. NAPIER AT ZULLA. 85

road nearly reached the station of Upper Sooro, where

a detachment of the Belooch regiment and some

sappers and miners were stationed to make the road

through the defile. At the Sooro spring water was

fomid in sufficient quantity to sufiice for considerable

detachments of men and animals. It was in the

Sooro defile that the great difficulty and danger of

the road lay ; and no pains were spared by the work-
ing parties there, under Major Bevill and Lieutenant

Sturt, to render it practicable. After six weeks of

hard labour, they formed a road perfectly safe for
field artillery and wheeled transport ; but this road
was almost certain to be swept away by the first

rains, and while it might be impassable an army on

the highlands could obtain no supplies from the ship-

ping at Zulla. It would then have to depend upon

what the country could produce, and what might have
been stored at Senafe. Although suppfies were at

first obtained to some extent at Senafe from the

country people, in a few days their resources were

exhausted. The Commander-in-Chief therefore spared

nothing to provision the post which must be the sheet-

anchor of his operations.

It was with a sense of relief that a traveller left the

iron fastnesses of Sooro to emerge again into a broader

though hardly less barren portion of the pass. For

thirteen miles the road, ascending steeply, twined along

the stony watercourse, until it reached the station of

 ;

86 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iv.

Undul Wells. Here a well was sunk, from which, by

means of chain pumps, one hundred gallons of water

could be hourly drawn ; but this was not sufficient to

water the large convoys which daily passed towards

Senafe, and more wells had to be sunk after the first

visit of the Commander-in-Chief to the station. Above

Undul Wells there was a small plain in the pass which,

from the number of birds of that kind found there,

received the name of Guinea-Fowl Plain. Here the

previous desert character of the pass was lost, and a
beautiful vegetation commenced. The tulip tree of

enormous size, the acacia, and the oleander clustered

along the side of the way. The cactus rose stiff and
hard among schistose rocks. Animals were abundant.
The antelope occasionally bounded across the road

the boar and elephant had their haunts in the hills

beside. Baboons and monkeys barked and gibbered

from the cliffs, and crowds of bright humming birds
flashed their gorgeous plumage in the dazzling sun-

hght.

Guinea-Fowl Plain passed, the road quickly ascended,

and after eighteen miles of steady climbing reached a
difficult defile near Eaha Guddy, where a road Avas
pioneered with some difficulty by a wing of the Belooch

regiment, under Captain Hogg. The station of Eaha

Guddy lay more than 6,000 feet above Zulla, and
about 4,000 feet above Sooro. Here the nights were
cold, and heavy dew fell. Fires were welcome after

CHAP. IV.] Sm R. NAPIER AT ZULLA. 87

sunset, and fortunately plenty of firewood was avail-

able. From Eaha Guddy eight miles of quick ascent

led on to the table-land of Senafe. Part of this ascent

passed over a very steep and tangled hill-side, known
as the Senafe Ghat. There a cooler climate was reached,
and the altered vegetation marked the elevation, for

cypress junipers grew freely, and their silvery boughs

across the dusty path afforded now and again a mo-
mentary relief from the hot African sun, which even at

this height burnt fiercely in the daytime.

At Senafe, which lay over 7,000 feet above the level
of the sea, as soon as the sun went down the heat

ceased. Warm clothing and heavy blankets were im-

mediately required, for the nights were very cold.

The great variation of temperature of necessity caused

an increase in what it was least desirable to increase

baggage. But the troops had to be clothed for two

opposite chmates, and as their health must be pre-

served, their warm clothing and heavy blankets had to

be carried.
Senafe had been occupied by Colonel Merewether,
to whom the local rank of Brigadier-General was
given, with the advanced brigade on December 6.

Since that time, before the arrival of Sir Eobert

Napier, considerable exertions had been made to

open a practicable road between the head of the pass

and the sea-coast, but in many places the rugged

bed of the watercourse had been untouched. Sir

88 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. it.

Eobert Napier found great difficulty in obtaining ac-

curate information of eitlier the state of tlie road or

the condition of the Land Transport corps in the pass,

until he despatched one of the officers of his personal

staff, who had orders to travel day and night to Senafe

and back, making notes of the road and mustering

every animal of the transport train, either standing or

travelling in the Komayli Pass. The report of this

officer was laid before Sir Eobert Napier, who imme-

diately issued stringent orders for the rectification of

affairs, to which the troops engaged as working parties

nobly responded. It was soon marvellous to see what

was done ; a good road was quickly made as far as

Komayli over the sandy plain, and the railway was

pushed forward in the same direction ; between Ko-
mayli and Sooro, the road already practicable for
pack animals was widened, and formed with easy
gradients, and cleared for the passage of carts. Through
the tangled boulders of the Sooro defile the skill of

the Bombay sappers and the ready labours of the Be-

loochees raised a carriage way, which amply sufficed

for the passage of artillery, and the Senafe Ghat was

made practicable by a fine display of engineering

talent. The Komayli Pass daily lost some of its

horrors. Till after the arrival of Sir Eobert Napier the

pack animals, which formed the convoys of the trans-

port train, had to carry their own forage, which

diminished materially the load they could bear and
 CHAP. IV.] SIR R. NAPIER AT ZULLA. 89

decreased proportionately their useful labour. Grass

was then by the active agency of the intelhgence de-
partment of head-quarters found in some ofF-shooting
valleys near Sooro, Undul Wells, and Eaha Guddy,
which was sufficient to forage the animals as they

passed those places, and they were consequently able

to carry a larger useful load. In his instructions to

the reconnoitring party, Sir Eobert Napier had en-

joined the use of native carriage, by means of which

he had hoped that the Commissariat Department would

have been able to accumulate supplies at Senafe before
his arrival. But when he reached ZuUa, he found that
the whole available means of transport were strained

to feed the small force then at Senafe. Arrangements

were then made to supplement the pack transport mth
wheeled carriages, and their introduction first allowed
the supplies of the commissariat at Senafe to gain

ground over the daily consumption of the garrison. It

was found that each pack animal could not carry more
than 190 lbs., of which 40 lbs. was required for his

own grain to feed him on the road. In draught the

same animal could draw, even on the steep roads of
the pass, 3 cwt., or 336 lbs., besides his grain. A
great addition Avas consequently made to the daily

supply of provisions to Senafe by the introduction of

wheeled transport. At first Sir Eobert JSTapier retained

all the troops near the sea, except those which were

abeady estabhshed as a necessary guard to cover the

9Q BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iv.

issue of the defile, and to protect tlie accumulation of

commissariat stores at Senafe. The epidemic which

attacked horses in the low ground, required that

cavalry should be pushed up to the highlands, and the

Sind Horse was consequently sent up, but the 4th

British regiment, the two mountain batteries under
Milward, the 3rd Bombay Native Infantry, the 25th

Bombay Native Light Infantry, some of the 23rd

Punjab Pioneers, and two companies of Madras
Sappers were held on the sea-coast, while the remainder
of the troops which were to compose the force were

ordered not to sail for ZuUa until matters had been

made more favourable for their reception. The guns
and gunners of Murray's Armstrong batteries were
stationed at Komayli, while the horses and drivers
were sent to join the advanced force, which, under
General Malcolm, consisting of the 33rd Eegiment,
Marrett's native mountain train, the 10th Native In-

fantry, and 3rd Bombay Cavalry, held Senafe and

the head of the pass. In the defile, working on
the road and garrisoning the stations along the line

of seventy miles between Zulla and the highlands,

were the Beloochees, the 10th company Bengal En-
gineers, the Bombay marine battalion, the Bombay
Sappers, and a detachment of the 23rd Punjab Pio-

neers. Sir Eobert Napier despatched the celebrated

African traveller. Major Grant, who was one of the

officers of the intelhgence department at head-quarters,

chap.it.] sir B. NAPIER AT ZULLA. 91

to Prince Kassai, at Adowa, in return for the embassy

of Murcha Werke, and with the object of persuading

the Prince of Tigre to let his people open up markets

of supplies for the army. The latest intelligence re-

ceived from the captives before the Commander-in-

Chief moved from Zulla was dated December 18, and
described Theodore as moving very slow^ly with heavy
ordnance and baggage from Debra Tabor tovv^ards

Magdala. Many thought that while Theodore was

executing this movement, the army of Sir Eobert

Napier could have acted upon his flank, or have inter-

posed between him and his fortress. Such a move-

ment theoretically appeared admirable, but practically

Senafe was 340 miles from Magdala. The intelli-

gence which was sent by the captives on December 18

from Magdala left Theodore's camp on the 3rd of that

month, and it expressly stated by the sacrifice of his

heavy ordnance, Theodore could reach Magdala in

four or five days. On December 3 not a single British

soldier was at Senafe, and the road through the Ko-

mayli defile was almost impracticable for the passage

of any quantity of stores or provisions. On the 6th

only a weak detachment had reached the highlands,

and there were no reserves worth speaking of at Zulla ;

the gunners of the rifle mountain batteries had not ar-

rived, and it would have been impossible to have

reached Theodore before he took refuge in Magdala
had all the troops in Abyssinia been ready to start at

92 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iy.

the elate when this intelhgence reached Zulla, which

was January 3. But they were not ready to move
they had no supphes. Senafe was not provisioned,

and to advance without a store there w^ould have been

madness. Had the Land Transport corps wlien landed

in Annesley Bay been in complete working order, and

had abundant supphes been sent early from Bombay,
Senafe might have been provisioned by the beginning

of January. But the Land Transport corps was landed

in anything but complete working order. What or-

ganisation the Transport corps did possess when it left

Bombay was lost through the want of proper superin-

tendence, and by its being despatched in driblets to

Abyssinia, where consequently, notwithstanding the

most heroic exertions of the officers who were attached

to it, it was found quite unable to do its work ; and at

the close of January its deficiencies were being cor-

rected and its organisation assimilated to that which

would, had Sir Eobert Napier's advice been accepted,

have been in complete working order in the beginning

of October. Neither had supplies arrived from Bom-

bay in sufficient quantity, nor could those which were
actually in harbour be landed sufficiently quickly from
the ships on account of the want of lighterage which

had been requested early by Sir Eobert Napier, but

from motives of economy had not been sanctioned at

Bombay till a late period of the preparations. Hence

there was great delay in commencing operations,
 J

CHAr. IV. Sm JR. NAPIER AT ZULLA. 93

which was unavoidable on the spot, but might have

been guarded against beforehand. Some not pre-

sent urged that the force which the Commander-in-

Chief judged to be necessary and for which he waited

was too larsfe. These chided at the matude of

the army, but forgot that a hue of communication

of 400 miles in length had to be held open between

Magdala and Zulla, and a chain of fortified posts

established to cover the stores and depots along it.

They omitted from consideration that although the

natives appeared friendly as long as the expedition

was successful and had power, the slightest reverse

would convert them all into enemies : that amonc^ the

Danakil tribes of the mountains the taking of human

life is the sole proof of manhood and the sole passport

to marriage ; and that the uncertain Kassai, Prince of

Tigre, hung upon the right flank with 10,000 men at

Adowa. He feared to befriend the British, as they

had openly proclaimed that, the prisoners secured, they

would quit the country, and that their allies would
then receive no aid from them against the vengeance
of Theodore ; and not uuprobably he wished to delay

the advance of the expedition in the hopes that Theo-

dore might in the meantime destroy his rival the

Wagshum Gobaze. The other provincial chiefs had

also, not lumaturally, a dislike to commit themselves too

deeply with an ally whose success would be the signal

for their desertion. If any reverse had befallen the
 94 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iv.

British arms, it is more than j^robable that all those

who had at any time dallied with proposals of alliance

would have united against the foreign enemy, and have

sought, by an attack on their flank or rear, to strike

them a heavy blow, and so avert the coming wrath

of Theodore from themselves.. It was necessary that
the expedition should have its line of communication
well guarded and firmly secured. The only means of
having it so was by strong posts, which entailed garri-

sons, which entailed troops.

While the Commander-in-Chief halted at ZuUa,

vigorous measures were taken to introduce new bene-
ficial arrangements, and to perfect those already ex-

isting. The water supply was the first consideration,

and by the establishment of a judicious supervision, it

was rendered sufficient for not only the animals and

troops already at Mulkutto, but also for all those

expected. An officer was sent to Egypt to purchase

remount horses for the cavalry to replace the horses

which had died from the epidemic. Orders were

sent to Egypt to continue the purchase of transport

animals; requests were sent to Bombay to send out

Indian muleteers. By the end of January, the railway

was pushed on half way to Komayli, the telegraph

was completed to Sooro, shipping w^as despatched
to brins: camels from the coast of Arabia, extensive
purchases of animals were made in the country. The
disembarkation of these was carried on energetically
CHAP. n\] Sill R. XAPIER AT ZULLA. 95

by means of seven large barges, four tugs, three steam

launches, and one hundred and sixty native boats ;

but the second pier for the commissariat department,

owing to the want of skilled labour, progressed slowly.

During the early part of January the disciplined and

organised mules of Lahore and Eawul Pindee arrived

from Kurrachee, and were of great assistance. By

their aid and the vigorous measures taken by the

Commander-in-Chief, it was possible on January 18

to push forward a detachment and occupy Goona-
goona, some twelve miles beyond Senafe. Then
preparations began to be made for a general ad-

vance ; exertions were redoubled to get provisions to

the highlands. The transport, and consequently bag-

gage, of every officer and man was reduced to the

smallest possible dimensions. Officers vied with each

other in discarding any article which could be spared,

for all thirsted to facilitate the advance of the army.

Things which in many campaigns would have been re-

garded as necessary, w^ere ungrudgingly thrown aside,

and in tlie common cause every personal sacrifice was

cheerfully made. By January 25, the Commander-

in-Chief considered matters sufficiently forwarded to

justify the commencement of an advance on Antalo.

Eequests were accordingly sent to Aden to push for-

ward the troop-ships which might be coming up from

India. The troops which were to compose the force,

and which had not arrived, consisted of the 3rd

96 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iv.

Dragoon Guards and the two regiments of native

lancers from Bengal, the 10th and 12th, the 21st
Punjab Pioneers from Bengal, the infantry of the
third brigade under Brigadier Schneider, consisting of

the 45th Eegiment, the 2nd Eegiment Bombay Native

Infantry, and the 8th Eegiment Bombay Native In-
fantry, as well as the fourth brigade under Brigadier
D. M. Stewart, which consisted of the 26th Camero-
nians, the 5th Eegiment Bombay Native Light Infantry,
and the 18th Eegiment Bombay Native Infantry.

On January 25, a brigade under Brigadier CoUings,

which consisted of a wing of the 33rd Eegiment, a

wing of the 10th Native Infantry, a detachment of
sappers and miners, and a wing of the Sind Horse,

was ordered to hold itself in readiness to march from

Senafe on Antalo. On the 25th, the Commander-in-
Chief left Zulla for tlie front, and orders were given
for the troops still at Zulla to be prepared to march.
Sir Charles Staveley remained on the coast, for at

Zulla beat the heart from which the life-stream

flowed that must pulsate through the long artery of

the line of communications, and carry food to tlie

farthest outposts ; but General Eussell was ordered

up from Aden to relieve Staveley, who was required

in the front, and to assume the control of the landing-

place. And this was no light task, for the army through-
out the campaign depended almost entirely for every-

thing, except meat and firewood, on the ships and on

 ;

CHAP. lY.l SIR H. NAPIER AT ZULLA. 97

the Senafe depot stored from the liarbour. Never were

operations carried on in a country so unfavourable to

war : the very base of operations, where at the end of

January there was a population of about 12,000 men

and animals, had to be suppHed with water from the
condensers and from the shipping. An accident to a

delicate piece of machinery, or the breaking of the

valve of a pump, caused the stock of the precious

fluid to run short, and inflicted a great inconvenience
in the camp, where the water had to be doled out in
daily portions of limited quantity, and a reduction of
the ration told heavily on man and beast. A storm of
sufficient severity to drive the condensing ships from
their anchorage would have caused a terrible calamity.

To provide against such an accident, every effort was

made to provide a reserve of water in a great reser-
voir, which was formed partly of ships' tanks and

partly of a tank sent in pieces from England and

put together on the spot. There was no timber in
the country, there was no stone near the sea-coast

every block of coral and every beam of wood for

the construction of piers or storehouses had to be

imported ; every inch of rope had to be brought from

the ships ; every yard of road had to be made to

allow the convoys to pass ; every boat had to be

brought to the coast for the disembarkation of troops
and stores, for none were found there, though a liberal

supply was expected by some who should have been

H
98 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iv.

better informants. The boats that there were could

not at first approach the beach, as the Avater shoaled
slowly and the beach was very flat. Not the least

arduous of the duties of the campaign was the dis-

embarkation of the cargoes of the ships ; and its

success was much due to the exertions of Captain

Try on, E.N., who with limited means achieved great

things. Throughout the expedition there was the most
complete cordiality between the army and navy. In
some former expeditions this had not been the case.

Here, however, Commodore Heath, his officers and

men, threw themselves heart and soul into the work
of forwarding the progress of the army did right

good work, and did it nobly. It was satisfactory to

the navy as well as to the army, that a Naval Brigade

was organised while the Commander-in-Chief halted

at Zulla, which was placed under the command of
Captain Fellowes, E.K, of Her Majesty's ship Dryad.
The men of the Naval Brigade were armed with cut-

lasses and Snider carbines, and their mules carried

rocket tubes, which were of great aid in the capture of
Magdala.
Before the date when the Commander-in-Chief left

Zulla, a large detachment of the Army Works corps

and of the Bengal Cooley corps arrived. The former
were immediately set to work to push forward the
railway : the latter arrived with fever on board their

vessel, and had to be sent to a separate sanitary camp

 CHAP. IT.] SIE R, NAPIER AT ZULLA, 99

for some time, but were afterwards of great service.

When Sir Eobert Napier left for Senafe, the state of

matters was much improved. He had carried out

strenuously the reforms commenced by Sir Charles

Staveley. The condition of the Land Transport had
been accurately ascertained and much ameliorated.

The difficulty of provisioning Senafe was being gra-

dually overcome ; the road was being made rapidly

available for wheeled carriages, and convoys of carts

were already plying to Komayh. The supply of

water at the station of Undul or Maiyen wells had been

doubled, and still more wells were being sunk. Grass
had been found near Senafe, and large stores of it

collected in that place, as the troops cut it and the

cavalry horses brought it up. Every man that could
labour, and every beast that could walk, did his daily

labour for his daily bread. The Commander-in-Chief

set the example : he remained toihng on the hot sea-

coast, and did not, until his troops were ready to

advance, seek the more dehghtful and pleasant chmate

of the highlands. He took almost no rest, but he

infused a similar spirit in every man in his army all

followed in the same course, and every soldier worked

as few labourers work at home. Those whose great

theory it has been to hold that the British soldier

is helpless, should have paid a visit to the sea-coast

of Annesley Bay. And what work it was ! Under a

burning sun, and in a tropical climate, with an appor-
H 2
100 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. iy.

tioned allowance of water, with perpetual clouds of

dust lodging in every pore, physical labour was ex-

cessively severe. But the railway and roads had to

be made, and made they were.

The railway did not make such rapid progress
as was expected. Locomotives had, however, been
landed, and were useful in the removal of commissariat

stores from the piers to the storehouses.

 ;

CH.1P. v.] ADVANCE TO 'ApjfiijR^rjy y ^ -, ,-, . .

IQl

CHAPTEE V.

ADVANCE TO ADIGEBAT.

r^ the 25th January Sir Eobert Napier left the sea-

^^ coast, and, after minutely inspecting all the stations

in the pass, arrived at Senafe on the 29th. By the time

the Commander-in-Chief left Zulla friendly relations

had been opened with Kassai, the ruler of Tigre, and

Major Grant had been sent to Adowa to make arrange-

ments with that Prince for the supply of provisions to

tlie army during its passage through his dominions.

An aoTcement had also been made with fourteen chief- ^

tains of tribes inhabiting the pass through the mountains
not only to allow of the free passage of convoys through

their fastnesses, but to carry on native cattle some of the

supplies required by the troops from the plains to the

table-land. The Naval Brigade had been landed and

encamped on shore, and naval officers had been ap-
pointed to act as pilots for vessels through the intri-

cate channels which lead to Annesley Bay. The Egyp-

tian governor of Massowah, who had been anything but
conciliatory towards the political officers of the ex-

pedition, had been removed by the Egyptian Admiral

wdio visited Annesley Bay. His degradation was merited
102 , R.RlT:ISIf' EXf^J)ITJON TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. v.

for, in violation of the opinions expressed by his Go-

vernment, he had told the natives not to help the British,
but to plunder them, and was not without cause believed
to be intriguing to induce Kassai to oj^pose the ex-
pedition. The railway gear had arrived from Bombay,
but was inconveniently packed in the vessels which
conveyed it, and required much time to dehver.

The engines were for the most j)art old and bad ; the

rails were of different patterns and difficult to lay

from want of platelayers, who had to be improvised

from the troops, in aid of the few sent from Bombay.
Messages were sent to the chiefs of the Daunt and
Dalanta tribes to cut Theodore off from Magdala ; but
a few days after the despatch of the messengers, news
arrived of the submission of these chiefs to Theodore,

which left him a free passage to his fortress. On the

25th January a brigade consisting of the 33rd Eegiment,

a wing of the 10th ISFative Infantry, a mountain battery,

a wing of the Sind Horse and a detachment of SajDpers,

was placed under orders to advance towards Antalo,
and on the 30th of that month the British vanguard oc-
cupied Adigerat, thirty-six miles beyond Senafe. Goona-
goona, Mai Magrab, and Focada, three stations on the

road between Senafe and Adigerat, were also occupied

by infantry, cavalry, and engineers, who were engaged
in making the road practicable for laden transport

animals and guns. In the few days after the arrival of

the Commander-in-Chief, the 4th King's Own Eeaiment
CHAP, v.] ADVANCE TO ADIGERAT. 103

and the steel mountain batteries arrived at Senafe,

and other troops moved up in succession to replace

those sent farther into the country. The road from

the coast was, by the exertions of the Bombay Sappers

and Miners, the Belooch battalion, and the 23rd Punjab

Pioneers, made practicable for wheels throughout its

entire length, and on the last day of January a convoy

of seventy-five bullock carts arrived safely with com-

missariat stores at the highland post. The importance

of this change in the method of transport was great,

as two animals in draudit could dras; 750 lbs. from

Zulla to Senafe, while two pack animals could only
carry 380 lbs., of which not a little was required for

their own fora2:e.

Senafe may be regarded as the secondary base of

/
operations in the campaign. It was the great store-

house for supplies and provisions, which, after being

carried through the Komayli pass, were to be pushed
on to the front. The camp was situated on the plateau
of the Abyssinian highlands, about two miles in front

of the issue of the Komayli defile, on some rather

elevated rocky ground. On its east rise some high
sandstone cliffs scarped and water-worn by the waves

of some primeval ocean. On the west the sj)urs of

Mount Sowayra protected the left flank of the camp.

In its front extended a wide plain, over which stretched

into the distance the military road to Antalo. Beyond
the western sandstone clifis a steep descent of some
1U4 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap, v

thousand feet led into the valley of the Marab, over

which, to the southward, could be seen the mountains

of Adowa. The view across this hollow was magnifi-
cent : the country was rugged and broken by jagged
masses of schistose rock which raised their jagged
edges topped with acacia and juniper trees above the

scanty vegetation of the intervening ravines. In the

glare of midday this prospect looked hot and thirsty,

but in the first ghmmerings of early dawn, or when the

quickly-setting tropic sun swept down behind the dis-

tant hills, it was magnificently grand.

Preparations were made for the security of Senafe,

by which the command of the Komayli Pass and the

safety of the stores collected there could be insured in

case any of the native chiefs might attempt to take
advantage of the absence of the main body of the force
in the south, and trouble the weakest point of all armies,
the line of communications. These precautions were
necessary, as there was no doubt that as the expedition

showed strength, in the same proportion it gained the

friendship of the rulers of the provinces of Abyssinia.

For this reason alone, even if for no other, the posts

along the line of communications had to be strong.
But there were much more powerful reasons : the food

of the army depended upon secure and uninterrupted

communications, and this security had to be powerfully
insured and not left exposed to the stroke of fortune, nor
dependent on the caprice of any semi-savage chieftain.
CHAP, v.] ADVANCE TO ADIGERAT. 105

As the army advanced the promised land, where

abundant supplies were to be found, receded before it

as the mirage in the desert does before the footsteps of

the approaching traveller, Senafe was at one time to

be the end of all the labours of the transport train,

and from its native resources to feed the army. Ad-

igerat was next pointed to, but it also was occupied,
and still no supphes worth speaking of, except fire-

wood and meat, could be obtained in the country.

Even then it was still asserted by those who painted the

prospect in roseate hue that at Antalo would be found

a land flowing with grain and abundant water ; but by

the time that Adigerat was occupied the sceptics in

Abyssinian supply were in the majority, and few were

sanguine enough to believe that the army would ever
be enabled to shake off the weighty chain of communi-
cations and move unembarrassed through Southern
Abyssinia. Grass was obtained and was bought to a

considerable extent. Barley also was piu-chased, but not

in sufficient quantity to supply either the troops or the

transport animals. Meat could be obtained, and the

wood to cook it was found scattered over the mountain
sides ; but meat alone in that climate would not suffice

for the food of man. Its use as a sole article of food

quickly brought on dysentery and scurvy. Vegetables,

tea, sugar, and spirits had to be ever in rear of the

army, and had to be carried on every day's march. The
supphes of these articles required by an army of even
106 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. v.

small dimensions quickly swells up to an enormous

amount and demands a large quantity of carriage. In
this latter requisite the force was still unfortunately

deficient. Sufficient time had not elapsed to repair an

originally defective organisation and the ravages of
epidemic among the animals.

The Commander-in-Chief left Senafe on February 3,

and marched to Goona-goona. On his road he was met

by many chiefs and heads of villages, who tendered to
him their friendship and offerings of mead and bread
in token of amity. On the 4th he reached Focada,

and on the 5th Adigerat. The road from Senafe to

Goona-goona ran for some eight miles over the plain

in front of the Senafe camp, then bending to the west
dived into a valley with steep and lofty sides of sand-
stone, in w^hich, about four miles on, the watering-place

and camp of Goona-goona were situated. Here, for

the first time, growing crops were met with. A few
patches of green barley not yet ready for the sickle

were greeted with delight both as a relief to the mono-

tony of the parched and rocky landscape, and also as
an augury of some active cultivation in the country.
On the northern side of the valley, perched on an
almost inaccessible ledge of rock, was situated the

church of Goona-goona, in which some curious paint-

ings and illustrated copies of the Scriptures were met
with. From Goona-goona the road rose by a tolerably

steep ascent to a breezy upland covered with long dry

CHAP, v.] ADVANCE TO ADIGERAT. 107

grass and juniper bushes where the jagged rocks or flat

tables of shale did not render all vegetation impossible.

Here too were found noble specimens of the red flower-

ing cactus, some growing in thick dwarfed bushes close

to the ground, and others rising high Hke enormous

candelabra of red and green foliage. Turning off the

table-land, the road was carried along the side of a

mountain. This fell precipitously some thousand feet

beloAv the narrow path into a deep ravine where, from

their distance down, the acacia trees seemed to be tiny
shrubs. Above the road the mountain-side was almost

equally steep. It was a path where an army might

easily have been stopped by a few determined men.
For about a mile the road clung to the side of the

mountain, and then abutted upon a wide grassy plain,

where water was again found near the village of

Focada, and the camp and halting-place so named were

situated.

The general character of the country and of the

people was much the same along the whole length of

the route between Senafe and Focada. The former

was distinguished by its want of fertility and rugged
nature. The villages, of which there were many, were
groups of hovels huddled together, sometimes on peaks,
sometimes on the talus of high rocks, always upon
raised ground ; for an Abyssinian's house is his castle,

and he has often a difficult task to defend his goods

and cattle in a land where the good old border rule

 108 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. v.

still prevails in all integrity. The cottages themselves

were built with low walls of mud and stone about

eight feet high, and flat roofs of the primitive concrete

known as wattle and dab. The inhabitants were tall

and of graceful ligure, who were met with in crowds on

the road carrying barley or honey to market. The
troops were kindly in demeanour towards the inhabi-

tants ; the discipline of the army was strict ; no plun-

dering took place ; and no swarthy damsel was sub-
jected to any rude gallantry on the part of the red

coats. The Abyssinian men were generally dressed in

one single robe of cotton, which appeared seldom to be

subjected to the operation of washing. The head men
of villages and chiefs of tribes had occasionally a shirt.

They wore no head-dress, unless their plaited black hair

anointed with rancid butter could be ranked under

that designation. They were all armed. The sword, a
crooked sickle-like article, worn on the right side, the

spear, round shield, and club were their usual weapons ;

but many had matchlocks, and several possessed double-

barrelled guns, by no means despicable, the produce of

Birmingham and Liege. The inhabitants of the village

of Senafe were Mahommedans, and are said to have

been converted to that creed by Arabi Teleki, who

visited the village some four centuries ago. The in-

habitants of the other villages of Tigre were Christians,

and as a mark of their faith wore a blue cord round

the throat to distinguish them from followers of the

Prophet.
CHAP. T.] ADVANCE TO ABIGERAT. 109

The distance between Focada and Adigerat was

about twelve miles. The road led through a country

which, compared to that hitherto traversed, might almost

be considered fertile. Long grass, dried by constant
heat so as to be little but standing hay, waved
abundantly along the roadside. Trees were plentiful.
Sometimes large cypresses stood alone, at other places

the track twined tlirough thick groves of corinda and

acacia, while euphorbias were scattered thickly over the

sides of the mountains which rose continuously above
the way. About six miles from Focada the track, which
was throughout easy for a mounted man, rose wdth a

long and gentle slope to the top of a hill, doAvn which,

on the other side, it fell abruptly with a steep descent

into the valley in which Adigerat is situated. This

town was an important strategical point, for here the

roads to Adowa and Antalo unite. The town itself was

of a better description than any of the villages hitherto

seen in Abyssinia. The cottages were built more of

stone and less of mud. A church, still in good repair,

with a gable instead of the usual flat roof, showed the

bounty as well as the religious feeling of one of the
late chiefs of Adigerat. His palace stood not far off,

but it was in ruins, for intestine wars liad within the

last few years withered the place, and its rightful ruler

lay in prison a captive of Wagshum Gobaze, Prince of

Lasta. His wife occupied a small tower surrounded
by a mud wall within a few hundred yards of the
110 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. v.

ruined hall of her husband, where she was said to

pine away her life in incessant grief and pinching
poverty. Above the town to the west rose the bold

mass of Mount Aloquor, and over a dip ' ' in this ran the

road to Adowa, the capital of Tigre, which lay fifty

miles distant.

Major Grant, who had been sent by Sir Eobert

Napier as an envoy to Kassai, Prince of Tigre, returned
on February 7 from Adowa, and joined the Commander-
in-Chief at Adigerat. He had been received in a most
flattering manner by Kassai ; the latter professed,

however, to be unable to accompany Major Grant to

Adigerat, to pay his respects to the British Com-
mander, as his soldiers were scattered through the
villages around his capital, and he feared to leave

them lest they should plunder the villagers. He sent

presents by one of his councillors, who was received in

solemn durbar, and was presented in return with testi-

monials of friendship in the shape of rugs, knives,

and snuff-boxes by the British Commander. The
Pioneer Force of the army, consisting of some 200
cavalry, two companies of infantry, and two com-
panies of pioneers, occupied Dolo, about seventy

miles south of Adigerat, and within two marches of

Antalo, on February 10. Antalo itself was occupied

on the 15th by Colonel Phayre with 150 horsemen.
The communication between the advanced troops and
Adigerat was maintained by small detachments of
 ;

CHAP, v.] ADVANCE TO ADIGERAT. Ill

cavalry, who were posted at convenient spots along

the road. On February 11 a column, mider Brigadier

Collings and Colonel Milward, E.A., was pushed for-

ward from Adigerat to support the Pioneer Force.

This column consisted of a wing of the 33rd Eegiment,

Penn's steel mountain battery, and about 100 sabres of

the Sind Horse.

At Adigerat the Commander-in-Chief halted till

February 18. He had much to do in that time.

There was still a great deficiency of transport, without

which the troops could not be supplied, and without

supplies they could not move. The country was
found to improve slightly in fertility and cultivation as

the army pushed forward, but the people were so

poverty-stricken by constant civil war that no supphes

to support an army, except cattle and sheep, could be
obtained from the natives. So attenuated were the
resources at this time, that the Deputy-Commissary-

General proposed to put the troops on half-rations

but Sir Eobert Napier considered that the men, unless
sufficiently fed, could not perform the labour expected
from them, and declined to entertain the proposal.

He was justified in doing so, as the transport train,

though still deficient in animals, was daily improving.

Several shiploads of camels had been brought from

Berbera, but many more pack animals were still

required. At this time the troops on the highlands

consumed 170 muleloads of provisions daily. It is

 :

112 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. y.

extremely difficult for those wlio cannot see it, to realise

the immense amount of carriage and the size of con-

voys required to feed an army in a coimtry where no

supplies can be obtained ; and, besides food, there were

medicines, hospital estabhshments, tents, and clothing to

be carried, and last, though not least, grain for the

sustenance of the horses of the cavalry and artillery

and the transport animals themselves, as well as the

food of their drivers. And much more remained

behind. Depots and storehouses had to be stocked,
not only to replenish the exhausted supplies of the
advancing force, but to secure a safe return and to
feed the army on its homeward route. At Adigerat
an alteration was made in the general organisation of
the transport corps. It was separated into two divi-

sions a highland and lowland. The latter, under

the direction of Major Warden, carried supphes from

ZuUa to Adigerat ; the former, under the super-

intendence of Captain Hand, followed the army, and

transported supplies from Adigerat to the combatant

troops. The highland train soon became veiy efficient

it consisted of four divisions of 2,000 mules each,

which were subdivided into troops of 150 mules. Its

organisation was entirely mihtary, and it worked under

the direction of the department of the Quartermaster-

General. The two Punjab mule trains were the

nucleus of the highland train ; the muleteers were armed

and under strict discipline, the superintendents were
CHAP, v.] ADVANCE TO ADIGERAT. 113

also armed, and, consequently, the highland train was

independent of the regular army for escorts or convoys,
or for guards for men cutting grass in a hostile or

doubtful country. This train transported all the bag-

gage, ammunition, and supplies between Adigerat and

Magdala, as well as on the return march, and proved
by its efficiency the advantage and necessity of a
military organisation in any army transport corps.
To other matters the Commander-in-Chief had also

to tmii his attention. Precautions had to be taken

for hutting the troops during the rains, which were

expected in May, both at Zulla and at the several
stations on the Senafe Pass, and on the highlands.
Places of refuge had to be provided at frequent inter-

vals in the pass for convoys or detachments, which

might be exposed to torrents tearing down the pass in

the rainy season. The proper repair of the road had
to be insured, and the field telegraph had to be pushed

on. The telegraph line by the middle of February was

completed to Senafe, but its construction was much

impaired by want of poles, for the trees grew so low
and so twisted that it was no easy task to find and to

cut poles of sufficient length and strength. At Adi-

gerat Sir Eobert Napier collected a large supply of poles

by the proffer of a dollar for half-a-dozen to the natives ;

and they were so eager to secure the prized coin that

many pulled the timbers out of their houses and
brought them into camp, wliere an officer of the In-

1
114 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. v.

telligence Department accepted those suitable, but re-

jected those which were too small or too light to

answer the required purpose. A party of engineer

officers was at the same time employed in making an

accurate trigonometrical survey while following the

march of the army. Every exertion was made to re-

duce the baggage of the troops to the lightest possible

figure. The chmate, however, prevented such a reduc-

tion as could have been made in an European campaign.
On the highlands of Abyssinia the thermometer
frequently stood at freezing point at night, and some-

times lower. Warm clothing was absolutely necessary

for the troops and followers, and blankets for covering

at night could not be dispensed with. The hosts of

native followers which accompanied the troops from

India had been much diminished before the advance

from ZuUa, and were further reduced at every sub-

sequent post, as the climate proved them to be much

more an encumbrance than a necessity.

While the Commander-in-Chief halted at Adigerat,

the 4th Eegiment, the Belooch battalion, the 10th Com-

pany of Eoyal Engineers, and Murray's Armstrong
battery of Eoyal Artillery, joined him. At the same
time two elephants were brought up to be shown to
Kassai at a meeting which it was beheved that Prince
intended to have with Sir Eobert Napier, on the road
between Adigerat and Antalo. In Abyssinia the

elephants are considered very wild and untameable by

CHAP. Y.] ADVANCi: TO ADIGERAT. 115

the natives, who positively refused to beheve that it

was possible to reduce them to a state of subordination

to man. The passage of the elephants through the

country was followed by crowds of wondering and

awestruck Abyssinians, who formerly thought that

anyone who told them that an elephant could be tamed
was deahng in the most flowery romance.
A sensation, second only to that caused by the
elephants, was created by the arrival of Murray's

battery of Armstrong guns. It was almost doubtful

whether it would be possible to get guns over the

very difficult road between Senafe and Adigerat. The

gunners, however, achieved their task, though not
without incurring considerable difficulties.

The latest news received from the captives confined

at Magdala, by the middle of February, was dated
the 17th January. At that time Theodore was reported
to be within one day's journey of his fortress, but was
not expected to arrive at the place, unless he abandoned

his baggage and ordnance, before the end of February.

He had sent all his prisoners into the fortress.

I 2
116 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA. [cnAr. yi.

CHAPTEE VI.

ADVANCE TO ANTALO.

A FTER the departure of the column under Brigadier

^-*- Collings from Adigerat, a battalion of Beloochees,
and a company of Sappers and Miners, were pushed
forward to repair the road, which Brigadier Collings
reported as very bad. Sir Eobert Napier himself

marched from Adigerat on February 18, with a wing

of the 1st battalion of the 4th Eegiment, a wing of the

10 th Native Infantry, four guns of Murray's Armstrong

battery of Eoyal Artillery, the 3rd Bombay Cavaky,
and a detachment of Eoyal Engineers, and with pro-
visions for thirty days for this force. In two marches
he reached Adabagi, where it had been expected
that Kassai, Prince of Tigre, would come to have an
interview with the British Commander. The Prince
did not, however, immediately make his appearance,

and a halt was made at Adabagi, partly to give him

every opportunity of arri\dng, but more to allow troops
and supplies provided with deficient transport to

labour up towards the front. The troops which had

advanced beyond Adigerat at this time were the

column under Sir Eobert Napier, which, with the
CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 117

Beloocliees and Sappers employed on the road, mus-

tered about one thousand men, tlie Pioneer Force and
column under Brigadier Collings, wliich were together
about equally strong, and were collected in the vicinity
of Antalo, and a few detached posts of cavalry scat-

tered along the road, which hardly amounted to 100

sabres. At Adigerat itself, which was being converted
into a fortified post, there were left in garrison a wing

of Native infantry, two of Murray's guns, under

Captain Lluellyn, E.A., and two companies of Sappers,

who were employed in making the road decently

practicable for wheeled carriages down a very difficult

and precipitous descent, about four miles north of

Adigerat. These were all the troops in front of Senafe,

the key of the Komayli Pass, and the great depot on

the highlands. They were not many. Indeed, they

did not muster as many sabres and bayonets as an

ordinary brigade of a continental army. Yet so weak

was tlie transport, which was only still recovering

from the casualties and confusion caused by its

originally defective organisation, that no more troops

could be sent up to support the advance, for the simple
reason that food could not be got forward to supply
them with the necessaries of life.

The chmate was found so healthy, that at Adabagi

the Commander-in-Chief issued orders for the return of

nearly all the Indian followers to ZuUa, whence those

that could not be usefully employed were shipped off
]18 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

to Bombay. This step caused a wonderful improve-

ment in the efficiency and mobihty of the army. It

relieved the Commissariat Department of the feeding

of many thousand mouths, the Transport Train of the

carriage of their provisions, and reduced immensely the

long lines of baggage and camp followers, which had

hitherto toiled for many a mile in rear of the marching

columns. A few followers only were retained. These

were employed in the hospitals, or were destined for

the carriage of sick or wounded : if they had been

sent away, fighting men would have had, perforce, to

supply their places. Officers' servants were all sent

back to Annesley Bay, and the officers were obliged to

rely upon such assistance as they might obtain from the

soldiery. The troopers of the cavalry were deprived

of their syces and grass-cutters, as in the cool climate

of the highlands such luxuries were not at all requisite,

and their dismissal was of immense aid towards the

rapid prosecution of the campaign. An order was

also issued by the Commander-in-Chief at Adabagi

to reduce the baggage of the force. The troops in

front of Adigerat were ordered to deposit all super-

fluous baggage at Antalo, while tliose which were to be

pushed forward from Senafe left their excess in store at

Adigerat. Beyond these two places each officer was

restricted to a weight of 751b. in baggage, in which had
to be included his bedding, and the whole of both the
necessaries and luxuries of life which he might wish to
 CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 119

carry Tsdth him. Each soldier was allowed 251bs.,

inclusive of bedding. This reduction rendered many

animals, previously employed in the carriage of regi-

mental and private baggage, available for the transport

of the army's great necessity, food. Its importance
may be seen from the following simple statement, that
while according to Indian regulations an European

battalion would have 1,200 mules for the carriage of its

baggage and 600 camp followers, inclusive of mule-

teers, under the regulations framed by Sir Eobert
Napier the same battalion could march efficient with
187 mules and under 100 followers. This was an

enormous saving in such a country as Abyssinia, where

no supplies could be obtained- worth speaking of,

except meat, which the native Indians hardly eat, and

where any day, through the caprice of a petty chief-

tain, baggage and convoys might have to be carefully

guarded. The feeding of the Native followers had
hitherto been a great burden on the Commissariat and
Transport, for while the European's rations principally

consisted of meat, which walked on its own legs, that

of the native Indian, consisting of flour, rice, and

butter, had to be wholly carried on pack animals.
The road from Senafeto Adigerat was as yet practicable
only with the greatest difficulty for wheeled carriages.

Murray's guns were, in fact, the only carriages which

had, as yet, come over it. The great difficulty lay in

the steep descent north of Adigerat. A few carts

120 BRITISH EXFEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

which attempted the passage here rolled over the hill-

side, but by the labours of the Sappers under Captain

Goodfellow, a good road was constructed here within
a few days after the Commander-in-Chief had passed.

The road from Adigerat to the south ran for the first

five miles up a gently rising valley, bounded on the east

by stony hills covered with cactus and acacia, on the

w^est by the towering and precipitous cliffs of Mount
Aloquor. Then one of the spurs of the western
mountain stretched straight across the valley and
barred the way. The labours of the Beloochees made
a road up the side of this spur, which was surmounted

by a wide plateau of sandstone. After keeping two

miles across this plateau, the road suddenly plunged

down into a deep and rugged ravine : both down and

up the banks of this chasm the way was extremely
difficult, and its difficulties had unfortunately been over-
looked by the Pioneer Force, which, as a rule, had been
more careful in marking out the easy parts of the level

that required little labour than in buckling to on the

rugged defiles or the steep and broken hills. Here the

guns had to be unlimbered to allow them to be got
round the sliarp angles of the track ; horses had to be

taken out and led up singly, while the gunners and

some of the 10th ISTative Infantry dragged the guns up

by hand for a distance of about half a mile. Beyond

this deep ravine the road again passed over a wide
plateau, bounded by distant cliffs, which raised their
CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 121

sharp and serrated summits clear against tlie sky. The

plateau itself, clothed with short grass, in which lay

enormous numbers of loose stones, and occasionally

broken by massive lumps of sheet-rock, bore a slight

resemblance to the moorland of the Scottish border.

It dipped gently to the camping ground of Mai Wahiz,
where a halting-place and watering-station were esta-

bhshed. In the neighbourhood of Mai Wahiz there was

an appearance of considerable cultivation. In many

fields, carefully irrigated by artificial channels from the
nearest watercourses, young crops of barley were
showing their green shoots above the black loamy soil.

It said much for the discipline of the army tliat when

forage was desperately scarce, no horse wandered from

the road to feast upon the tempting provender which

lay so close within reach. But nowhere was the least

damage done to the property of the inhabitants, who

extorted enormous prices from the soldiers, and, in

return, despised an army which paid and did not take.

Honesty was, however, the English General's best

policy ; for a single day of plunder w^ould have driven

the people, with their cattle, into the hills, the supply

of meat would have been cut off, and the few pro-
visions which were obtained from the natives could no
longer have been procured. Beyond Mai Wahiz the
country still improved. About four miles beyond that
place the road dropped down a steep descent, where
the wheel liorses could alone be kept to the guns, and
122 BRITISH EXTIWITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

where strong working parties had to be kept to the

drag ropes behind to prevent them from rushing

down the slope by their mere weight. Then a wide

and undulating valley stretched away for about eight

miles, covered with high-standing grass, dried and

yellowed by the tropic sun. On the left, on some high
sandstone cliffs, were perched several ambas, or Abys-
sinian fortresses, more formidable from their natural

position than from their artificial defences. They

consisted only of a wall built of stones and mud, at

the summit of the precipitous chff, which is always

selected as their site. About nine miles across the

plain some low hills Avere reached, rocky and bare,

except for several groves of euphorbias, which sprang
up in groups from the few hollows where soil lay

thick. In one of these was the camp of Adabagi,

where the Commander-in-Chief arrived on February
19, and halted for several days.

During the stay at Adabagi, letters were received

from the prisoners at Magdala, dated January 20, and
from Mr. Flad, in Theodore's camp, dated the 19th of
the same month. These told that Theodore was still

engaged in attempts to get his ordnance and heavy

baggage into Magdala, and that on account of the
difficulties of his task, he could not be in the fortress

until the first week in March. At this time many

chimerical schemes were proposed for rapid advances

of the troops, by means of forced marches or of flying

CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 123

columns. The proposers of these ideas forgot, how-

ever, that without food troops can neither march nor
fight, and as httle could be obtained in the country,
the army had to depend all but entirely on its transport
train and shipping. The former was not yet in such a

state as to allow of the rapid advance beyond Antalo

of even a diminutive force. Even if it had been, the
advance of such a force would have been useless, for

it would not have been large enough to protect the

convoy, which carried its own provisions, or to

efiiciently guard one battery of mountain artillery. If

it could have repulsed Theodore, it would have been

too small to invest Magdrda, too weak to attack the

place, and w^ould have had to halt in a country

entirely devastated by the army of Theodore. If it

did not drive Theodore into his fortress, its fighting

men might have held their own against him, but he

could have cut off its baggage animals, and intercepted
its communications with the main body. Such plans
emerged from the heated brains of sanguine dreamers,
and were not due to a careful calculation of the
necessities of war.

On February 23 Sir Eobert Napier ordered the

small column of about 850 men, which he had brouorht

with him from Adigerat, to be ready to march the

following day from its camp at Adabagi towards
Antalo. All was prepared for the advance to the

south, when, early next morning, intelhgence was

124 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

brought in that Kassai, Prince of Tigre, was advancing

towards Hauzzein to seek an interview with the British
Commander-in-Chief. Hauzzein lay in the Haramat
plain, about twelve miles to the north-west of Adabagi,
which itself is about thirty miles south of Adigerat.
The order for the advance was at once counter-

manded, and the force held in readiness to move to

meet Kassai. It was arranged that the meeting should

take place on the banks of the Diab, a small stream
which runs from south to north, about midway between
Adabagi and Hauzzein. Soon after daybreak on the
25 th, the British troops were under arms, and leaving
a hospital guard at Adabagi, moved towards the Diab.

The ground was rough and stony, but in the cool

morning the troops, accompanied by Murray's guns,

quickly traversed the distance, and while the sun ivas
still low, their camp was pitched in some gently undu-
lating ground laden with tall grass, about half a mile
from the eastern bank of the Diab. On the further

side of the rivulet, which runs between steep and

marshy banks, the ground rose for about half a mile in

a gentle slope. Here the Abyssinian camp was to be

placed, for it was agreed that the rivulet should separate

the troops of the two armies. Above this slope some

jagged sandstone cliffs beyond Hauzzein rose sharply to

the sky, and formed a background to the picture, which

was bounded on the right hand and the left by tall,

though distant mountains. The sun shone out brightly.

CHAP. Ti.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 125

and the weather was more than pleasantly warm.

Vedettes and signallers were posted towards Hauzzem,

to announce the approach of the Tigrean chief, but for

some time no report came in to say that he was draw-
ing near.

A httle before eleven o'clock, a messasre came in to

tell that the Abyssinian vanguard was in sight. The

vedettes and signallers were withdrawn to their own
side of the Diab, and shortly afterwards a dark group
crowned the slope opposite the British camp, where a
red tent was quickly pitched. A red tent is the sign of

a king's residence in an Abyssinian army. In about

half an hour the news was received that Kassai's
main body, with drums beating and standards flying,

was moving towards the Diab. In a short time the

group of men round the tent was largely swollen, and
soon about 4,000 soldiers could be made out on the

summit of the hill. A few minutes before mid-day the

army of Tigre began to advance down the slope

towards the river. It numbered about 4,000 men, who

moved steadily in a long deep line, to the music of rude

kettledrums. Two yeUow and red pendants, borne aloft

in the centre, marked the position of the chief. As

soon as the Abyssinians began to move, the British
troops got under arms, and in a few minutes, fi^om the

opposite direction, were moving down towards the water.

They halted about 100 yards from the stream, where
a large tent had been erected for the meeting. The
126 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

British Commander-in-Cliief mounted on an elephant,

and, followed by his staff, rode down to the banks of
the rivulet. The elephant was used on this occasion to

impress Kassai, as the Abyssinians fear these animals

much, and have never attempted to tame any of them.

Close to the stream he dismounted from the larger

animal, and mounted his horse, lest the approach of

the huge earth-shaking beast should create a panic and

cause disaster among the cavalry of Tigre. By this

time the Abyssinian line was within 100 yards of the

stream ; it suddenly opened out in the centre, and
Kassai, surrounded by his immediate counsellors and
guard, rode forward on a white mule, with a crimson

umbrella borne above his head. He forded the stream,

and was received by Sir Eobert Napier. Mutual salu-

tations were exchanged, which, no doubt, were quite as

sincere as those in daily vogue in the civilised world,

although the words of each were quite unintelligible

to the other. Kassai was then conducted to his tent,

where he was received by a salute from a guard of

honour. The unexpected rattle of the musketry
blanched his cheek ; doubtless a fear of treachery

flashed through his mind. Then all dismounted, the

British Commander led Kassai into the tent, and seating

himself in a chair, placed Kassai in a chair on his

right hand. Their respective officers ranged themselves

on opposite sides of the tent those of Kassai squatting
on the floor, while those of Sir Eobert Napier
CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 127

adhered to their more usual, although, perhaps, less

natural, erect position.

Kassai was a young man of thirty-five years of age.

EQs face, of a dark olive colour, was intellectual, but

bore a careworn and wearied expression which justi-

fied the statement that he did not desire power, but

that it was thrust upon him by the people of Tigre.
He wore the Abyssinian costume, a white robe or toga

embroidered with crimson, round his body, and the

flowered silk shirt which marks those in high office

round the king. His dark black hair was arranged in

carefid plaits which, drawn back from the forehead,
were tied by a piece of riband round the back of the
neck. The conversation was conducted through an
interpreter. At first it consisted of almost meaningless

enquiries after mutual health. But the Abyssinians

soon threw out hints for presents of firearms. These
hints were adroitly fenced, and the conversation turned
to the subject of oar mutual Christianity. In this

subject neither the chief nor his followers appeared to

take nearly so much interest as in that of the firearms,

but they were held to it until it was suggested that a

private interview would be desirable. The presents to

be given to the Abyssinian chief were then brought in.

They consisted of a double-barrelled rifle and some

jugs and goblets of Bohemian glass. They were laid

on the floor at Kassai's feet, and, after inspection,

removed by one of his servants. The most valuable

128 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

present of all could not be brought into tlie tent, but

was surveyed through the doorway, as Sn* Eobert
Napier gave to him a fine Arab horse which had been
his own charger. The goblets were brought back for

use, and port wine, which seemed much enjoyed by

the Tigrean courtiers, was served out to them. Ac-
cording to Abyssinian custom the Commander-in-Chief
had to drink some to prove that it was not a poison
a not unnecessary precaution, considering that it had
been obtained from some spare hospital stores, as in a
camp where all depended upon commissariat rations no
wine could be obtained from any other source. The
tent was then cleared of all but the Prince, the Com-
mander-in-Cliief, and two officers on either side, when
serious matters were discussed.
Kassai was very anxious that the British army
should undertake to guarantee his dominions against
any invasion of his rival the Wagshum Gobaze. This

Sir Robert Napier unhesitatingly refused, but promised

that as far as advice and persuasion could go he would
endeavour to secure peace between them ; he also
assured Kassai that he was sensible of the fiiendship of

the people of Tigre during the passage of the army

through that territory, and drew to his notice the fact

that all supplies were honestly paid for, and that no

native had cause of complaint for a blade of grass or

an ounce of food taken wrongfully by either troops or

followers. Kassai was also informed that plenty of
 ;

CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 129

supplies could be brouglit from the ships, but that the

army would have to be longer in Tigre if no suppHes
could be found in the province, and he was requested
to send grain to the posts at Adigerat and Antalo,

being assured that if he did so it would be remembered

in his favour when the British left the country, and

that the Queen would reward him in some way which

would please him,
Kassai was then left alone to rest, and about an hour
later was summoned to witness a review of the British

troops. The 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, clad in Hght

blue and silver ; the 4th King's Own, in scarlet ; the

gunners of Murray's battery, in dark blue and red

facings, and a small detachment of the 10th Native
Infantry, with scarlet coats and white turbans, formed
a pictm^esque and compact, though small force. The
cavalry charged, the infantry skirmished and formed

square, much to the admiration of the Abyssinians

but these were chiefly delighted and impressed by the

Armstrong guns. Kassai dismounted and closely in-

spected the pieces, handled the shells, and looked

through the rifled barrel, while some of his followers

remarked that the Enghsh must be good Christians or

Heaven would not grant them intelligence to mould
such wondrous weapons. It appeared that to their
view the greatest blessings which could be vouchsafed
to Christian morality are firearms and gunpowder.
When the review was concluded. Sir Robert Napier

K

130 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA. [cHAr. vi.

and the officers of his staff accompanied Kassai to the

rivulet, and there intended to bid him farewell. At

the point of parting, however, an urgent invitation
was given that the Enghsh officers should visit the

Abyssinian camp. The rivulet was crossed, and in a

moment they found themselves in the middle of the
army of Tigre. All were astonished at their appearance
and armament. They clustered round the few Eng-
lishmen in dense but ordered masses. Their heads
were bare, except for their plaited hair ; their costumes

were picturesque, long white togas embroidered with

scarlet ; they were nearly all possessed of firearms of

every description, from the matclilock to the double-

barrelled rifle, but by far the greater number had
double-barrelled percussion guns of English or Belgian

manufacture. Many had pistols, and all had the long

crooked swords worn from the right side, a cut from
which it is said to be impossible to guard. The few
but there were very few not armed with firearms had
the sword, spear, and shield. Of the four thousand
now present, about four hundred were cavalry, mounted
on mules or ragged wiry ponies. The horsemen were
armed similarly to the foot soldiers. These men were
truly an enemy not to be despised. Hardy moun-
taineers, quick in scaling the most difficult paths of their

rugged country, they would give an infinity of trouble

to any European force. Had Theodore's army been

as well equipped, and more attached to their leader,
CHAP. Yi.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO, 131

much British blood might have been spilled before

Magdala fell. Nor numerically were the soldiers of

Tigre contemptible. At Adowa, his capital, Kassai

had some six thousand more equally well armed.

Their discipline was good, and in their short visit they
showed a power of manoeuvring which would not
have disgraced the forces of a civilised nation. Their
serious error was that at night no sentries or pickets

were posted outside their camp. Hence the wonderfid

effect of Theodore's night attacks, for which he became
famous, may be accounted for. He himself always

adopted these necessary precautions.

Up the hill w^ent the Enghsh staff" with the drums
beating in front of them, surrounded by dense clusters

of wild warriors until they approached close to Kassai's

tent. Here they dismounted and were bidden to enter.

At the further side of the circular tent was a small

couch covered with silk cloth on which the Prince
took his seat, and placed Sir Eobert Napier at his side.

The Abyssinian officers of high grade sat round the

tent on the floor at the left-hand side of their chief,

while the English also seated themselves on the ground

to the left of their commander. The scene was mixed

and striking. The afternoon sun shone through the
red tent, and lighted up with a crimson hue the robes

and silken shirts of the Abyssinians and the uniforms

of the Englishmen. Girls bearing large baskets of

Abyssinian bread and curry came in and placed them on

K 2
132 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. yi.

the ground in front of the visitors, who were requested

to eat. The bread was brown, formed in flat circular

cakes about a foot in diameter, and had a slightly sour

taste. Very little sufficed to gratify curiosity, although

it was permitted that each guest should help himself.

In general, in Abyssinia, the servant, who brings in the

loaves and curry, rolls some of the latter in a piece of

the former, and after kneading it into a ball thrusts it

into the mouth of each diner. After enough had been

eaten, other girls entered bearing huge bullock horns

filled with '
tedj,' a drink made from fermented honey.
This '
tedj '
or hydromel was poured into Florence

flasks, one of which was given to each guest. It was

expected that the recipient should bow towards the
Prince and then empty his flask. No sooner, however,

was the vessel emptied than it was seized by a watchful

servant and again replenished. Each had to drink

several flasks of the liquor, which tasted not unhke

small beer, but rather sour. After a while, when many
flasks had been emptied, musicians were introduced.
The band consisted of six men who played on long
pipes wdiich uttered wild but not unpleasant music. A
war song was then sung by a minstrel, and all the

Abyssinians joined in chorus. The entertainment was

now drawing to a close, and the presents were brought
in which were to be bestowed upon the British Com-
mander-in-Chief. He was first invested with a silver-

gilt armlet, tlie sign of a great warrior. Then a lion's

CHAP. VL] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 133

skin and mane, the mark of a fierce fighter in battle,

were placed upon his shoulders, a sword was girt upon

his side, and a spear and shield for him were handed to

one of his staff who acted on the occasion as his armour-

bearer. The meeting then broke up. Kassai, after

frequent hand-shaking, accompanied the General to the

door of the tent, where a grey mule caparisoned with

Abyssinian saddlery and housings was waiting. On
this Sir Eobert JSTapier had to mount, and again accom-
panied by the Abyssinian army rode down to the Diab,
where the Abyssinians halted. The English General
and his staff rode into their own camp, but the shades

of approaching night prevented the soldiery from wit-

nessing the return of their leader in such an unwarhke

guise.

Early the next morning Kassai paid a farewell visit

to the British camp, and had a second private inter-

view with Sir Eobert Napier, at which he promised to

afford security to convoys, and to threaten with severe

punishment any who should endeavour to molest the

telegraph through his dominions. He also promised
to deliver weekly three thousand madrigals of wheat
and barley, equivalent to about sixty thousand pounds,

half at Adigerat and half at Antalo, for which he was

to be paid. Such results of the interview were of no
slight importance, for in a country where every man is

a soldier, and a well-trained soldier, convoys would

have to be most carefully guarded, posts well watched,
134 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

strong and frequent garrisons maintained, and the line

of telegraph continually patrolled if the population

were hostile or even inclined to be unfriendly. Yet

even the most sacred promises of the Prince of Tigre
could not permit Sir Eobert Napier to dispense with
troops in position along the Hne of communication.

The friendship of Kassai was of the utmost value ; he

w^as a chief over whose country the road of the army
lay for above 150 miles, and whose refusal to allow the

soldiers to have free access to wood and water would

have involved a campaign in Tigre as a prehminary to
the advance on Magdala. Yet his friendship might
prove fickle ; he was young and newly seated on the
throne, and he had several advisers who would have
had him resent the entry of a foreign army into his

dominions. His jealousy of Gobaze might rouse his

anger against the English if they entered into friend-
ship with the Wagshum, as they expected to be obhged
to do, to secure similar advantages for the march
through Lasta as the loyalty of Xassai would insure in
Tigre. Even if Kassai meant and attempted to carry

out his professions sincerely, it was open to doubt

whether he had the power to prevent attacks being
made upon the convoys. The petty chieftain of any
small district, eager for plunder and careless of his

prince's orders, might lead his clansmen to assault tlie

convoys of stores in their passage from Senafe to- the

front. Thus, though it was probable that Sir Eobert

 CHAP. Yi.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 135

Naj)ier would gain something from his interview with

Kassai, and the consequent friendship of the latter, and
it was certain that at least a temporary quiet in the
hue of communications would be assured, his only real
security was in being armed at all points, and in

rendering himself, by his own judicious precautions,

independent of all extraneous assistance.

On the 26th, at the same time as the red tent of

Kassai was struck, and the army of Tigre disappeared

from the opposite hill, the British column, under Sir

Eobert Napier, began its march towards Antalo.

Passing by Adabagi, the line of fighting men, with

their arms ghttering in the bright sunhght, followed by

the rumbhng carriages of the artillery 8nd a long
crowd of transport mules, wound over some red sand-
stone hills, and in the afternoon plunged by a steep
descent into the wide valley of the Dongolo river.

Here, for the night, the camp was pitched beside the
stream, the first which had yet been met with worthy
of the name of river. The Mai Dongolo, or Dongolo
water, which is enclosed between high banks over-

grown with brushwood, is about thirty feet wide.

There was not much water at the season when the

army passed throughout all its course. It was only

here and there in frequent pools that water was found,

but where it was it was deep and good. Doubtless

in rainy weather it would be a formidable obstacle.

It crossed the route about 138 miles south of Adi^^erat.

136 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

The valley, about two miles broad, carpeted with long

dry grass, is fenced in on either hand by high pre-
cipitous cliffs of red sandstone, which cast back with a

lustrous glow the rays of the setting sun.

In the next day's march the character of the country

entirely changed. The tabulated ranges of schistose

mountain, and pinnacled crags of red sandstone, were

left behind. The road instead now wound over large
rolhng hills of undulated limestone studded with
acacia. The scenery was not unlike that of the South

Dowms, except that the hills were higher and larger, and
instead of being clothed with short crisp grass, were

rugged with detached stones, and showed only here

and there much sign of herbage. Some of the masses

of broken stone showed the presence of primeval corals

in their formation, while nearly all were formed of

densely compressed mussel and oyster shells, clearly

visible to the naked eye. Ages ago they must have

been deposited in the sea, when the mountainous high-

lands of Abyssinia lay in the bosom of the ocean and

teemed with marine life. Some of the stones, when

struck with a corresponding piece of rock, or even with a

stick, returned a curious metallic ring. These are much

prized in the country, and many of them, suspended by
strings from the branches of trees in the churchyards,

are used as bells to call the congregation to church.

Interesting as these masses of rock might be to the

geologist, they were great impediments to the march

CHAP. Ti.] ADVANCE TO AXTALO. 137

of the column. The infantry toiled through them

tiresomely, the horses of the artillery strained hard upon
the traces, and many a pack in the rough ground fell

off some of the toiling baggage-animals, and had to be

replaced by the rearguard, wearied with heat and dust.

Had the soldiers of this detachment been consulted, the

limestone formation would never have arisen from the

bed of its natal ocean ; or rather, perhaps, would now

be undergoing metamorphic fusion in a temperature
higher even than that of the Eed Sea. None were
sorry when, in a hollow, the banks of the Agula river

were reached, where the night's camp was pitched.

The day's march had been a short one, not ten miles,

but painful, from the severe nature of the ground.

By the banks of the Agula the site of a church was
found, which had been built of square stones, and in a

style of masonry high above the capabilities of the

modern Abyssinians. It is supposed that it was con-

structed in the fourth or fifth century.

A still more toilsome journey than that of the pre-

vious day was performed on February 28. A high

hmestone down rose on the southern bank of the
Agula : through a slight dip in this, called the Sallat

Pass, the road was carried. The ground was of the

same nature as on the previous day, but the march of
fifteen miles was longer, and the ride up the Sallat Pass

was a trjring commencement. The guns of Murray's

Battery, hauled by the horses and pushed by the
138 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA.[ciixv. yi.

gunners, accomplished the ascent, but not without

difficulty ; for though pioneers had been sent forward
to make the road, they left but few marks of their
labour behind them. Eidge after ridge had to be
crossed. The horses of the artillery, wearied with inces-
sant toil, and short of grain, had to be aided by work-
ing parties from the infantry, and at length, towards the

afternoon, arrived at the banks of the Dolo river. The

baggage animals suffered more. Unable to retain their

footing on the shppery rock, many fell, and with diffi-

culty regained their feet. All reached Dolo safely

before the evening. One of the guns, indeed, broke a

wheel, but was rescued from its difficulty by the aid of

one of the two elephants which accompanied the force.

At Dolo a halt was necessary, on the 29th, to rest the

wearied troops, and the tired horses of the artillery.

The following day the march recommenced, and

Haik-Hellat river was reached. The route was not,

however, carried through the village of that name, as it

would have taken the army to the v/estward, off the

direct line to the south. On tliis day (March 1), the

advance-guard was at Musno, on the road between

Antalo and Ashangi, about twenty-eight miles south of
the Haik-Hellat ; and Collings's brigade was at Buya, six
miles south-east of Antalo, and troops were being closed

up to the front from the rear as quickly as carriage

became available.

On March 1, Sir Eobert Napier left Dolo, and

CHAP. Yi.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 139

marched to Haik-Hellat. The road lay over the Afgal

rangea limestone ridge on the southern side of the

Dolo and then descended sharply

river into the valley

formed by the watercourse of Haik-Hellat. This

valley, hke most in this portion of Tigre, possessed a

deep black soil, similar to that which is always found
so favourable for the cultivation of cotton. At present

these valleys are but httle tilled ; but if capital were

invested upon them, and cotton grown, the country
would soon become rich. The column of troops made
the march easily, and on the following day reached the

camp of Buya, which was situated about five miles and

a half to the south-east of Antalo, and from its proxi-

mity to that town was generally known by the same

name. Those who could obtain leave of absence did
not march with the troops from Haik-Hellat to Buya,

but, leaving them at the former place, turned to the

west down the Haik-Hellat valley, and went to see the

cathedral town of Chelicut. The road was steep and

rocky, but the scenery amply repaid the toil of travers-

ing it. The river, for a short distance, flowed clear as

crystal, showing a bottom studded with many-coloured
pebbles, over which the water bubbled, sparkhng
brightly in the hot morning sun. About a quarter of
a mile below Haik-Hellat the stream fell, in a thin
cascade about sixty feet in height, into a gorge, at the

bottom of which it rolled sluggishly, under a dense

canopy of reeds, rosebushes, myrtle, and corinda. The
140 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

green foliage of these formed a striking contrast to the

bare and rugged hmestone crags that rose high on either
hand, and were devoid of all vegetation, except oc-

casional patches of tall dry grass. Down by the river-

side ferns and water-plants sheltered in many a nook,

and numerous acacias spread their slender boughs

across the stream. These trees were thickly hung with
bottle-shaped birds' nests, the numberless inhabitants

of which sat among the branches sunning their dark-

green plumage, or fluttered from twig to twig un-

conscious of danger. Three miles below Haik-Hellat
the ravine opened out into a valley, and the town of

Chelicut, built on the sloping mountain-sides, was

reached. This place was far superior to any of the

ordinary Abyssinian villages : the houses, instead of

being constructed of mud and loose stones, were

formed of neatly- squared masonry held together by
cement. JSTone were of more than one storey : some
were circular, some square, but all had steep roofs

thatched with the long grass which grew in the neigh-

bouring part of the valley. Every house had its

garden, in which vegetables of many kinds were culti-

vated. The potato, the French bean, maize, and peas

could all be found in some one or other of the carefully-

tended enclosures. The town contained about four

hundred houses, the inhabitants of which poured forth

in crowds, to stare at the strange white men who had
come from some unknown far-off land to join in battle
CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 141

with the mighty Theodore. The men soon became

quite friendly partly from curiosity, partly from a

desire to possess some of those countless dollars which

popular Abyssinian rumour asserted every Frank to

possess, and which a lucky fortune had directed to be

scattered broadcast over Tigre. The women glanced
shly at the strangers from behind doorways or over
garden- walls, and when detected quickly started back,

or covered up hastily their olive faces, leaving visible

only a pair of dark sparkling eyes, which half invited,

half repelled approach. Attended by a large crowd of

men, all clothed in white togas trimmed with scarlet,

and with no protection to their heads except their

curly black hair, the visitors rode into the centre of the

town, where, by the river-side, stood the cathedral, em-

bosomed in a grove of lofty cypress-junipers. By the

word '
cathedral ' it must not be supposed that any
massive pile of towering architecture was encircled by
these trees. The church was but a circular buildiDg

one storey high, roofed wdth thatch, and built in three

concentric circles ; the innermost, or most central, was

the holy place, where the ark is kept, where priests

alone may enter, and within which no strangers were ad-

mitted. The second had its walls ornamented with rude

frescoes, which represented the Madonna and Child, the

Crucifixion, the stoning of St. Stephen, and other inci-

dents of New Testament history. The most prized of all

was one of the Madonna encased in metal in Eussian
 142 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [cu^p.xi.

Style, and a large fresco of St. George on a wliite

horse killing the Dragon. None of the paintings were

executed with the slightest regard to perspective, and
seemed to be but rude imitations of the religious paint-
ings of the early mediasval period. Into the second

circle communicants are admitted. It was curious to

find suspended on its walls, on either side of the read-

ing-desk, two parchment scrolls in Tigrean character,
one of which was headed with the British crown, the
monogram '
G. E.,' and the words '
George King '
in

letters of gold. They must have been left there by

Mr. Salt in one of his missions to Tigre in the earlier

years of this century. The outer division of the church

was but a colonnade ; its walls were bare of either

painting or ornament. In it the people pray, and

prayers are publicly read. Several priests, distinguished

from the laity only by wearing voluminous white

turbans, showed the church, and explained the designs
of the paintings, with frequent assertions that they were

the work of native Abyssinian artists. At the door of

the house of the Chief Priest they also exhibited the

church plate. This consisted of a Bible bound in silver-

gilt, two mitres of the same material manufactured by

an Italian artist while resident in Abyssinia, a copper-

gilt goblet with the arms of England and the motto

'
Honi soit qui mal y pense,' a present from Mr. Salt,

and a beautiful silver-gilt Greek cross, which many

would willingly have purchased. While the English-
CHAP. VI.] ADVA^'CE TO ANTALO. 143

men were inspecting these, they were themselves in-

spected. A thick crowd of the male inhabitants

gathered round them, and examined with the greatest
curiosity and admkation their swords, revolvers,

watches, spurs, and clothing. Many, showing the blue

beads round their neck which marked a Christian, asked
by signs if the strangers were also Christians. On
being assured that both professed the same faith, they

ejaculated constantly, '

Tayeb, tayeb !'
the Arabic for
'
good,' which the Abyssinians believed to be a word in
the English language, and the British soldiers equally

imagined to exist in that of Tigre, and which, with the

exception of '
salaam,' was almost the only means of
intercommunication between the two. After seeins?

and being seen as much as they considered necessary,

the Englishmen remounted their horses and rode out of

the town, accompanied past the outskhts of the houses

by a whole host of newly-made friends, to the com-

mencement of the open country, where they stopped
and bade adieu, after receiving a present of some
dollars for their church and the poor. A rough path
across country, which left the town of Antalo situated

on a rough plateau about halfway up the mountain

called Amba Antalo, some two miles on the right, led

to the camp at Buy a.

Sir Eobert Napier arrived on March 2 at this camp,
which was in the immediate neighbourhood of Antalo,
the halfway house between Zulla and Magdala. Here
144 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

he caught up the brigade under General ColHngs, and

halted with the main body of the troops until the

12th. The Pioneer Force was sent forward, and was

strengthened : it now consisted of 200 sabres of the
Sind Horse, under Major Briggs ; 40 sabres of the 3rd
Light Cavalry, under Colonel Loch ; two companies of
the 33rd Regiment, under Captain Trent ; two com-
panies of Beloochees, under Captain Hogg one company
;

of Punjab Pioneers, under Captain Currie ; and the 3rd

and 4th Companies of the Bombay Sappers, under
Captain Goodfellow. These amounted, in all, to 280
cavalry and about 500 infantry, and were under the

command of Brigadier Field. By direction of Colonel

Phayre, they commenced, on March 4, to clear a road

leading to Atalo by way of Mai Musgi Musno, and
the defile of Gurubdek-dek ; and in this labour they
were occupied until the 9th, when a better and more
direct route was discovered from Mai Musgi to Atalo

by way of Meshik. Colonel Phayre had selected the

longer route, from the bad accounts given of the
shorter one by the natives at Mai Musgi. It was after-

wards discovered that these reports had originated at

the instigation of Walda Jasous, who held an amha on

the shorter road, and did not wish the road to it

opened up by the Pioneer Force. This report cost the

Pioneer Force much useless toil. A few hours' ride,

made by a staff-officer, might have saved much needless

exertion and a considerable delay.



CHAP. VL] ADVAKCi: TO ANTALO. 145

During the delay at Antalo, the Commander-in-

Chief had, however, much to do. Antalo was the
third post on the Abyssinian highlands, and here one
of the main depots was formed on the hne of com-
munication of which Senafe and Adigerat were the
earher links. To secure the stores which would be

assembled there, the camp of Buya was surrounded

by a stone wall, so traced as to admit of flanking

defence.

At the camp of Buya, or Antalo as it was more

commonly called, from its proximity to that town
preparations were made for an advance in force to-

wards the south. The army was redistributed in

divisions, to each of which a separate duty was as-

signed. The First Division was composed of all troops

which moved beyond Antalo ; the Second Division of

all troops which held the line of communication, and

garrisoned the posts, between Antalo and the sea. The

actual distribution ordered was as follows :

Head-Quakters Staff.
His Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir R. Napier, K.C.B., G.C.S.L,
Commander-in-Cliiei.
Lieutenant-Colonel M. A. Dillon, Military Secretary.
Colonel the Hon. F. A.Thesiger, Deputy- Adjutant-General.
Captain T. J. Holland, Assistant-Quartermaster General.
Captain H. B. Pottinger, Deputy- Assistant-Quartermaster- General.
Major C. O, Maude, Deputy-Judge-Advocate-General.
Captain Hozier, Assistant Military Secretary.
Lieutenant R. Xapier, Captain Scott, and Lord C. Hamilton, Aides-
de-Camp.
Colonel Fraser, Commandant at head-quarters.
Brigadier-General Merewether, attached for Political duty.
146 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. yi.

Lieutenant Tweedie, Political Secretary.

Major Grant, C.B., Intelligence Department.
Captain Speedy, Intelligence Department.
Count SeckendorofF, His Prussian Majesty's Guards, Attached.
Captain Moore, Persian and Arabic Interpreter.

FiEST Ditisio:n-.

All troops from Antalo to the front will compose the First Division.
Major-General Sir Charles Staveley, K.C.B., to command Lieutenant- ;

Colonel H. H. A. Wood, Major H. Baigrie,

Assistant- Adjutant-General ;

Assistant- Quartermaster-General; Lieutenant Saunders, Aide-de-Camp.

PioxEER Force.
To march two days in advance of the First Brigade, First Division.
Brigadier-General Field, 1 0th Kegiment Native Infantry, to command ;

Captain Duraud, Brigade-Major; Captain MacGregor, Deputy-Assistant-

Quartermaster-General ; Lieutenant Shewell, Commissariat Officer ;

Captain Goodfellow, Field Engineer. Colonel Phayre, Deputy-Quarter-

master-General, will accompany the Pioneer Force, and survey the road
and country in its immediate neighbourhood.
Troops. 40 sabres 3rd Light Cavalry; 40 sabres 3rd Regiment Sind
Horse ; 3rd and 4th Companies Bombay Sappers and Miners two ;

companies 23rd Regiment Punjab Pioneers.

First Brigade, First Division.

Brigadier-General Schneider, to command ; Captain Beville, Brigade-
Major Captain Hogg, Deputy-Assistant-Quartermaster-General Major
;
;

Mignon, Commissariat Officer.

Troops.
Head-quarters wing, 3rd Dragoon Guards 3rd Regiment ;

Light Cavalry 3rd Regiment Sind Horse G Battery 14th Brigade

; ;

Royal Artillery, four guns 'A' Battery 21st Brigade Royal Artillery
; ;

4th King's Own Royal Regiment head-quarters and eight companies

;

33rd Regiment head-quarters 10th Company Royal Engineers head-

; ;

quarters and two companies 27th Regiment Native Infantry (Beloochees) ;

head-quarters wing 10th Regiment Native Infantry.

Second Brigade, First Division.

Brigadier-General Wilby, to command ; Captain Hicks, Brigade-Major;
CaptainFawcett, Deputy-Assistant-Quartermaster-General; Major Barden,
Commissariat Officer.

Troops. Head-quarters wing

12th Bengal Cavalry B Battery 21st ;

Brigade Royal Artillery; two 8-inch mortars, with detachment 5-25

Royal Artillery Rocket Battery Naval Brigade
; Company Madras ; K
Sappers and Miners ; head-quarters and seven companies 23rd Regiment
Punjab Pioneers ; wing, 27th Regiment Native Infantry (Beloochees).
 ;

CHAP. VI.] ADVANCE TO ANTALO. 147

Second Division.
Major-General G. Malcolm, C.B,, Commanding; Major G. Bray,
Assistant-Adjutant-General ; Captain Watts, Deputy-Assistant-Quarter-
master-General ; Major Leven, Assistant-Commissary-General ; Lieu-
tenant Heath, Aide-de-Camp.
All troops at and from Senafe to Antalo will compose the Second
Division.

Antalo Gaerison.
Brigadier-General CoUings, to command ; Major Qiiin, Brigade-Major
Captain James, Deputy-Assistant-Quartermaster-General ; Lieutenant
Hore, Commissariat Officer.
rroq/?s. Wing 12th Bengal Cavaliy; 5-25 Eoyal Artillery; H
Company Madras Sappers and Miners: 4oth Foot; 3rd Kegiment Native
Infantry ; detachment 10th Regiment Native Infantiy.

Adigerat Garrison.
Major Fairbrother, to command.
Troops.
Squadron 10th Bengal Cavalry two guns, G 14, Royal ;

Artillery 2nd Company Bombay Sappers and Miners wing 2oth Regi-
; ;

ment Native Infantry.

Senate Garrison.
Lieutenant- Colonel Little, 25th Native Infantry, to command; Lieu-
tenant Becke, 21st Native Infantry, Staff Officer; Captain Edwardes,
Deputy- Assistant-Quai'termaster-General ; Commissariat Officer, Major
Thacker.
Troops. One squadron 10th Bengal Cavalry; 1st Company Native
Artillery; three companies 21st Punjab Native Infantry; wing 10th
Regiment Native Infantry one company Marine Battalion head-quarters
; ;

wing 25th Regiment Native Infantry depots of all regiments in advance;

;

26th Cameronians (on arrival).

ZuLLA Command.
To be composed of all troops at Zulla and stations in the Passes.
Brigadier-General Stewart, to command; Brigade-Major, Captain
Fellowes; Assistant-Quartermaster-General, Major Roberts; Deput}--
Assistant-Quartermaster-General, Major Gammett Commissariat
; Officer,
Captain Hawkes.
Troops. One squadron 10th Bengal Cavalry; G Company Madras
Sappers; 1st Company Bombay Sappers and Miners; 2nd Regiment

L 2
148 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vi.

Native Infantry (Grenadiers); 18tli Regiment Native Infantry ; head-

quarters and five companies 21st Punjab Pioneers ; Sth Bombay Native
Infantry (on arrival) ; the 5th Bombay Native Infantry, to garrison
stations in the Pass (on arrival).

The troops to compose the First Division who were

not at Antalo were ordered up to the front. The
12th Bengal Cavalry, which reached Zulla on Feb-
ruary 27, was directed to push up to Antalo by double
marches, as were the 3rd Dragoon Guards, who dis-

embarked on March 4. The 10th Bengal Cavalry was

ordered to follow quickly. A detachment of the 5th
Battery of the 25th Brigade of Eoyal Artillery, with

forty elephants, two 8-inch mortars, and sixty-seven

boxes of ammunition, the B Battery of 21st Brigade of

Artillery, the 23rd Punjab Pioneers, the 45th Eegi-

ment, the Naval Brigade, and several companies of
Sappers and Miners, were quickly moved, so that by
the middle of March nearly all the troops which were

to advance on Magdala were around or in front of

Antalo. All other preparations necessary for immediate

operations were also made. Large working-parties from

Zulla, consisting of the 2nd Grenadiers, the 18th Native

Infantry, men of the Army Works corps, and the Cooley

corps, were employed to push forward the railway. A

second line of retreat was prepared, in case of accident to

the Senafe Pass, by placing working-parties to improve

the road through the Tekonda defile. The Hght engineer
park, hospital trains, and hospital tents were brought

forward, and a large amount of treasure was sent for

cnip. VI.] ADVAXCE TO AXTaLO. 149

to supply the means of purchasing food and animals in

the country. The Highland Transport Train was largely

supplemented by mides bought in the country, for
which saddles and head-stalls had to be provided from
the sea-coast; and the Transport Train found an aux-

iliaiy in the bullocks of the natives, which were fi^eely

hired to carry supplies along the line of communications,

while the natives themselves, in considerable numbers

and of both sexes, carried many loads.

150 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSIMA. [chap. vii.

CHAPTEE YII.

ADVANCE TO ASHANGI.

r^ March 12 Sir Eobert Napier left Antalo and moved

^^ southwards. With him marched three troops of the

3rd Light Cavalry, 'A' Battery of the 21st Brigade Eoyal

Artillery, the 10th Company Eoyal Engineers, the 4th
(King's Own) Eegiment, and two companies of Beloo-

chees. The Commander-in-Chief moved by the more

southern route, which leads by Amba Mayro and the
Alaji Pass, 9,500 feet above the sea, to the Atalo valley,

instead of by the one which had been so unfortunately

selected by the reconnoitring department to waste the

toil of the Pioneer Force in needless efforts to render

the rugged Gurubdek-dek ravine and Musno hills pass-

able for artillery. In this unnecessary task several days

were consumed before the easier route by Amba Alaji

was discovered; but as soon as it was, the Pioneer

Eorce was diverted to its improvement. The troops

which moved \vith the Commander-in-Chief halted at

Meshik, where they remained for the following day,

and assisted in clearing the route towards Musgi on the
one hand and Atalo on the other. Sir Eobert I^apier
himself, with a small escort of the 3rd Light Cavalry,
 ;

cnAP. VII.] ADVANCE TO ASIIA2s'GI. 151

made a double march to Atalo, where he came up with

one portion of the Pioneer Force. Here he found the
head-quarters and five companies of the 33rdEegiment,

and two companies of the Punjab Pioneers. These

troops were at once set to work to improve the roads.
Orders were sent back to Antalo, that Murray's Arm-
strong battery of artillery should at once move to the

front on elephants, escorted by a regiment of Native

Infantry. On the following day (March 15), the Com-
mander-in-Chief halted in his camp on the Atalo, and
the troops quartered there were employed in clearing

the route towards Makhan, over the steep hills near

Amba Afagi. On this day Sir Charles Staveley marched
into Atalo vdth the '
A ' mountain battery, the 4th King's
Own, the Beloochees, and the 3rd Light Cavalry.

The march from Meshik to Atalo lay over one of

the great passes of the country, about 10,000 feet in

height, above which scowled sullenly the almost inac-

cessible peak of Amba Afagi. The labour for baggage-

animals was very heavy, but with good packing they

managed to ascend and descend without so much diffi-

culty as might have been expected. The troops had

by this time, from constant practice, much improved in

their method of adjusting the loads on the animals

but many of the pack-saddles were of a very indiffe-

rent pattern, and consisted solely of pads, across which

the loads were slung in networks called '

selitas.'

Some were not even supphed with means of securing

152 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. tii.

the loads, and in going down steep descents, the

weight w^as jerked forward on to the neck of the

animal, which almost immediately fell. The incessant

halts caused by the consequent delays were most vexa-

tious, and the march was often so much delayed, that

it was at last recognised that on such roads the infantry
of the army could only be considered as a large

baggage-guard. In consequence. Sir Charles Staveley

adopted the system of distributing the regiments along
the line of animals, and making each fighting man lead

a mule. This reform was marked with success, for,

though the track was steep, winding, and covered

with loose stones, the march was accomplished in good
time, and not a single load was left behind. Transport
animals, unless provided with a driver apiece, are
always under a great disadvantage in a rough country,
from the necessity of tying them together in strings of

three or four. Even with the most experienced and

careful muleteers, this is a cause of much distress to the

animals in passing over obstacles. The great advan-

tage of a driver to each animal was amply demon-

strated in Sir Charles Staveley 's march to Atalo, as well

as the freedom from falls or accidents of the mules

which carried the batteries of 7-pounder mountain

guns. On March 15 the Commander-in-Chief, who
from this time assumed in person the direction of the

Pioneer Force, marched with it from Atalo to Makhan,

improving the road on the way. On arrival at the
CHAP, vn.] ADVANCE TO ASHANGI. 153

latter place, orders were sent back to Sir Charles

Staveley to marcli the following day to Belago, and,

halting there, to make the road practicable for the ele-

phants which carried the mortars and Murray's guns.

On the following day the Commander-in-Chief halted

at Makhan, sending on five companies of the 33rd to

Haya to make the road practicable for mules to that

place. On the ITth, in accordance with his orders,

Sir Charles Staveley moved with his first brigade from

Atalo to Belago, five miles short of Makhan, and on
the 18th pushed forward to Maklian. The Belago Pass
was 9,700 feet above the sea.

The march from Atalo to Makhan, a distance of

fifteen miles, was a very severe one, over a series of

ascents and descents, which so sorely tried the baggage

animals that many of those that accompanied the
Pioneer Force broke down and had to be reheved of
their loads, while a greater number did not arrive till

the following morning, though they left Atalo very

early in the day. A halt of the Pioneer Force was in

consequence necessary for one day. Advantage of

this was taken to re-arrange the postal duties between
the front and Zulla. The mails were after this date

carried by troopers of the 10th Bengal Cavalry, who

were posted in small detachments along the whole line

of communications. At tlie same time the transport

for sick and wounded, which was to accompany the
force beyond Antalo, was definitely decided upon ; and
154 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. tii.

it was arranged that doolies or dandies should be taken

forward in the proportion of three to every hundred
fighting men. On March 18 Sir Eobert Napier,
with the remainder of the Pioneer Force, marched to
Ashangi. The last part of the road was found bad,
but it was made practicable for mules by the Sappers
and Pioneers as they marched. An order was sent

back to Sir Charles Staveley to halt at Haya, and

further improve the road, so as to render it practicable

for elephants. Orders were also sent to Antalo for the

head-quarters wing of the 10th Native Infantry to move
to the front as soon as it was reheved by the 3rd Native
Infantry, and on overtaking the elephants with the
guns and mortars, to march with them as an escort.

The head-quarters wing of the 45th Eegiment and

head-quarters wing of the 3rd Native Infantry were also

ordered to move to the front as soon as possible.

Eeports came in from Zulla to say that animals and
followers for the Transport Train were daily arriving ;

reports from the intermediate stations also told that

the troops were quickly closing up to the front. The

head-quarters and six companies of the 45th Eegiment

arrived at Senafe on March 13, escorting a convoy of

300,000 dollars and of 400 rounds of ammunition per

man, and pushed forward the next morning towards
Adigerat. The 3rd Eegiment of Native Infantry ar-

rived at Senafe on the 14th ; two companies of Bombay

Sappers and Miners reached Adigerat ; and the head-
CHAP, vn.] ADVANCE TO ASHANGL 155

quarters of the 12tli Bengal Cavalry pushed forward

from the same place on that day. The 23rd Punjab

Pioneers, 485 strong, and the Naval Brigade arrived at

Antalo on the 16 th, and on the 17th pushed forward

with a detachment of Sind Horse, the B battery of

the 21st Brigade of Eoyal Artillery, and the left wing

of the 33rd Eegiment, which mustered 325 men. On
the same day there arrived at Antalo small detachments

of the 12th Bengal Cavalry, of the 3rd Light Cavalry,

of the Sind Horse and of the Eoyal Engineers, as well

as the Engineer Park.

The route from Makhan to Lake Ashangi lay round
the edge of a mountain range covered with juniper

trees which formed a thick jungle. The path itself

was irregular and winding. After crossing a deep valley

a summit was gained at an elevation of 9,400 feet,

whence the first view of Lake Ashangi could be ob-

tained. Much had been told of this lake, and it was
expected to be a wide sheet of water. Such was not
the case, as it was only about four miles long and
three broad, but it was surrounded by noble hills

which enclosed besides the lake a luxuriant and fertile

valley, covered with waving crops of standing corn,

while numerous villages were clustered on the hill-

sides, as if sentinels of the fertihty beneath them.

The uninhabited borders of the lake were treacherous
and deceitful, being nearly everywhere morasses, into
which men sank without notice, and where more
156 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. vii.

than one sportsman, too intent upon his game, sank

down, and with difficulty escaped being suffocated.
The villages in the vicinity of Lake Ashangi are

perched on high conical rocks, or in elevated situations

on the hill-sides, and are surrounded by fences of

'kolqual,' to defend them from the attacks of the

Azebo Gallas, who live not far off, are professors of

the Mahommedan faith, and are bound by the laws of

their tribe to kill a Christian before they can take a

wife. Bloodshed is common in this district, and some

stragglers from the army suffered at the hands of the
Gallas, but probably more on account of their own
carelessness in violating the susceptibihties of these

people, than because of any desire of the Gallas to

enter into hostilities with the British troops.

CHAP. Yiii.] ADVANCE TO LAT. 157

CHAPTEE Vin.

ADVANCE TO LAT

/^N March 20, Sir Eobert Napier with the main body
" of the Pioneer Porce marched from Lake Ashangi
over the plain of Wofela to the camping ground of the
Mesagita. The distance was short not more than seven
miles and the road was not bad according to Abyssin-
ian estimate, except for the first few hundred yards.
The pass, nearly 10,000 feet high, beyond Mesagita
leading over the Womberat chain of hiUs to Lat, was re-

ported to be very difficult ; therefore two companies of

the Pioneers and two companies of Bombay Sappers were

marched forward on the 20 th to improve it, and the

Commander-in-Chief halted on the 21st at Mesagita,

sending forward a wing of the 33rd Eegiment to assist

them in their labours. On the 22nd the A battery

of the 21st brigade of Eoyal Artillery, and four com-

panies of Beloochees, under Sir Charles Staveley, Colonel

Milward, and Colonel Penn, marched in one day from

Ashangi, and joined the Commander-in-Chief at Lat.
Here arrangements were made to complete the High-
land Transport Train to a strength of 8,000 mules
south of Antalo. This highland train was exceedingly
 ;

158 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. viii.

successful. It was organised on much the same

principles as had been originally proposed by the
Commander-in-Chief for the whole transport of the
Abyssinian expedition a proposal unfortunately not

accepted. It consisted nominally of four divisions

each division consisted numerically of 2,000 mules,

and as at Lat measures wei'e adopted for striking sick

and non-effective animals off the muster-rolls, and
placing them in stationary hospitals or depots along

the Ime of communications, in the further advance the

highland train did actually count 8,000 mules. To

each division were attached one captain and three
subalterns, while the whole was under the command of
Captain Hand of the 82nd Eegiment, who was respon-
sible to the Commander-in-Chief alone, and received
the orders of the latter through the officer at head-

quarters, who performed the duties of quartermaster-

general. Three permanent staff officers were attached

to the train, one of whom worked under Captain
Hand at head-quarters, one was stationed at Antalo,
and one at Adigerat. It was the duty of these offi-

cers to supervise the gear, the arrangement of con-

voys, the hospitals and depots, and to replace mules

who arrived sick, footsore, or galled, by sound ones

from the depots at their disposal. There was besides
an inspector of the Transport Train, who continually
passed up and down the line from station to station,

took care that the proper arrangements were properly


CHIP. VIII.] ADVANCE TO LAT. 159

carried out, and reported daily confidentially to the

Commander-in-Cliief. By this time also the muleteers

who had been despatched from Persia, Syria, and
Egypt had been almost entirely replaced by natives of

India, who could understand and be understood by

their officers and by each other. A considerable pro-

portion of the new muleteers were Punjabees who had

acquired experience in the mule trains of Lahore and

Eawul Pindee, and were disciplined and armed, while

for the others native arms were bought, which placed
them on equality at least with the Abyssinians. It was
derived from the experience of this campaign that it is

of great importance that the drivers of a land transport

train should be sufficiently under discipline and control

to be trusted with arms, as they are then enabled to
dispense to a great extent with escorts, especially when
the animals are sent out to graze, and the sidearms are

also available for cutting grass.

At Lat, new arrangements were made for the dis-

tribution of the troops, and it was ordered that the

troops of the Pioneer Force, and of the 1st and 2nd

Brigades, should proceed without baggage : in conse-

quence of which the following General Orders were

issued.

The following distribution of troops in the 1st or Sir

C. Staveley's Division, is ordered :

First Brigade.
Brigadier-General Schneider; Captain Be ville, Brigade-Major; Captain
Hogg, Deputj-Assistant-Quartermaster-General; Captain Goodfellow,
Field Engineer.
 ;

160 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. viii.

Troops. Head-quarters, 8rd Sind Horse; A-21 Steel Battery;

1st Battalion 4tli (King's Own) Royal Regiment; Head-quarters and
six companies 23rd Punjab Pioneers lOth Company Royal Engineers
; ;

Head-quarters wing, 27tli Native Infantry.

Secoistd Bkigade.
Brigadier-General Wilby; Captain Hicks, Brigade-Major; Captain
Jam es, Deputy- Assistant- Quartermast er- G eneral.
Troops.
Head-quarters, 3rd Light Cavalry B-21 Steel Battery ;

Naval Rocket Brigade; 33rd (Duke of Wellington's Regiment).

Third Brigade.*
Brigadier-General Field; Captain Durant, Brigade-Major; Captain
Edwards, Deputy-Assistant-Quartermaster-General ; Lieutenant Jopp,
Assistant Field Engineer.
Troops. Four guns G-14 Royal Artillery ; Nos. 3 and 4 Companies
Bombay Sappers and Miners two companies Punjab Pioneers two 8-incb
; ;

mortars of 5-25 Royal Artillery K Company Madi'as Sappers and Miners

;

one company of the 33rd Foot, and a company of tlie 4tli Foot, who will
hereafter rejoin their corps when the Brigade is well advanced to the
front.

The following distribution of officers of the 1st

Brigade was ordered :

Sind Horse. One tent for regimental officers and the two officers

attached.
Royal Artillery Head-quarters and the First Division. One tent for
Colonel Petrie, Captain Geary, Lieutenant-Colonel ]Milward, Captain
Nolan, and the officers of A-21 Royal Artillery.
33rd Foot. Two tents for regimental officers, Dr. Austen and Major
Leveson.

23rd Pimieers and Beloochees. One tent for regimental officers, Messrs.
Henty, Stanley, and Whiteside.
lO^A Company Royal Engineers and Land Transport Train. One tent
for regimental officers. Lieutenant Shewell, Mr. Holmes, and Mr.
Sheppard.
Head-quarters and Perso7ial Staff. One tent.

Intelligence Department. One tent for General Merewether, C.B.,

Lieutenant Lockhart, Mr. Markham, and Lieutenant Tweedie.
No mule will be loaded except by bugle sound, which will sound a

* This Brigade will be employed in making the road onward to Magdala

practicable for laden elephants, and will join the 1st and 2nd Brigades as
soon as that work has been accomplished.


CHAP. Yin.] ADVANCE TO LAT. IGl

quarter of an hour before tlie hour of march. On the sound of the bugle
every mule will be tightly girthed before being loaded. Great care must
be taken to see that the breast straps and breechiugs are properly adjusted.
The following troops en route to the front on reaching the 3rd Brigade
will be passed on to join the 1st and 2nd Brigades under the above-men-
tioned regulations :
Head-quarters 3rd Dragoon Guards head-quarters ;

10th Cavalry; wing, 4oth Foot ; wing, 3rd Native Infantry; wing, 27th
Native Infantry ; head-quarters and one company Bombay Sappers and
Miners.
The kits of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and rank and file will
be leftbehind to be brought on by the 3rd Brigade.
Arrangements will be made by the Brigadier-General Commanding
for their safe custody and safe transport to the front.
Tents will be allowed in the proportion of one to every twelve officers,

and one to every twenty non-commissioned and rank and file.

Major-Generals commanding divisions will be allowed one tent.
Brigadier-Generals will be allowed one tent for themselves and for

their personal and brigade staff.

Hospital tents will be allowed to such regiment, battery, or detachment,

according to recommendation of principal medical officer; with that
exception no other tents must be taken for any other purpose whatever.
The 23rd and Beloochees wiU take entrenching tools sufficient for one
company each.
A light hospital establishment to accompany each detachment.
All sick men and horses will be left behind to be brought up by the
3rd Brigade.
Fifteen days' rations according to the following scale will be carried by
each detachment and battery :

Europeans. Natives.
Biscuit or floiu' . lib. Flour . . .lib.
Vegetables . 2 oz. Ghee, if purchased locally 2 oz
Sugar
Tea
Rum
....
....
.

1 dram.
1^
i
.V

,v
Salt .

Vegetables once a week

. . .
i
2

The Commi.' sariat will take in sufficient rice to meet casual demands,
and will make arrangements and their followers.
for rationing staff officers
Officers will be allowed to take on any riding animals they may have
in their possession, but their loads must be limited to the officers' own
bedding and their horses' kit.

No baggage animals or camp equipage will be allowed to

private
follow the column under any pretext whatever.
Carriage will be allowed for cooking pots of officers in the proportion of
one mule to eveiy twelve officers.
162 BRiriSH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. viii.

No baggage mule proceeding with the force will carry more than
100 except in the case of bearers of small-arm ammunition and tents,
lbs. ;

when two of each will be the load 4 lbs of grain will be carried, in
:

addition to the 100 lbs., to complete the day's ration.

Officers in charge of the commissariat must make up the weight of
their ration bags, rum kegs, and vegetable boxes to 50 lbs. each.
The cooking pots of batteries and detachments will be carried in the
proportion of 50 lbs. to each company or troop.
British troops will march in serge or Khakee clothing according to
Brigade arrangements (the suit of clothing which is not worn will be
carried for the soldier), and will carry one blanket and a waterproof
sheet in addition to the great coat and canteen.
Officers who do not possess a riding animal will have two blankets and
a waterproof sheet carried for each, under regimental arrangements.
This also applies to Native officers.
All records, company's books, &c., will be left behind to come on with
the 3rd Brigade.
Sick carriage will be taken on in the full proportion as at present
allowed.
All doolies, however, will be brought on in the rear of the whole
baggage of the brigade.
Small-arm ammunition will be carried in saluters or Bombay saddles.
One man, inclusive of muleteers, will be told off to every mule to lead
him during the march: should any load require readjusting, assistance
will be given him by the man in rear, and on no account must the mules
in front be stopped.

It was from Lat that tlie real rapid advance on

Magdala began. Up to this point the Commander-
in-Chief had been merely making his steady prepa-

rations, which enabled him to swoop swiftly down upon

his adversary and seize his prey. Before leaving Lat,
he received a report fi^om Senafe to say that the five

companies of the 25 th Native Infantry had left that place

on March 16, for the front, escorting the first reserve

ammunition of A-21, B-21, and G-14 Batteries Eoyal

Artillery, as well as thirty mule-loads of hospital stores,

and twenty mule-loads of telegraph stores. It was

CHAP, vm.] ADVANCE TO LAT. 163

also reported from Antalo that on March 18 there left

that place for the front four Armstrong guns of G-11

Battery Eoyal Artillery, two 8-inch mortars, K Com-
pany of Sappers, the head-quarters of the 12 th Bengal
Cavalry, and Brigadier-Generals Schneider and Wilby.
164 BRITISH EXPEDITIO^y TO ABYSSIIs'IA. [chap. ix.

CHAPTER IX.

ADVANCE TO THE TAKKAZIE.

/AN March 23 Sir Eobert Napier advanced from Lat to

^ Marawa with the head -quarters and five companies

of the 33rd Eegiment ; the head-quarters and four

companies of the Beloochees ; A Battery 21st Brigade

Eoyal Artillery, and the head-quarters and three troops
of the Sind Horse.

Sir Charles Staveley with his force removed to

Lat. Eeports were received at Marawa which told

that G battery of the 14th Brigade Eoyal Artillery,

two 8-inch mortars, a wing of the 12th Bengal

Cavalry, and the Engineer Park, arrived at Atalo
on March 20, from the same place ; a difficulty in

obtaining native carriage was also reported, and Cap-

tain Moore of the Intelligence Department was sent

back to arrange it. Eeports were also received from

Adigerat which told that the head-quarters and six
companies of the 45th Eegiment arrived at that place
on the 17th, and pushed forward on the 18th. The
head- quarters and right wing of the 3rd Native
Infantry also arrived at Adigerat on the 18th, having

made a double march from Goona-^'oona.

 ;
:

CHAP. IX.] ADVANCE TO THE TAKKAZIE. 165

Notwithstanding the reduction of baggage, the road

was so bad between Lat and Marawa that although the
distance was only eleven miles, it was considered
fortunate that all the mules of the Transport Train

reached the latter place before dark. The road along

which the army slowly toiled and clambered in-

cessantly over mountain after mountain was so narrow

that any halt or break-dovrn in the column made every
man and animal in its rear pause. Daily it became
more apparent, how impracticable had been the

suggestions of those who had advocated from the

outset a dash upon Magdala."^^ To diverge from the

path was out of the question, as it ran along the side

of steep sandstone hills, with a precipice below, and

the densely-wooded hill-face rising abruptly above.

On the following day the Commander-in-Chief moved

from Marawa to Dildi. It had been anticipated that
the nature of the road would prevent rapid progress

* The able special correspondent of the Times wrote thus on this march
'No caricaturist would, I hope, have the heart to make fun of us and
our expedition, considering how much trouble we are taking, and upon
what a hopeless task we are engaged. But could such a man be found,
it must, I fear, be admitted that our *' dash " upon Magdala would present

him with a very tempting picture. If incongruity be the essence of

humour, he ought to make any amount of capital out of the contrast
between all that is associated with the word "dash " and our long line
of horses, mules, and bullocks, toiling at the rate of about a mile and a
half an hour over a series of almost perpendicular ascents and descents

tumbling backwards, forwards, sideways now and then bringing the
"dash" to a dead halt by choking the way in one helpless palpitating
mass of heads, tails, and shoulders, merely because a weak or cantankerous
brother in the front refuses to move on.'
 ;

166 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ix.

therefore the first start was made at a very early hour,

and every quarter of an hour groups of baggage

animals were despatched, until the whole were well on

their way by nine o'clock. The nature and length of

the road far exceeded, however, the worst anticipations.

The first few miles were passed without great difficulty,

as the army followed a route originally constructed by

Wagshum Gobaze. Parts of the road were as difficult

as that through the Sooro Pass before any labour had

been expended upon it. It was rugged, devious, and
broken, and before some of the animals had cleared

half of the distance, the sun was already declining.

Thunder had been heard in the surrounding hills

during the afternoon, and towards evening a terrific

storm broke upon the line of march. Night soon came

on, and the rear of the column was surprised by
pitchy darkness. It was, however, impossible to halt
the troops were forced to push on, and the last, the

Beloochees, reached the camp of Dildi late in the

evening. The commissariat train did not however

come in till the following morning. The march was

one of unprecedented severity in the war ; every
soldier carried fifty-five pounds, including his ammu-
nition. All were drenched by the thunderstorm, and
had no change of clothes. The tents of many did not

arrive till next morning, and, wet and weary, they had
to pass the night on the slushy ground.
After the severe march of the preceding day, a halt
CHAP. IX.] ADVANCE TO THE TAKKAZIE. 167

was made at Dildi, to refresh the troops. Here much

information of Theodore's movements, but httle on
which reliance could be placed, was received by means
of spies. Some asserted that he was preparing for
the defence of Islamgi ; others that he meant to fight

on the Bashilo ; others that he would make a night

attack on the British force as soon as it had reached
the Dalanta plateau. Little credit was given to the

last assertion ; but no precautions were neglected, and

the vedettes and picquets were doubled. At Dildi,

some supplies of fowls and eggs, which were exceed-

ingly grateful, were obtained from the people of the
country, and here a depot was estabhshed.

After a day's halt at Dildi the Commander-in-chief

with the Ist Brigade, to which now the 4th (King's

Own) Eegiment was attached instead of the 33rd,

moved to Wondaj, followed at the interval of one

march by Sir Charles Staveley with the 2nd Brigade,

who was again followed at a similar interval by the

3rd Brigade, with the elephants and heavy artillery.

At Wondaj the force was again exposed to a terrific

thunderstorm just as it reached its camping ground,

which being ploughed land was quickly converted into
a muddy quagmire. The distance was not, however,
more than seven miles ; and a continuous ascent of 3,000
feet brought the force to the head of the Wondaj Pass,
10,500 feet above the sea; whence there was a grand
view of the Valley of the Takkazie, bounded on the
1G8 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. ix.

south by the hills of Santara. On the following day,

the 27th, the advance was continued to Moja, another

distance of about seven miles. On the night that the

1st Brigade halted at Moja the camp was thrown nito

considerable excitement by the arrival of an officer

with a letter from Colonel Phayre, who was recon-

noitring with some horsemen a few miles ahead, which

said that Mr. Munzinger, who had been sent to open
communication with Wagshum Gobaze, was missing,
and had doubtless fallen into the hands of Theodore,
while Theodore himself had crossed the Bashilo, and

was advancing to defend the passages of the Takkazie.

This information subsequently was discovered to be

without foundation ; but Sir Eobert JSTapier was de-

termined that he would next day secure the passage of
the Takkazie and the steep ascent beyond it to the

Wadela plateau, in case Theodore might seek to take

advantage of the favourable defensive position which

the summit of the abrupt southern bank of the Takkazie

would afford him. On the following morning, accord-

ingly, the force moved down from Moja to the Takkazie,

where measures had been taken for the collection of

grain to feed the animals, which were here unloaded

and permitted to rest, while strong working parties of

the 4th, the Beloochees, and the Punjabees were

pushed forward, under Captains Goodfellow and Le
Mesurier, to form a practicable path up the steep and

precipitous southern bank of the Takkazie, which I'ose

CHAP. IX.] ADVANCE TO THE TAKKAZIE. 169

abruptly above tlie river to a height of more than

4,00'0 feet. After no great length of tmie, a sapper on
the summit signalled that the road was prepared, and

the force began to climb the steep ascent. Not without

difficulty it crowned the summit, but before dark it did

so, and the passage of the Takkazie was secure for the

whole of the army. That night the Commander-in-

Chief halted on the river Santara, sending back word
to Sir Charles Staveley to push on and concentrate with
him. The Takkazie, in March, vv^as anything but a
formidable river ; it was, in fact, but a series of pools,

yet in the rainy season it must be a magnificent mass

of water, as it is the principal tributary of the Blue

Nile, which sweeps down the rich soil of Abyssinia to

fertilise the valley of Egypt.

170 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. x.

CHAPTER X.

ADVANCE TO THE BASHILO.

i^N account of tlie difficulty in regard to native car-

^ riage, tlie 1st Brigade arrived at Santara on the

28th, and halted there for two days, where Sir Eobert

Napier received a visit from the uncle of Wagshum

Gobaze, who arrived with a body of 400 cavalry, which
raised the estimate of the Abyssinian horse in the eyes

of the Europeans. Wagshum Gobaze himself wrote to

Sir Eobert Napier, expressing his regret that they

could not have a personal interview, as he was neces-

sarily absent in Begemder but ; his uncle and emissary,
Mashesha, stated that he had instructions to render to
the British all the aid in his power. On the morning of

the SOth, the 2nd Brigade, under Sir Charles Staveley,

marched into Santara. Here the 3rd Brigade was

broken up, and amalgamated with the 1st and 2nd
Brigades ; and Colonel Field, its brigadier, reverted to

the command of the lOth ISTative Infantr}\

Santara, where the Commander-in-Chief halted for

two days, to concentrate the 1st and 2nd Brigades, is

on the edge of the table-land of Wadela, which has an

average heiglit of 11,500 feet above the sea level. The
climate here and on the plateau was very variable ; in
CHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BA8HIL0. 171

the daytime the thermometer stood about 75 degrees,

at night it fell to 19 J degrees, and ice was sometimes

formed in a closed tent with four or five occupants.

Between the Takkazie and the Basliilo, besides the

Wadela plateau, He the two plateaux of Dalanta and

Daunt, south of the Bashilo ; and in the fork formed

between that river and one of its tributaries, the Kul-
kuUa, is huddled together the knot of mountains of
which Magdala is the key. In order to reach this

fortress of King Theodore, the route of tlie army lay

across the intervening plateaux of Wadela and Dalanta.

The formation of both of these is basaltic, and they
are consequently intersected by steep and precipitous
ravines. In the most important of these, which sepa-
rates the highland of Wadela from that of Dalanta,

runs the river Jidda.

Apparently the most easy route of approach to the

Bashilo from Santara would have been round the
upper sources of the Jidda, by a place called Kosso
Amba ; but the various information which could be
obtained, as well as the able reports of Mr. Munzinger

who had been despatched by Sir Eobert Napier to

visit Wagshum Gobaze, and had taken the opportunity
to reconnoitre the country told that the ground about
Kosso Amba was much broken and that the most
advantageous way for the march to be conducted
would be in a south-westerly direction, along the
Wadela plateau, to a place called Bethor, on the" edge

of the Jidda ravine, where the road which Theodore



172 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. x.

had constructed, on liis marcli from Debra Tabor to

Magdala, for the passage of his heavy baggage and

big mortars, dipped into the defile of the Jidda.

From this point, advantage could be taken of Theo-

dore's own road to advance against him at Magdala.
On March 31, accordingly, the 1st Brigade moved
from Santara to Gaso, and on April 1 from Gaso to

Abdakom, followed by the 2nd Brigade, which halted

on April 1 at Gaso.*
* On April 1 the wliole British force in Abyssinia consisted of 10,800
fighting-men, with 14,500 followers, who were attached to the Land
Transport Train, Commissariat Department, Regiments, &c. Its distri-
bution was as follows :

The head-quarters, with Brigadier-General Schneider's 1st Brigade

of the 1st division, consisting of the following troops, at Abdakom :

3rd Regiment Sind Horse 208

Head-quarter wing 12th Bengal Cavalry
Naval Brigade Rocket Battery.
A Battery 21st Brigade R.A. (steel
....
7-pounder guns)
150
83
122
Head-quarters 10th
4th King's Own Royal Regiment
23rd Regiment Punjab Pioneers
Company R.E.
....
....
32
630
671
Head-quarters wing 27th N.I. (Beloochees) . 327
2,123
The head-quarters of the 1st division, under the of Major- command
General Sir Charles Staveley, with the 2nd Brigade, under Brigadier-
General Wilby, at Gaso, one march in rear of the head-quarters of the
army and of the 1st Brigade :

Teggps.
Head-quarters and four troops 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry 171
G Battery 14th Brigade R.A. (foiu- 12-pounder Armstrong
guns) 92
Detachment 5/25 R.A., with two 8-inch mortars 35 . .

B Battery 21st Brigade R.A. (steel 7-pounder guns) lOU .

Head-quarters and K Company Madras Sappers and Miners 131

Head-quarters and 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Companies Bombay
Sappers and Miners
33rd (Duke of Wellington's) Regiment
Head-quarters wing 10th Regiment l:s.l.
294
700
,217
.... , .

1^


CHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BASIIILO. 173

The halt at Saiitara was not entirely cansed by

the necessity of concentration of the 1st and 2nd Bri-

Tlie following troops were m route to join tlie 1st and 2ncl Brigades, 1st
division, and were on this date at the following stations :

Head-quarters and six companies 45tli Regiment, at

Waulaj, two marches in rear of 2nd Brigade . . 385
Head-quarters wing 3rd Regiment X.I. at Dildi . . 300
One troop 3rd Light Cavalry at Dildi . . . .73
Wing 27th N.I. Regiment (Beloochees) at Marawa . . 286
Head-quarters wdng 3rd Dragoon Guards at Makhan . 220
Head-quarters squadron 10th Bengal Cavahy, on the
march from Antalo 140
1,404

The 1st division left all baggage and stores at Lat : this baggage had since
been brought on to Dildi, and the stores at that place were left under the

charge of a guard of fifty dismounted men of the 3rd Regiment of Sind

Horse. All troops in advance of Dildi were marching without baggage, and
with a limited supply of bell-tents, sufficient to accommodate twelve
officers, or twenty non-commissioned officers and rank and file each.

Each regiment carried with it rations for fifteen days. The loads on
the mules had been reduced to 100 lbs. each, to enable them to move
easily, and the troops carried their greatcoats, blankets, and waterproof
sheets on their backs, in addition to their accoutrements and sixty rounds
of ammunition. Officers not mounted had a greatcoat, blanket, and
waterproof sheet carried for them. A detachment of 130 men of the
10th Regiment of Native Infantry was at Atalo, escorting stores to the
front detachments, consisting of one duffedar and twelve men of the 3rd
:

and 12th Cavalry, were at each postal station from Antalo to Lat, and
parties of one dufi'edar and six men at each station from Lat to the
front.
The 2nd division of the force, under the com-
troops comprising the
mand Major-General Malcolm, C.B., were stationed at Antalo,
of
Adigerat, and Senafe, were as follows :

At Antalo, Brigadier-GenerafCollrngs commanding :

Bombay Cavalry
1 troop 3rd
1
Wing
company Bombay Sappers and Miners
3rd Regiment Native Infantry
....
....
73
126
375
The following troops had been ordered up, and were en route to Antalo
to join the garrison of that station :

5/25 Battery Royal ArtiUery, with 6-pounder brass guns 90

4 companies 4oth Regiment 280
3 companies 2oth Regiment Native Infantry . . . 190
 : :

174 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA. [chap. x.

gades, but on account of tlie delay in arrival of pro-

visions. No flour could be obtained in Wadela, and

the army was dependent on its chain of communica-

tions and on its carriage. On March 31, General

Merewether was sent back to the Takkazie, to arrange

some difficulties with the owners of native bullocks

At Adigerat
1 troop 12tli Bengal Cavalry 70
2 12-poiinder Armstrong gun8 of G Battery 14th Brigade
R.A 60
Head-quarters and 5 companies 2otli Regiment N.I. . 480
At Senafe
1 troop lOtli Bengal Cavalry 73
No. 1 Company Native Artillery, with Mountain Train . GO
Wing 10th Regiment Native Infantry . . . . 337
3 companies 21st Punjab Native Infantry . . . 240
1
talion) .........
company 21st Bombay Native Infantry (Marine Bat-
87

Detachments of one dufFedar and twelve men of the 10th and 12th
Bengal Cavalry were located at each postal station between Senafe and
Antalo and fifty men of the 12th Bengal Cavalry were at Agula, half-
;

way between xlntalo and Adigerat, and small detachments of cavalry and
native infantry were at such stations between Senafe and Antalo as were
considered advisable by the General Officer commanding the division. The
26th Regiment (Cameronians) embarked at Vingorla on March 17, and were
ordered, on arrival, to move from ZuUa, to supplement the garrisons of
Senafe and Adigerat.
The Zulla brigade was under the command of Major-General Russell,
and consisted of the following troops stationed at Zulla, and the different

stations in the pass between Zulla and Senafe :

At Zulla, 18th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry . 680

Komayli, 2nd Regiment Bombay Native Infantry . 702
Sooro, 2 companies 21st Punjab Native Infantry . . 160
Undul Wells, head-quarters and 2 companies 21st Pun-
jab Native Infantry 160
Raha Guddy, 1 company 27th Punjab Native Infantry 80

The Zulla command was to have been strengthened by the 5th and
8th Regiments of Bombay Native Infantry, but they did not arrive till
and never disembarked.
CHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BASHILO. 175

employed in the transport of provisions, and tlie settle-

ment of similar difficulties near Atalo was entrusted to

Major Grant and Captain Moore.

All precautions were taken against a night-attack by
Theodore on the road across Wadela. It was well
known that he had many spies, who daily reported to

him the British movements, and in the Wadela plateau

several horsemen were seen, who could be easily recog-
nised to be scouts, but were too astute to allow them-

selves to be captured by our cavalry. The picquets

and vedettes were nightly posted by Colonel Fraser,

Y.C., of the 11th Hussars, who had been appointed
Commandant of Outposts, and were frequently and

minutely inspected.
Kear Gaso an abundance of hornblendic rock was
found, which had the outward appearance of coal, and,

as fuel w^as scarce, was eagerly seized upon by the

soldiers to cook with. It was quickly discovered,
however, upon trial, to be incapable of sustaining com-
bustion.

Conventions, with the native proprietors of transport

animals, were made at Abdakom for the carriage of

supphes from the Takkazie to Bethor.

On April 2 the Commander-in-Chief, with the 1st

Brigade, moved his camp from Abdakom, a distance of

about two miles, to Yesendie, and Sir Charles Staveley

moved from Gaso to Abdakom, so that the force was
concentrated in case of attack. Here there occurred
176 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. x.

an incident wliicli might have been attended with

serious consequences. Mashesha, the uncle of the

Wagshum Gobaze, again, paid a visit to Sir Eobert

Napier with about 200 followers, and when his visit

was concluded, he was escorted by an officer beyond

the outposts of the 1st Brigade. On his way to a

neighbouring village, he used a road which led close

past one of the outposts of Staveley's brigade, where a
corporal and four men of the 3rd Light Cavalry were

stationed. This picquet was totally unaware that the

body of Abyssinian cavalry had come from the

camp of the 1st Brigade, and warned the horse-

men not to approach. The latter replied with
shouts of derision, brandishing their lances. The cor-

poral, presuming that they were a detachment of Theo-

dore's cavalry, ordered one of his party to fire, and the
shot was returned : the remainder of the picquet then

fired and advanced against the natives, who retreated,

but with the loss of one killed and one wounded. At

the sound of the shots the troops stood to their arms,

but it was soon discovered that the affair originated in

a mistake. Mr. Munzinger was despatched to the

Abyssinian camp, to explain the matter, and offer a

pecuniary compensation to the relatives of the killed.

The compensation and apology were readily accepted,

and any serious complications witli the Wagshum

happily averted.
On April 4, Sir Eobert Napier broke up his camp
 ;

CHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BASHILO. 177

at Yesendie, and moved across the ravine of the Jidda

to the Dalanta plateau. The Punjab Pioneers, the

A Battery of the 21st Brigade Eoyal Artillery, and

two companies of the 4th (King's Own) Eegiment, under
the command of Colonel ]\iilward, E.A., had marched
from Yesendie, on the afternoon of the 3rd, to clear the
road down to the Jidda river, with orders to move upon
Avercot early on the morning of the 4th, and secure
the summit of the ascent from the Jidda defile. On the

morning of the 4 th, Colonel Mil ward ascended from

the Jidda, and seized the entrance on to the Dalanta

plateau. The Commander-in-Chief, with the 1st Brig-

ade, followed closely to support the advanced guard

while the 2nd Brigade, under Sir Charles Staveley,

occupied Bethor, and closed down to the edge of the

ravine.

At Bethor the British force struck the road con-

structed by Theodore on his march from Debra Tabor

to Magdala, for the transport of his heavy ordnance,
and moved across the Jidda on the very track left

by the Negoos. At Bethor, and across the Dalanta

plateau, could be constantly seen the vestiges of Abys-

sinian camps, and the ruins of the huts in which the
troops of the Emperor had dwelt. He had been at
that place on January 1 ; the British army occupied it

on April 3, but Theodore's progress had been slow : it

was but on tlie 28th of the same montli that he

reached the banks of the Jidda, on February 5 that
178 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. x.

he reached Avercot, and on March 1 that he com-

menced his descent into the ravine of the Bashilo.

On March 14 he crossed that river, on the 18th haUed

at Arogi, and on the 25th took up his position at

Islamgi, where his camp could be seen by the British

on the Dalanta plateau on April 5.

The difficulty of the march between Yesendie and

Avercot consisted in the descent and ascent of the
Jidda ravine, the bottom of which lay at a depth of
three thousand feet below the table-land of the conter-

minous plateaux. Eighteen miles lay between the

camps occupied by the Commander-in-Chief on the
night of the 4th and 5th April, of which eleven were

within the banks of the Jidda, and nine either sharp

descent or ascent. As the army approached the ravine,

other traces of Theodore also became apparent. The

stubble and hay which had before covered the country
were burnt, and the ground was covered with ashes ; no
flocks or herds were to be seen, and scarcely a single
human being could be found. In place of farm-
houses and villages, there were but ruined heaps of
blackened stones. The road, which had been con-
structed by the author of tliis desolation, was a grand
feat of rude engineering ; rocks had been hurled aside

or blasted through, at an immense expense of labour

and of time ; the gradient was uniform but very steep,

and the broad roadway was covered with loose stones,

which had obviously been employed to prevent his

OHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BASHILO. 179

heavy ordnance from running too rapidly down the slope.

It was not without toil that the march was accom-

plished ; the leading companies did not reach their
camp on the Dalanta plateau till after dark, although
the march commenced at five in the morning, and the
rearguard and the baggage had for the most part to
spend the night upon the road. Most of the Beloochees
were thirty-six hours without food, but uttered no word
of complaint. The Jidda was but a succession of

stagnant pools, but even tyros in geology could distin-

guish marks which proved that in the rainy reason it

must be a broad, deep, and rapid torrent.

On April 5, Sir Charles Staveley, with the 2nd

Brigade, closed up to the Commander-in-Chief. For
some days the force was delayed in the Dalanta plateau

by want of supplies, which were ultimately obtained

from the country in a considerable quantity, as the
peasantry brought to the British lines grain which had

been buried in order to conceal it from the marauders

from Theodore's camp. On April 8, the head-quarters

and one wing of the 45th Eegiment arrived and joined

the main body, which on the 9th moved forward five

miles across the plain to the summit of the descent into

the valley of the Bashilo, where it encamped within

sight of the heights of Fahla, Selassie, Islamgi, and

Magdala, around which the army of Theodore could be

clearly distinguished. The descent to the river Bashilo,

a distance of five miles, lay at the feet of the army,

N 2
 :

180 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. x.

and in a plateau in tlie descent, the Punjab Pioneers

and a wing of tlie Beloocli battalion were stationed, to

clear away any obstacles or make any improvements

necessitated by the weather in Theodore's road.

On April 5, the Commander-in-Chief despatched by

a native messenger, to King Theodore, a formal demand

for the immediate and unconditional surrender of the
prisoners, couched in these firm but moderate terms
'
By command of the Queen of England I am approach-

ing Magdala with my army, in order to recover from

your hands Envoy Eassam, Consul Cameron, Dr.
Blanc, Lieutenant Prideaux, and the other Europeans

now in your Majesty's power. I request your Majesty

to send them to my camp as soon as it is sufficiently

near to admit of their coming in safety.' This message

was afterw^ards ascertained to have reached Theodore,

but no answer was returned to it.

While the force was on the Dalanta plateau, scaling-

ladders were prepared from the poles of the doolies,

and sandbags were got ready. The weather was very

much broken ; rain and thunder were of nightly occur-
rence, and once or twice heavy hailstorms swept across
the plain.
Sir Eobert Napier now made arrangements to cut off

Theodore's retreat from Magdala, in case he might

attempt to fly and carry off with him the principal
prisoners. Dejatch Mashesha was requested to occupy
the Amba Kuheit, and cut off any retreat eastwards on
 CHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BASHILO. 181

the Bashilo. An envoy was sent to Masteeat, Queen of

tlie Gallas, to induce her people to close any avenues

from Magdala towards the south. This delicate mission
was confided to Meer Akber Ali, a Mohammedan
gentleman attached to the Intelligence Department,
who gained the confidence of the Gallas through
the profession of a similar creed.

Theodore had plundered these people, had taken

away the women of their chiefs, handing over the
young and comely to his soldiery, and retaining the
older in prison : he had insulted them by reviling the
name of their Prophet, and had forcibly converted to

Christianity those whom he could seize. Each of

the above deeds demands of a Moslem community that

it should rise as one man to avenge it, and that life

should be held for nought in the struggle. A war

undertaken in such a cause is a Jahad, or sacred war,

and is a rehgious obligation on all who profess to be

followers of the Prophet. Any who lose Hfe in such

a struggle are considered martyrs ; and if victory is

impossible, it is incumbent on every Mohammedan to

emigrate to some other country, and no longer endure

such outrages.
The Gallas knew their obligations, but excused
themselves for their supineness by pleading weak-
ness ; the vicinity of the British army, the exhor-
tations of their priests, and the presence among them
of an envoy from the British, whose faith had been
182 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. x.

outraged equally with their own, quickly induced

them to determine to act against the common enemy.
Arrangements were made by which a Galla chief,

named Galla Eman, with two hundred men, should

hold the road to Amba Geshen, so as to prevent Theo-
dore's escape in that direction having taken one of the
most solemn Mohammedan oaths that they would not
fail to do so. Having made this arrangement, Meer
Akber Ali proceeded to the fort of Lugod, the residence
of Masteeat, the Queen of the Gallas. Arrangements
were made with Masteeat to hold the passes leading
h^om Magdala, which were afterwards found to be of
some advantage.
These preparations were hardly completed, when
Meer Akber Ali and the Gallas heard the sound
of cannon, and news soon came in, to say that an

engagement had taken place between the British and

Theodore, in which the former had been completely
victorious. At first the Gallas feared that the British

would make peace with Theodore, and that, after

the departure of his foreign foe, he would be able to

wreak his vengeance on his Abyssinian enemies. A

spy, however, came in from Magdala, who reported

that Theodore had sent messages to ask for peace from

the British commander, who had refused to treat ; that

all the captives had been sent in safety to tlie British

camp ; that Theodore earnestly desired peace, and had

sent a present of cattle to the British commander, who
CHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BASHILO. 183

had declined to accept it. The Gallas were thus reas-

sured, and armed the passes of Thaddat with muske-

teers and bushmen, who turned Theodore back on a
later occasion, when he attempted to quit Magdala by
the Kaffir-bir gate, which opens on the road towards

Amba Geshen.
On the fartlier side of the Bashilo from that in which

the British force was now encamped lay a rugged mass

of broken ground, in the centre of which the Amba of

Magdala rose to an almost equal height with the plateau

of Dalanta. The rugged country, studded with a bushy

vegetation, was bounded in the distance by the table-

lands of Tanta and of Ambala Sieda. From the for-

mer the mountain mass of Magdala was separated by

the ravine of the Menchura, from the latter by the
KulkuUa torrent. Both of these were tributaries of

the Bashilo. The mountain mass of Magdala forms

a crescent, of which Magdala is the eastern horn,

Fahla the western ; midway between the two, in the

centre, lies the plateau of Selassie, so called from a

church upon it dedicated to the Trinity. Magdala and
Selassie are connected by the saddle of Islamgi, and

Selassie and Fahla by the saddle of Fahla. The high-

est of these plateaux is Magdala, which rises to a

height of over 9,000 feet above the sea, and of 3,000

feet above the ravines of Menchara and Kulkulla. Its

sides are scarped and steep, but at two points they fall

upon the terraces of Islamgi and Sangallat. It is at

184 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. x.

these two points alone tliat an entrance can be made to

the Amba by the Koket-bir and Kaffir-bir gates. From
the foot of the Fahla saddle, the Wurki-Waha valley

runs down to the Bashilo ; up this ravine Theodore

had constructed the road by which he had dragged his

guns into position at Fahla. Between the upper por-

tion of the stream which forms the valley and one of
its tributaries lies the plain of Arogi. At the foot of

the ascent to Fahla, and west of the same tributary at

a higher elevation than the Arogi plain, lies the plateau

of Afficho, which dips down towards the Bashilo in the

rugged Gumbaji spur.

While the British army had been steadily approach-

ins^ Mas^dala, Theodore * had on March 1 commenced

his descent into the valley of the Bashilo ; on March 1
he crossed that river, on the 18th reached Arogi, and
on the 25th pitched his camp upon Islamgi. On the

mountains of Magdala he then remained to await the

attack of the British. As the advanced pioneers of the

army of Sir Eobert Naj^ier moved down the slope lead-

ing to the Bashilo on April 9, Theodore watched them
from Selassie, and looking through his telescope said,

'
Hurrah there go the donkeys we
! ; shall show them our
prowess in battle.' The same day he issued fresh arms
to his men, and after doing so began to drink arak.
He spent the night in his tent in Islamgi, but before

* The text is fully corroborated by the statement made by Theodore's

servant.
CHAP. X.] ADVANCE TO THE BASHILO. 185

retiring to rest, lie ordered three hundred and eighty

prisoners belonging to all parts of the country to be

brought down from Magdala. These were brought

down by the guard in the evening. He Hberated Eas
Engelda, chief of Agaomeder, Shum Saloron, of Tigre,

and nearly one hundred others. Shortly afterwards the

remainder raised a cry either for food or for freedom.

The noise disturbed the King, who was intoxicated ; he
jumped up in a rage, and ordered them all to be put to

death. He commenced the work of massacre himself,

by cutting one of the bound women in two with his

sword, and then drawing his pistol, shot two more.

Three more were shot by one of his attendants, who
was induced to do so by Theodore, and the remainder
were hurled alive over the precipice any who still

showed signs of Hfe were fired upon afterwards by the

guards.

. The King after this slept for three hours, and then
spent much of the night in prayer. In his prayers he
was heard to confess that he was drunk when he or-

dered the massacre, and to pray that it might not be

laid to his charge. Before daybreak on the 10th he
assembled his army, and ordered the road to be pre-
pared for the passage of his guns from Magdala to
Fahla, where he posted four large guns and four smaller
ones.
186 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xi.

CHAPTER XI.

ACTION OF AROGL

SIE EGBERT NAPIER, on April 7, had descended

into the bed of the Bashilo, and reconnoitred the
crossing of the river, which was a muddy stream about
girth-deep. Magdala lay twelve miles beyond the
Bashilo ; hence it was necessary, in order to make a
closer reconnaissance of the fortress, to advance the
force to a position whence staff-officers could, without
inflicting serious toil upon their escorts, reconnoitre

the approaches of Fahla and of the other outworks

of the enemy's position. On April 10, at daybreak,

the advance was commenced, and the whole of the

army, with the exception of some cavalry, was moved

down to the Bashilo. The ordinary approach to Mag-
dala from the Bashilo is by the Wurki-Waha ravine,

up which Tlieodore had constructed his road : the

road, on issuing from this ravine, scales the side of

Fahla, a gigantic natural bastion level at the top,

and is continually exposed to fire from the summits

of Fahla and Selassie, and to the descent of rocks

and stones. The Wiu-ki-Waha valley is bounded on

either side by high serrated spurs, which run down


CHAP. XI.] ACTIOS OF AROGI. 187

from Fahla and Selassie to the Bashilo. The enormous

natural features of the country rendered it impossible
for Sir Eobert Napier, with his small force of infantry,

to occupy both sides of the ravine. He recognised

that Fahla was the key of Theodore's position, and
determined to occupy the spur leading towards that
important outwork, which bears in different parts the
names of Gumbaji and Afficho. When once established
on this ridge, he could operate on either side of Fahla,
as might seem expedient after a closer examination.

As the only supply of water between the Bashilo and

Magdala was under the enemy's fire, all the water-

carriers of the force were organised, under command

of Captain Bainbridge, for the purpose of carrying for-

ward regular supplies of water from the river. The

bandsmen and a party of the Punjab muleteers were also

organised, under the command of Captain Griffith, and

were furnished with stretchers for the removal of

wounded men from the field.

On April 9 the following memorandum was issued

from head-quarters :

The 1st Brigade, 1st Division, with the exception of Cavalry

under command of Brigadier-Greneral Schneider, will take

possession of the Grumbaji spur and encamp there to-morrow.
The Naval Brigade, A-21 E.A., and 74th Foot will march
at daylight to-morrow morning to the bottom of the pass.

One European Officer, 1 Native Officer, and 25 Sabres 3rd

Cavalry will accompany this.
The four companies of the Sappers and Miners will ac-
188 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xi.

company the 1st Brigade and make a road leading from the
bed of the Bashilo on to the Grum^baji spur, under the direc-
tion of Captain Goodfellow, R.E.
The Infantry of the brigade now at the bottom of the pass
will proceed to take possession of the spur in question when
joined by Major-Greneral Sir C. Staveley and Colonel Phayre.
The A-21 R.A. and Naval Brigade, with an escort of two
companies of infantry, will remain on the bank of the Bashilo
until the road is reported as practicable for laden mules by
Captain Groodfellow, R.E.
Deputy-Quartermaster-General Colonel Phayre will accom-
pany the 1st Brigade, and will make a reconnaissance towards
Arogi and Fahla.
Brigadier-Greneral Schneider will cover the reconnaissance
with such a body of Infantry as he may consider necessary.
The 2nd Brigade will march to-morrow to the bed of the
Bashilo at 10 a.m.
Captain Bainbridge will make arrangements for supplying

the 1st Brigade with a proper supply of water.

The Head-quarters camp will be pitched with the 2nd
Brigade.
By order,

(Signed) Feed. Thesiger, Colonel,

Dpy.-Adjt.-G-enl., A.F.F.
Camp^ Dalanta PlaiQ,
April 9, 1868.

All preparations having been completed, the 3rd

Bombay Light Cavalry, the 3rd Eegiment of Sind

Horse, and the 12th Bengal Cavalry were placed to
hold the Bashilo, but were kept m readiness to advance,
and the remainder of the force was moved across the
river under the immediate command of Sk Charles
Staveley. The 2nd Brigade, under Brigadier-General


CHAP. XL] ACTION OF AROGI. 189

Wilby, was ordered to remain in tlie bed of the Basliilo

in support ; while the infantry of the 1st Brigade, under

Brigadier-General Schneider, was to occupy the Guni-

baji spur, advance to a position suitable for an encamp-

ment, and at the same time cover a reconnaissance to be
made by the Deputy-Quartermaster-General (Colonel

Phayre) in the direction of Fahla. The guns, rocket

battery, and baggage of the 1st Brigade were not to

take the road up the Gumbaji spur, which was almost

too severe for laden animals, until a road had been

prepared by the Sappers and Miners, and had been re-

ported practicable by Captain Goodfellow, the senior

engineer officer. It is obvious that artillery and bag-

gage could not have issued from the Wurki-Waha

defile, unless the head of the defile was securely held,

without exposing themselves to an attack from Fahla

under every disadvantage. The 1st Brigade now con-

sisted of :

A Battery 86 men
Royal Naval Brigade
lOtli Company Boyal Engineers
....
21st Brigade Koyal Artillery .

80 }}
20 V
1st Battalion 4tfi (King's Own) Regiment
23rd Punjab Pioneers
Wing 27th Beloochees
....
....
446 V
575 V
259 })
1stCompany Madras Sappers . 70 }}
Bombay Sappers and Miners . 283 V

1819

A small detachment of the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry

marched with the 1st Brigade as a support.

Colonel Phayre, supported by Brigadier-General
190 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xi.

Schneider, started on his reconnaissance. The troops

toiled painfully and slowly up the rugged slopes of the

Gumbaji spur : they suffered severely from the difficult

natiu"e of the path, great heat, and want of water, and

many fell out of the ranks exhausted by fatigue.
The four companies of Sappers were to make with
the utmost expedition a path up the Gumbaji spur for

the guns, rocket battery and baggage of the 1st Brigade.

Colonel Phayre having no other Infantry at hand,

unfortunately took the Sappers as his escort, and the

road remained unmade.

The Commander-in-Chief, when commencing the

ascent to Gumbaji, received a report from Colonel

Phayre, forwarded through Sir C. Staveley, saying that
having got the head of the pass the Sappers would be
left to secure it, and the guns and baggage might take
that route.

On receiving this report Sir Eobert JSTapier ordered

the guns of the A Battery, the Naval Eocket Brigade

and the baggage of the 1st Brigade to move up by the

King's road, the issue of which he believed that Colonel

Phayre had secured.

He then proceeded towards the front, and on his way
passed the weary and exhausted soldiers of the Infantry

Brigade, including the Sappers and Miners. Sir Eobert

arrived on the Afficho plateau at the same time as the

head of the column which was formed by Chamberlain's

Pioneers.
CHAP. XI.] ACTION OF AliOGL 191

He then perceived, mucli to his astonisliment, after

the tenor of Colonel Phayre's report, that at the point

where the King's road emerged from the Wurki-

Waha ravine, at a distance of 1,200 yards from him,
and 700 feet below him, there were no troops stationed,

and none nearer to it than Chamberlain's Pioneers on

the Afficho plateau. Immediately, to repair the ob-
vious error, he ordered Sir C. Staveley to move
quickly Chamberlain's Pioneers to the left, and secure
the head of the pass, and sent back speedy mes-
sengers to hurry up the whole brigade. He was none
too soon, for the leading mules of Penn's batteries

were already emerging from the pass. A few mo-

ments after they came in view, a puff of white smoke
cmied up from the summit of Fahla, a roundshot
whirred over the heads of the staff and buried itself

heavily in the ground behind, the report of a heavy

piece of ordnance woke the echoes of the basaltic cHffs

of Magdala, and, as if by a preconcerted signal, the steep

path and the mountain-sides of Fahla were instanta-

neously covered by masses of warriors, quickly rushing

down to seize, as they hoped, wealthy booty from an

unsuspecting foe.

For Theodore had watched the appearance of the

laden mules, and, imagining that they only bore

baggage, had told his soldiery to go down and seize

them not, however, without some hesitation. They

were led by his favourite general, and rushed down to
192 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xi.

battle as men accustomed to victory. He himself

remained on Fahla, to direct the fire of his artillery,

which maintained a perpetual cannonade against the

heads of the British columns ; but, from too elevated a
position, its fire was plunging, and from the use of too
heavy charges of powder it ranged too far, so that it

caused no casualties. Among the assailant Abyssinians,

who numbered not less than 5,000, there were no

regular cavalry, but the principal chiefs, about 500 in

number, were mounted, and gorgeously attired in

scarlet.

The Naval Brigade hastened up the road to the

Afficho plateau, and as each rocket-tube came into

position, it opened on the advancing masses of the

enemy, who were startled, and slightly checked ; but
one portion advanced, nevertheless, with great confi-

dence against the position of the head of the British

column on the plateau, while another bore down
towards the head of the pass to attack the artillery

and baggage.
Sir Eobert Napier ordered Sir Charles Staveley to

prepare the troops to receive the enemy ; the latter

directed Brigadier-General Schneider to cause them to

lay down their packs and to advance. The 4th (King's

Own) Eegiment, in skirmishing order, under Colonel
Cameron, closely followed, and, supported by the wing
of the Beloochees under Major Beville, the detachment

of Eoyal Engineers under Major Pritchard, and the

CHAP. XL] ACTION OF AROGL 193

Bombay Sappers under Captain MacDonnell, de-

scended rapidly the steep path which led down from

the Afficho Plateau into the dip of the ground which

separated it from the Arogi plain. The troops

cheered loudly as they saw at last tlie chance of a

close contest with the enemy whom they had so long

been approaching. As the men of the 4th Eegiment

emerged from this dip, and rose upon the brow of the
Arogi plain, extending as they pushed forward, they
came close upon the advancing masses of Abyssinians.
They opened fire immediately, and the bullets, shot in

rapid succession from their breechloading arms, told

with fearful effect upon their assailants. The latter

were driven back, but slowly and stubbornly ; they fired

constantly, and made several attempts to rally and
charge ; but the hne of skirmishers bore steadily for-
ward, and the main portion of the Abyssinians, after
the loss of many chiefs, were driven off the plain of

Arogi, down the slopes which led into the ravines

at the head of the Wurki-Waha defile. A portion

retired up the side of the Fahla hill, and, taking cover

in a thick grove of cactus-trees, opened a teasing fire

on Staveley's right, which caused him some loss.

Another party of the enemy attempted to pass round

the sides of the Afficho Plateau, and to turn Staveley's

right ; but were checked by the discharge of a few

rockets, and by the exertions of the K Company of

Madras Sappers, under Major Prendergast, supported

194 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xi.

by Lieutenant-Colonel Loch with liis detachment of

Bombay Cavalry. Captain Fellowes, of the Naval
Brigade, maintained the fire of his rockets until it was
masked by the advance of the infantry. He was then
moved forward to join Sir Charles Staveley ; and tlie

fire of the rockets, together with some volleys from

the Beloochees and Engineers, supported by two of

Penn's guns, which were brought up to the right flank

under Lieutenant Taylor, cleared Staveley's flank from
all further annoyance. The fire of the rockets was then
directed upon the summit of Fahla; they were well
aimed, and, as was subsequently ascertained, one very
nearly killed Theodore, who Avas there engaged in

directing the operations of his artillery, now reduced

at that point to six guns, as his monster piece of
ordnance, '
Theodorus,' burst at its first discharge.

In the meantime a sharp action had been fought at

the point wliere the King's Eoad issued from the
Wurki-Waha valley. Colonel Mil ward had ascended

from that defile with Penn's battery, escorted by detach-

ments of the 4th (King's Own) Eegiment, and of the
23rd Pioneers. On seeing the troops of Theodore

rushing down the mountain-side, Colonel Mil ward

hastily threw his force into position beside the Punjab
Pioneers, and opened fire with Penn's battery. A
large body of Abyssinians bore down upon the posi-

tion occupied by Milward's guns and Chamberlain's

Pioneers. Notwithstanding the effects of the moun-
CHAP. XI.] ACTION OF AROGI, 195

tain artillery, they continued to advance with much

determination and order. Chamberlain, with his

Pioneers, advanced promptly to meet them ; both sides

rushed in fearlessly, and a close contest ensued between
spears and bayonets ; for the men of the Punjab did not

possess breechloading arms, and could not load so

rapidly as the European soldiers. ISTot without a
gallant resistance, in which many spear-wounds w^ere
received, were the Abyssinians forced off, and urged
with great slaughter into the ravines on Chamberlain's
left front.

Farther on the left, considerable numbers of the

enemy pressed towards the head of the defile, where

the baggage had arrived. With great readiness the

baggage-master. Lieutenant Sweny, of the King's Own

Eegiment, massed the baggage in a safe position ; and
the baggage-guard, consisting of two companies of the
King's Own Eegiment and one of the 10 th Native
Infantry, were brought forward, and effectually checked
the attempt of the enemy to penetrate into the defile.

Arrested at the head of the ravine by the baggage-

guard, closed in upon by Chamberlain's Pioneers and

two companies of the 4th Eegiment, which Sir Charles

Staveley wheeled up against their flank, this portion of

the enemy suffered most severely. Large numbers fell,

from the fire of the guns and the rapid discharges of

the Snider rifles.

It was four o'clock in the afternoon when the firs^

o 2
196 BRITISH EXFEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xt.

gun, wliicli announced the opening of the engagement,

was fired from Fahla ; it was seven o'clock, and nearly-

dark, before the Abyssinian soldiery were completely

driven off. A thunderstorm and heavy rain had con-

tinued during the greater part of the action. When
finally repelled, the troops of Theodore spread in no
hasty or disorganised flight ; they returned again and
again to the attack, wherever the ground favoured

them. They had advanced with the full confidence of

men accustomed to victory, and had cast away all the

advantages of their defensive position to close more

rapidly with their enemy. They had been promised
by Theodore that they should be enriched by the spoils

of the Enghsh, and it was not without a stout resist-

ance that the last of them were finally driven off the

field. Orders were then issued, by Sir Eobert K'apier,

to prevent the pursuit being carried too far up the
hill, as such a manceuvre could only have terminated
by the British being obliged to retire, which might

have given renewed confidence to the now prostrated

army of Theodore.

The British troops, thoroughly wet and tired, but

highly elated with their victory, bivouacked for the

night on the ground which covered the issue of the

Wurki-Waha valley, in order to protect the baggage,

which was still in the ravine. During the night the

2nd Brigade marched up the valley from the Bashilo,

and before daylight occupied this position ; while the

CHAP. XI.] ACTION OF AROGI. 197

1st Brigade, on being relieved, reoccupied the com-

manding position on Afficho, from which it had de-
scended to encounter the enemy.
The wounded were promptly attended to after the

action, and many wounded Abyssinians were also

carried off the field by the British troops, and carefully

tended in the British hospitals. The probable number

of Abyssinians lost was computed at 700 killed and
1,200 wounded, including many chiefs of note among
whom was the Fitaurari Gabri, to whom Theodore had
entrusted the conduct of the army in the battle, and
who was considered as the risrht-hand of the Ejncf him-
self. Nearly all night the calls of the Abyssinians to

their wounded friends were heard, and the greater

number of the latter were carried off the field. Lights
could also be seen burning up and down the steep

ascent of Fahla, wdiich at first were supposed to be-

token a night- attack by Theodore on the British lines,

but were only borne by the friends and relatives of

those who came to seek some one either killed or

wounded on the Arogi plain.

The British loss amounted only to twenty wounded,

two of which were mortal cases. The great disparity

of loss was due to the determined and persistent attack

of the Abyssinians against the better-disciplined and
better-armed force of the British, and to the invincible
courage with which the Punjab Pioneers, whose smooth-
bore musket was hardly equal to the double-barrelled
198 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xi.

percussion-gun of tlie Abyssinians, repaired tlie defi-

ciencies of that weapon by a stern use of the bayonet.

Theodore had watched the fight from Fahla, where he

superintended his artillery, which was fired by Abys-
sinians ; but Mr. Saalmuller, Waldmeier, and the other
artisans, were required to weigh out the charge for

each gun. When the British opened upon Fahla, the

rockets ranged to the place where Theodore was stand-

ing, and one killed a horse close behind him. He ex-

claimed, '
What a terrible weapon ! who can fight
against it ? ' Then he covered himself with his shield,

and watched the battle in silence. At one time those

around the King saw the British skirmishers take

ground to the rear ; they raised a shout of triumph,
and sent off news of victory to Magdala. But as night

came on the King sent a messenger to Fitaurari Gabri,

to ask what was the news. The messenger returned to

say that that chief could not be found. He was sent

back for more accurate intelligence, and afterwards re-

turned with the report that Gabri was killed. Theo-

dore named one after the other of his chiefs, and the
answer was always that they were dead. The men
who had escaped from the battle had gone to their
homes in Islamgi. Theodore saw that his army was
broken and destroyed. On Selassie, sleepless, in bitter

thought, he passed the night, the stillness of which was

perpetually broken by loud peals of angry thunder,

and the shrill though distant cries of those who sought

CHAP. XI.] ACTION OF AROGI. 199

for the wounded, or mourned the dead, down below

at Arogi.

Next morning the valley of Arogi showed all the

naked horrors of a battlefield. ' Tracks of blood

marked the courses of the wounded, who had spent

their last efforts in feeble attempts to crawl back to the

fortress and hve, or to gain the shelter of some neigh-
bouring bush to die. The body of Fitaurari Gabri could

be distinguished from the remainder of the fallen by

its gorgeous attire. The splendid shirt, which had
been the oriflamme of the Abyssinian forces the pre-
vious evening, and which had made the wearer sup-
posed to be Theodore himself, and to be the mark of
many a bullet, could be recognised by all. He had
been one of the first to fall ; and seven chiefs, who had
attempted to bear away his body, were laid in a heap
around him.
'
On the left, where the Pioneers and baggage-guard
had been engaged, the dead lay thickest. Along the
ravine where the bayonet-charge was made, men and
horses were heaped in tens and twenties. In some

cases the sword and bayonet had completed what the

bullet had left but half-done ; all that lay there had
been dead a long time before morning. On the right,

where the firing had been at longer ranges, the tale of

dead was not so great, and more wounded men lay

around, awaiting without a murmur or repine the ap

proaching termination of their sufferings. The claims

200 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xi.

of these to sympathy were not disregarded. Many a

dying man was turned to ease his pain, and many a
flask was emptied of its precious contents, at the dumb
request of some fevered lip or parched tongue. In
addition to those that lay there, hundreds had been
carried into the fortress during the night. The rockets

and shells left abundant testimony that the consterna-

tion and dismay which they had caused among the
Abyssinians were far from groundless. Many a charred
mass and mangled heap showed how terrible was the
havoc, how awful the death they carried wherever they

sped. Before a week elapsed, the sleek wolves and

greedy vultures deprived the field of much of its horror,

giving it the appearance, which it long will retain, of

*
a place of skulls.'

* Sheplierd's Abyssinian Campaign.

CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 201

CHAPTEE XII,

SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES.

A BOUT miclDiglit, Theodore, after brooding over the

-^^ disasters of the day, sent Mr. Flad and Mr. Wald-
meier to Mr. Eassam's house at Magdala with the fol-

lowing message :
'
I thought that the people that are

now coming were women I now find that they are

men. I have been conquered by the advance-guard

alone. All my gunners are dead : reconcile me with
your people.'
Eeturning to the King's tent, Messrs. Flad and
Waldmeier informed him of their arrival by one of the
eunuchs, who had accompanied them for that purpose.

In the meantime Theodore had been drinking hard :

he came out of his tent very excited, and asked the

Europeans, 'What do you want.^' They told him that,

as he had commanded them, they had spoken on

his behalf to Mr. Eassam, who had proposed to send

Lieutenant Prideaux as an envoy into the British camp.

Theodore interrupted them, and in an angry voice
exclaimed, 'Mind your own business go to your tents!'

The two Europeans stood still, in the hope that he might

change his mind; but, seeing that they did not depart,
202 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

he became angry, and in a liigli tone of voice ordered

them to retire at once.

At about four o'clock in the morning, a messenger

was sent by Theodore to call Messrs. Flad and Wald-

meier before him. As soon as they arrived he said,

'
Do you hear this wailing ? There is not a soldier who

has not lost a friend or a brother ! What will it be

when the whole army comes ? What shall I do ? Coun-
sel me.' Mr. Waldmeier told him, Your Majesty, peace
'

is best.' '
And you, Flad, what do you say ? ' '
Your Ma-
jesty,' rephed Mr. Flad, '
ought to accept Mr. Eassam's
proposal.' The King remained a few minutes silent,

apparently in deep thought, and then said, '

Well, go

back to Magdala, and tell Mr. Eassam that I trust in

his friendship to reconcile me with his people. I will

do what he thinks best.'

At daybreak, accordingly, Lieutenant Prideaux,

with Mi. Flad and Dejatch Alami, a son-in-law and

confidential chief of Theodore, started for the British

lines.* By dawn the two British brigades had taken

up their positions on the Afficho Plateau and the Arogi

plain. The Beloochees were being pushed forward
slowly in skirmishing order, so as to cover the force,

when a small body of horsemen could be descried

slowly winding down the road from Magdala towards

the camp. A white flag of truce could be made out,

and the uniform of a British officer among them. The

* Dr. Blauc.


CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 203

news burst through the ranks hke wiklfire, and, amidst

loud cheers and rapturous greetings, Lieutenant Pri-
deaux passed through the outposts, and was escorted
by a jubilant crowd to the tent of the Commander-in-
Chief.

Lieutenant Prideaux arid Mr. Flad delivered a verbal

message from Theodore, to the effect that till yester-

day he had thought himself the greatest man in the

world, but that he had now found out that there were

others stronger than he, and he desired to be reconciled

to the British Government. But reconciliation on any
terms short of submission it was not in the power
of Sir Eobert Napier to afford to Theodore. The
Commander-in-Chief was required to remove Theo-
dore from Abyssinia, and, confident in his intention
of fulfilling his instructions, he had received aid and

supplies from the various peoples of Abyssinia, who

would have suffered wofuUy after the departure of the

British if Theodore had been allowed to retain his

mountain stronghold, or any vestige of his formidable

power. The only answer which Sir Eobert Xapier

could return to the verbal message of the King was

written in the following letter :

Your Majesty has fought like a brave man, and has been
overcome by the superior power of the British army.
It is my desire that no more blood may be shed. If,

therefore, your Majesty will submit to the Queen of England,

and bring all the Europeans now in your Majesty's hands,
and deliver them safely this day in the British camp, I
204 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

guarantee honourable treatment for yourself and for all the

members of your Majesty's family.

In the meantime Dejatcli Alami was shown the mor-

tars and the elephants before his return, and was told
that the arms used in the action of the previous evening,

in which Dejatch Alami had been present, were but

mere playthings in comparison to these destroying
machines ; and he was assured by Sir Eobert Napier,
that if the King did not surrender and give up the
ca]3tives, the big mortars and the Armstrong guns
would be sent up against him, and that then none of
his soldiers would escape alive. On taking leave to

return, Dejatch Alami said to Llr. Flad :

'
There is no
escape for us (meaning the King and his followers) ; we
must surrender, or we shall be killed. We have no
chance to run away ; they would ^^lu-sue us, and we are
surrounded by our enemies, the ]d1 under ed Warro
Haimanoo people and the Wollo Gallas. I am almost

sure that the King will send down the captives, but I

fear he won't go down himself, partly from fear, and

partly from being mortified.'

It must have been trying for Lieutenant Prideaux

and Mr. Flad, after having once set their feet within

the British lines, to be forced to return to the presence

and into the power of such a capricious and cruel des-

pot as Theodore. Equally was it trying to Sir Eobert

Napier, on whose slightest action or word hung

the lives of so many prisoners, still within Theodore's
CHAP. XII.] SITREENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 205

power, to insist upon teims which it must have been

evident the still proud though defeated monarcli by no
means contemplated.
The envoys, who were instructed to say that the body
of Fitaurari Gabri might be removed to Magdala, re-

turned up the hill, and found Theodore on Selassie.

The letter of Sir Eobert Napier was twice translated

by Mr. Flad and Mr. Waldmeier to the King, and by
the questions that he put it was evident that he fully

understood what Sir Eobert Napier required of him.*

He asked,What do they mean by honourable treat-
'

ment ? Do they mean to treat me honourably as their

prisoner, or do they intend to assist me in recovering

my country from the rebels ? And have they taken into

account my numerous family, for I have as many wives
and children almost as I have hairs on my head ? It

would involve immense expense in England if they

would undertake to provide for them all.' To this

Prideaux replied, that the Commander-in-Chief did not

give any further information than what was in the

letter. Mr. Waldmeier suggested that the King ought

to write again to request further information on these
points.

Theodore then ordered the envoys to go aside and

take a seat, while he dictated a paper to his secretary.

The tone of this letter was probably influenced by the

fact that during the short interval, while the letter was

* Mr. Flad's statement.

 :

206 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

being written, the whole of the soldiers of the King,

09

armed and arrayed for battle, came and took up a posi-

tion in Selassie ; and that, as the loss sustained in the

previous action was found not to be so great as at first

anticipated, Theodore contemplated an attack on tlie

British camp, especially as the soldiers were heard to

say, ' The English are fond of sleeping ; we must attack

them in the middle of the night, and we will utterly

destroy them ere they will get awake.' The document

contained in the same cover Sir Eobert Napier's letter

of the morning, which Theodore returned, as he con-

sidered himself insulted, because the servant of a

woman had presumed to address him at all. It was
not in the form of a letter, as he considered it beneath
his dignity to hold any correspondence with Sir Robert
Napier ; neither was it sealed. The translation of its

contents was as follows :

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Grhost, one God in His Trinity and His Unity
Kasa, whose trust is in Christ, thus speaks :

people of Abj^ssinia I will it always be thus that you flee

before the enemy, when I myself, by the power of Grod, go

not forth with you to encourage you ?

BeHeving that all power had been given to me, I had es-

tablished my Christian people in this heathen spot. In my

city are multitudeswhom I had fed maids protected and
maidens unprotected women whom yesterday made widows,
;

and aged parents who have no children. God has given you
the power. See that you forsake not these people. It is a

heathen land.
CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 207

Mj countrymen have turned their backs on me and have

hated me, because I imposed tribute on them, and sought to
bring'them under military discipline. You have prevailed
against me by means of people brought into a state of
discipline.

My followers, who loved me, were frightened by one

bullet, and fled in spite of my command. When you
defeated them I was not with the fugitives.

Believing myself to be a great lord, I gave you battle ;

but, by reason of the worthlessness of my artillery, all my

pains were as nought.
The people of my country, by taunting me with having
embraced the religion of the Franks, and by saying that I
had become a Mussulman, and in ten different ways, had
provoked me to anger against them. Out of what I have
done of evil towards them may Grod bring good ! His will be
done ! I had intended, if Grod had so decreed, to conquer the
whole world, and it was my desire to die if my purpose could
not be fulfilled. Since the day of my birth till now no man
has dared to lay hands on me. Whenever my soldiers began
to waver in battle, it was mine to arise and rally them.
Last night the darkness hindered me from doing so.

You people, who have passed the night in joy, may Grod
do unto you as He has done to me I I had hoped, after sub-

duing all my enemies in Abyssinia, to lead my army against

Jerusalem, and expel from it the Turks. A warrior who has
dandled strong men in his arms like infants will never suffer

himself to be dandled in the arms of others.

It was an anxious hour for Sir Eobert Napier when

he received his returned letter from the hands of Pri-
deaux and Flad. It was hard to leave countrymen to

what seemed certain massacre, but he considered that

a fuller atonement than the surrender of the captives,
208 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

when they could no longer be retained, was absolutely-

required, and must be exacted ; and, painful as was the

thought of the possible consequences to the captives

if Theodore's rage should become excited. Sir Eobert
Napier relied for their safety on the apprehension of a
renewal of the conflict which demoralised Theodore's
troops an apprehension from which Theodore himself
was not entirely free, as was involuntarily betrayed by
Dejatch Alami. Sir Eobert Napier also relied on his
threat, which he had impressed on Dejatch Alami, of
unrelenting pursuit and of punishment of all who might
in any way be concerned in the ill-treatment of the

European captives ; and he had pointed out how the

power of Great Britain had already reached Magdala,
and that no corner of Abyssinia, however remote, could
screen anyone whom England was determined to punish.
It was a sad parting when Prideaux and Elad set out
on their return to the mountain, bearers of the same
letter which Sir Eobert Napier had entrusted to them
in the morning, and instructed to intimate that the

British Commander would grant no other terms than

those contained therein ; for they themselves, and all

others, considered that they ran the risk of any hasty

resolve or any sudden fury of drunkenness on the part
of the semi-barbarous King.

But tliis sorrow was destined to be turned into joy.

After the despatch of his insulting missive, Theodore

had spent some time in meditation and prayer. He

CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 209

called a council of his advisers, when Eas Engedda, the

prime minister, Dejatch Abaye, Dejatch Wahe, and
others, strongly recommended the murder of the cap-
tives, and resistance to the last ; but Basha Avito (who
had been in the British camp) and Dejatch Alami urged
that the Enghsh had come all this way for their country-

men, who were of no use to Abyssinia, while, if they

were killed, terrible vengeance would be taken. To
these the King listened with favour, and sent Eas Assani
to Magdala, to release the captives and bring them
to him. Wliile the messenger was absent, the King,

suddenly enraged at the idea of surrender, drew his

double-barrelled pistol, and placed it in his mouth.
Eas Engeda rushed forward, to seize him and prevent
the act of suicide. The pistol was wrested from his

mouth, but in the struggle was discharged, and the

bullet grazed his ear. Theodore then covered his head
with a cloth, lay down upon the ground, gradually

becoming composed, and was only aroused by the in-

telligence that Mr. Eassam was approaching. He had

an interview with Mr. Eassam, and it will probably be
never accurately known what passed at that final meet-
ing. It is certain that Theodore believed that Mr.
Eassam was a man of immense influence in England,
and that his counsels in the British camp would be
heard with every respect a point upon which it is not
probable that Mr. Eassam would undeceive him. It is

p
 ;

210 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

also certain that Mr. Eassam promised Theodore that

he would return, to report to him what ameliora-
tion of the terms of peace could be obtained from

the British commander, a promise which Mr. Eassam

afterwards avowed he had no intention of observing

and it is not impossible that Mr. Eassam may, be-

sides a promise which he would not perform, have

made others of a favourable peace, which he could

not perform, when anxious to secure the temporary

goodwill of the excitable monarch. The result was
that Mr. Eassam, the remainder of the British captives,

and several of those of other nations, were dismissed to

the British camp, and Mr. Mayer was sent in advance

to announce their approach. He, as he descended the

hill, met Mr. Flad and Lieutenant Prideaux returning.

These also now turned back, and one hour after sunset

Mr. Eassam arrived in the camp a free man, and with

him came Consul Cameron, Dr. Blanc, Mr. Stern, Mr.
and Mrs. Eosenthal, Mr. Kerans, and Pietro. These
had all been liberated. They were escorted, on the
part of the King, by the artisans Mr. Mayer, Mr.
Waldmeier, Mr. Saalmiiller, and Mr. Moritz, and by
Dejatch Alami and Aito Samuel. It was not under-
stood whether the German artisans had been hberated
by the King, or were expected to return to him. It

was judged by Sir Eobert Napier better that they

should return to Magdala the next morning, until regu-
larly discharged by Theodore.
CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 211

Although matters had thus assumed a most hopeful

aspect, yet there remained ground for anxiety. Llrs.

Flad, whose Christian fortitude during all her trials

gained for her universal esteem, was still in the hands

of Theodore, as she was unable, on account of Aveak

health, to undertake the journey down the mountain

that night, as were also the families of the German

artisans and other Europeans, for whom Sir Eobert
Kapier was bound to take thought. It was believed
that they too had been hberated, and had only been
prevented by illness, or other causes not resting with

the King, from leaving the aniba. Still the uncertain

and dangerous temper of Theodore was too weU known

to prevent the life of anyone being considered perfectly

safe while still within his reach.

That same Saturday afternoon as Theodore dismissed
the British captives, he seems to have turned some
thought to the wrongs which he had inflicted on his
rightful Queen, Tirrowark. She had for long years

been placed in Magdala with her little boy Alumayou,*

while Theodore had been leading an irregular life at

Debra Tabor, and had lately insulted his Queen by the

presence in Magdala of his favourite concubine a fat,

voluptuous Yedjow Galla woman, named Itamangu,

who, while the Queen was neglected, received an
almost daily letter from the King. On the afternoon

of the 11th he sent a request to Tirrowark to visit him

* '
I have seen the world.'

p 2

:

212 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

at his tent in Islamgi, and they passed there some time

together.

Early on the following morning (that of Easter Sun-

day) Sir Eobert Napier received, by the hands of the
King's scribe, Alaka Ingada, and Mr. Bender, one of

his German artisans, an Amharic letter, which was

translated verbally by Aito Samuel from Amharic into

Arabic, and by Mr. Eassam from Arabic into English.

In this letter Theodore endeavoured to apologise for

the tone which he had adopted in his communication of
the previous day, and explained that he had written

the former document after he had made up his mind

to take away his life. He related how his attempt
to carry out his design had failed, and that he now
desired friendship, and was prepared to send down
at once every European, along with an offering of a
few cows, as it was the Easter festival. The letter was
duly signed and sealed with the royal seal, and ran as

follows :

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
one God
The King of Kings Theoderos :

May it reach the beloved servant of the Great Queen of

England.
I am writing to you, without being able to address
you by name, because our intercourse has arisen so unex-
pectedly.
I am grieved at having sent 3^ou my writing of yesterday,
and at having quarrelled with you, my friend. When I saw
CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 213

your manner of fighting, and the discipline of your army,

and when my people failed to execute my orders, then I was
consumed with sorrow to think that, although I killed and
punished my soldiers, yet they would not return to the battle.
Whilst the fire of jealousy burned v/ithin me, Satan came to
me in the night, and tempted me to kill myself with my own
pistol. But, reflecting that G-od would be angry with me if
I were to go in this manner, and leave my army without a
protector, I sent to you in a hurry lest I might die, and all

things be in confusion before my message should reach you.

After my messenger had gone, I cocked my pistol, and,
putting it in my mouth, pulled the trigger. Though I

pulled and pulled, yet it would not go off. But when

my people rushed upon me, and laid hold of the pistol, it was
discharged, just as they had drawn it from my mouth. God
having thus signified to me that I should not die but live, I

sent to you Mr. Eassam that same evening, that your heart
might be made easy.

To-day is Easter ; be pleased to let me send a few cows to you.

The reason of my returning to you your letter yesterday,
was that I believed at that time that we should meet one
another in heaven, but never on earth.
I let the night pass without sending for the body of
my friond Fitaurari Gabri, because I thought that after my
death we should both be buried together but ; since I have
lived, be pleased to allow him to be buried.

You require from me all the Europeans, even to my best

friend Waldmeier. Well, be it so ; they shall go. But,
now that we are friends, you must not leave me without
artisans, as I am a lover of the mechanical arts.

This letter was translated by Aito Samuel from

Amharic into Arabic, and by Mr. Eassam from Arabic
mto English, in the presence of Colonel Merewetlier,

Mr. Flad, and Lieutenant Tweedie. Colonel Merewetlier

 ;

214 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

pointed out that tlie letter contained nothing whicli

should tend to cause an alteration in the arrangements
already made for the return of Mr. Flad and the Ger-
man artisans to the mountain, to bring down Mrs. Mad
and the wives and children of the others. The Com-
mander-in-Chief sent a verbal answer, which was to
be taken to Theodore by Samuel and Dejatch Alami,
which said that 'a palanquin was sent up for Mrs.

Flad because she was not well, and that Sir Eobert
Kapier desired the King to send her and all the other
Europeans that same day down to the British camp.'
This allowed no semblance of any amelioration of the

terms offered to the King on the previous day.

Mr. Eassam, in his confidential Eeport, states regard-

ing Theodore's letter, that '

Alaka Ingada read it

Samuel translated it to me in Arabic while I rendered

it word by word to Sir E. Napier in English. As

Samuel was ordered by the King to take the answer,

and was required to go up and assist in bringing to

the British camp the European artisans and their

families, he asked what reply he was to take to the

King with regard to a present of cows and sheep
which was offered by the King in his letter.'

'
On communicating this question to the Commander-
'
in-Chief, His Excellency said, "I accept them."
Colonel Merewether distinctly denies the correctness

of this statement, and gives the following account :

'
On the conclusion of the translation of Theodore's
CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 215

letter, Colonel Merewether pointed out that as there

was nothing in the letter affecting the previous arrange-

ment for the departure of Mr. Flad and the others,

they had better depart, and a reply could follow.
Orders were given accordingly.
'
In two or three minutes Mr. Eassam returned with
Samuel, and asked the Commander-in-Chief what
answer was to be given about the cattle ; were they
accepted ?

'
The Commander-in-Chief, without apparently giving
any particular thought, or attempting to discuss the
question in any way, simply bowed his head, but did
not utter a word.
'Evidently the Commander-in-Chief considered the
matter of small importance, not affecting the main
point, namely, the terms which had been offered the

King, and which had more than once been communi-

cated to him unconditional surrender, when honour-
able treatment would be accorded to him and his

family.' *

As Mr. Eassam was the vehicle of communication

between Samuel and the Commander-in-Chief, and was

the only one present who could translate from English
into Arabic, it is evident that Samuel could only have

acquired his views of the acceptance or non-acceptance

of the cattle from Mr. Eassam. Mr. Flad has shown,
in his statement, that as he returned to the mountain

* Statements of Colonel Merewether and Lieutenant Tweedie.

 '

216 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

with Samuel, the latter was of opinion that the cattle

had not been accepted, at least certainly not as a peace-

offering, because Mr. Mad said to Samuel on the way,

'What about the cattle?' Samuel replied, 'They are
;
accepted.' '
Then,' said Mr. Flad, '
it will be peace
to which Samuel replied, '
What does it matter to you
whether it will be peace or not ? Make haste and get

away with your wife from the mountain. Would it

not be well if Theodore, who has oppressed us all,

should be removed from Abyssinia ? '

* Such was the
view which Mr. Eassam's confidant held of the affair

of the cattle. In the course of the afternoon. Colonel

Thesiger learnt that a large number of cattle were
being sent down from Theodore as a peace-offering.

He immediately reported this new phase of the case

to the Commander-in-Chief, who, on hearing the mag-

nitude and nature of the offering, was surprised and
indignant, and sent immediate orders to the outlying

picquets that the cattle should not be admitted.

The offered tribute of cattle appears to have been a

deliberate ruse devised by Theodore, or suggested to

him, for the purpose of precluding Sir Eobert Napier

from further hostile action. If the British Commander
had accepted a large present from Theodore one day,
and had attacked him the next, it would have been a
violation of the commonly accepted jus gentium of

Abyssinia, especially if the circumstance were looked

* Statement of Mr. Flad.

CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 217

at by itself, and without reference to the fact that

Theodore had on the previous day been plainly told

that nothing but his own surrender of himself would

satisfy the British Government. It is remarkable that

Mr. Eassam, who was so well acquainted with the
Abyssinian mind, and who acted as Sir Eobert I^apier's

interpreter on the occasion, did not warn the Comman-

der-in-Chief against the snare laid for him in the matter

of the cattle, especially as Mr. Eassam had spent the

previous night in the company of the released captives,

and was fully aware of the demand of unconditional

surrender on the part of the King on which Sir Eobert

Napier was determined to insist. Wliether this re-

missness on the part of Mr. Eassam was due to any

still unknown occurrences which took place at his in-

terview with Theodore on the previous day, while Mr.

Eassam was still in the King's power, it is impossible

certainly to say.

The four Germans who had escorted Mr. Eassam's

party down the evening before, with Dejatch Alami,

Mr. Flad, and Samuel, returned to the mountain. It

was not considered necessary to send back Lieutenant

Prideaux, as he belonged to Mr. Eassam's party, which

had been formally dismissed. They took up with

them the remains of the Abyssinian leader of Friday,
the Fituarari Gabri. The King, as well as other Abys-
sinians, was pleased with this act of generosity on

the part of the English General. The body was imme-

218 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xii.

diately interred at Magdala. On reaching the King's

camp, the messengers found him seated outside of his

tent. Dejatch Alami dehvered the comphments of Sir
Eobert Napier to the King, with an acknowledgment
of the arrival in the British camp of Mr. Eassam's party,

and a reiterated demand that the remainder of the

Europeans should be sent down. Theodore at once
replied, 'Well, I give every one of them permission
to leave Magdala.' The King then asked whether, at

the time when Mr. Flad and his companions had left

the British camp, the letter carried by his scribe and

Mr. Bender had arrived. Aito Samuel replied, '
that

the letter was presented to the Commander-in-Chief,

and translated.' The King enquired what answer had

been given about the offered cattle. Samuel told him
that Sir Eobert Napier had expressed his wilhngness

to accept them. The King then ordered 1,000 cattle

and 500 sheep to be sent down to the British camp,

and told Mr. Flad to take his wife and children, and
go down with Dejatch Alami and the cattle ; but as
Mrs. Flad was unable to be hurried down so quickly,

on account of her illness, Mr. Waldmeier was ordered

to go down with the cattle. Yet Theodore did not
seem confident of the reception of the cattle. He
withdrew his artillery from Fahla, but posted it in a

prepared position in the market-place of Islamgi, to

cover the approach to Magdala. When he heard that
the cattle were stopped at the picquets, the artisans,


CHAP. XII.] SURRENDER OF THE CAPTIVES. 219

their women and baggage, had not yet left the moun-
tain. Theodore sent for them ; and when they came,
he ordered them to go down to the British camp, and
on seeing them depart, said to his chiefs, '
Surely it is

peace, now they have taken my power from me

surely it is peace!' But even after the arrival of the

artisans, the cattle were still held without the British

sentries. Theodore saw that he could not obtain peace

without his personal surrender. He went into the

amba, and spent a restless night.*

That afternoon all the Europeans who had been held

in captivity by the Abyssinian King arrived in camp,
except the Frenchman M. Bardel, who was struck
down with fever and sunstroke, and who, when of no
further use to Theodore, had been sent out of Magdala,

and located in a miserable hovel in Islamgi. The

following is the list of the restored captives :

Mr. Rassam ; Consul Cameron ; Mr. Flad, Mrs. Flad, and

three children ; Lieutenant Prideaux, Bombay Army ; Dr.
Blanc, Bombay Army ; Rev. Mr. Stern ; Mr. Rosenthal, Mrs.
Rosenthal, and one child ; Mr: Kerans ; Pietro, servant of
Consul Cameron (Italian) ; Mr. Staiger, Grerman missionary,
sent by a Scotch Society; Mr. Brandies, as above; Mr.
Essler, Grerman and naturaHst ; Mr. Schiller, ditto ; M.
Makerer, Frenchman, a servant, originally of Consul Came-
ron, latterly of Theodore ; M. Zander (German), King's
artisan, native wife, and four children; Mr. Waldmeier
(Swiss), as above, an "Abyssinian wife (who is the late Mr.
Bell's daughter), and one child; Mr. Saalmiiller (Grerman),

* Accounts of Mr. Flad and Theodore's gun-bearer.

220 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap.^ii

as above, wife (viz., daughter of Bell), and one child ; Alee-

gas (son of late Mr. Bell), an artisan ; Mr. Bender (Grerman),
wife and three children ; Mrs. Kenzlen, widow of a Grerman
artisan, and one child Mr. Moritz, vdfe and
; child Mr. Mayer
;

(Grerman), artisan, wife and three childron ; M. Bourgaud

(French), artisan, French wife and five children ; Mr. Schim-
per (Grerman), geographer, &c. ; Mr. Schimper, jun., an
artisan ; Mr. M'Kelvie (Irishman), servant of Consul Came-
ron ; Mr. John Parkins, artisan ; M. Bardel (Frenchman).
 ;

CHAP, xm.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 221

CHAPTEE xm.
CAPTUEE OF MAGBALA.

A T sunrise on the morning of Easter Monday, April

-^^ 13, Theodore arose, and, calling to his troops, said

'
Warriors who love me, gird yourselves ; leave all be

hind, take nothing but arms, and foUow me ; the time

has come to seek another home.' He had apparently

determined to make an attempt to escape, and went out

of the fortress near the Kaffir-bir Gate, at a place

where it was possible to descend towards Sangallat.*

He was followed by two chiefs of rank, and about

two thousand men, variously armed. As he passed

down, he asked where the advance-guard was, and
on being told that they were in rear, ordered them to
the front. They refused, saying that they would never
flee before an enemy again, and would rather seek
death in Magdala. Theodore pondered for a brief

space, and then, saying, '

Let it be so,' reascended the
mountain. It would have been impossible for him to

continue his journey alone, as the cries of the Gahas

who, under the guidance of Meer Akber Ah, were

* Statement of "Waldo Gabir, gun-bearer to Theodore, who was with

him.
222 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

watching the issue from the fortress on that side could

be distinctly heard. On re-entering the fortress, he

told all who were not prepared to share his fortunes to

the last to provide for their own safety. Thousands

thereupon left him, and ultimately surrendered to the
British.

Sir Eobert Napier, at the request of Dejatch Alami,

had promised to abstain from hostihties for twenty-four

hours. By Monday morning forty-eight hours had

elapsed, but the prescribed conditions had not been
comphed with, and no sign had been made by the King
of acceding to the important demand that he should

surrender himself to Her Majesty the Queen. The

considerations which, with the lives of so many of his

countrymen in Theodore's hands, had impelled Sir

Eobert Napier to impose this condition, had lost none
of their force now. It was essential for the vindication

of the national honour, which Theodore had so grossly

insulted, that he should be removed for ever from

his place. Moreover, the British army could not have
reached Magdala at that season unless it had been
aided by the country. Kassai's supphes of flour had
rendered it, for the time, independent of the failure of

ZuUa to furnish that commodity. The grain of Enderta

and Agame had enabled its transport animals to live

and advance ; but this aid was given in the full belief

that the British Commander would rid the people of

Theodore, and had he failed in this, he might have had

CHAP, xm.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 223

to fight his way out of the country. Theodore's failure

to submit himself left no other course open than to pro-

ceed against him as an enemy. Eehable information

reached Sir Eobert Napier that the Abyssinian army was
recovering from its defeat ;
* that many soldiers, who
had been unable to return to Magdala on the night of
the 10th, had since rejoined their ranks, and that fresh
defensive arrangements were being made. On Monday
morning, accordingly, the British Commander prepared
to attack the enemy's position.

The troops were accordingly paraded on the plain,

at the foot of the mountain, ready to ascend. For the

first time the force fell in in concentrated order.

Hitherto the brigades had been separated, and so large

a portion of men had been scattered along the line of

baggage, that there had been no opportimity of seeing

their real strength. The 33rd were now drawn up
750 strong ; the 4th, 450 ; the 45th, 400. The whole
of the Beloochees were present, as their left wing had
arrived during the night, and the whole of the Pun-
jabees ; besides a detachment of the Eoyal Engineers, six

companies of Sappers and Miners, and a detachment of

the 10th Bombay Native Infantry. The cavalry was not
present, as it had been sent to close the issues of Mag-
dala on all sides not held by the GaUas. There was a
formidable force of artillery, however, with the troops,
as Murray's Armstrong battery, two mountain batteries,

* Mr. Flad's statement.

224 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

the Naval Eocket Brigade, and two 8-incli mortars

were available. The Armstrong guns and the two

mortars, manned by a detachment of the 5th Battery

of the 25th Brigade, were placed under the command

of Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace, E.A., and took up a

position, with Selassie in front and Fahla on the right,

whence they could fire at long ranges, and aid the

movements of the column, if the enemy should offer

opposition to its advance up the hill to Islamgi ; for Sir

Eobert Napier who had first intended to assault Fahla

from the side which fronted his camp, and was there
screened from the fire of Selassie and Islamgi under
the altered condition of the enemy, when Theodore had,

by death, wounds, or desertion, lost half of his army

and his bravest chiefs, determined to attack Islamgi by
the King's Eoad.

Before the troops were formed, intelligence was

brought to Sir Eobert Napier, that Theodore had left

Magdala, which was confirmed by the appearance of

several chiefs, with an offer to surrender into the hands

of the British the two strong outposts of Fahla and

Selassie, held by their people. He at once sent word

to the Gallas, offering a reward of 50,000 dollars for

Theodore's capture should he really have escaped.

The scarcity of water had rendered it impossible to

retain any considerable body of cavalry before Mag-

dala. It was important, in case of an attempt by
Theodore to fly from the fortress, that the western side
 ;

CHAP. XIII.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 225

should be immediately watched ; and the personal

escort of the Commander-in-Chief, with a few detached
men of other corps, was sent, under command of Lieu-

tenant Scott, A.D.C., to observe that quarter until tlie

arrival of the main body of the cavalry (consisting

of 3rd Dragoon Guards, Lieutenant-Colonel Tower

3rd Bombay Cavalry, Captain Moore ; 12th Bengal
Cavahy, Major Gough), under Colonel Graves, who
completed the investment to the Kaffir-bu^ Gate, which
was watched by the Gallas. The Bashilo was held by
the head-quarter detachment of the Sind Horse, under

Major Briggs, and detachments of the 3rd Dragoon

Guards, 3rd and 12th Cavalry, under Major ]\Iiller, to

secure that point, and provide against the escape of the

enemy by the Menchara ravine.

At seven o'clock a portion of the 3rd Bombay

Cavalry and 12 th Bengal Cavalry, mustering fifty

sabres, under Lieutenant-Colonel Loch, were sent up

to the Fahla saddle, and placed at tlie disposal of the

Intelligence Department, to communicate with those of

Theodore's troops which had surrendered.
Sir Eobert ISTapier then ordered Sir Charles Staveley
to advance on Islamgi, and occupy Fahla and Selassie,

in the same order as had been designed for the assault,

and without relaxing any of those precautions whicli

had been considered necessary for the attack.

The three hills of Fahla, Selassie, and Magdala were

each surrounded, at the top, by steep and precipitous

Q
226 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

scarps. Fahla andMagdala were joined to Selassie by

saddles, and were nearly at right-angles to the central

hill. A tolerably good, but in some places very steep,

road led from the British camp up the north side of
Fahla, over the saddle along the south of Selassie, and

over the next saddle, Islamgi, into Magdala.* A path-

way branched off this road at the Fahla saddle to the
left, ran along the foot of the Selassie scarp for some
distance, and then turned up a zigzag to the top, near

the entrance to the fortress of Magdala. Another

pathway led direct up to Selassie from the Fahla
saddle. Neither of these paths were found practicable

for mules, although they had been reported to be so.

The summits of Fahla and Magdala were flat ; that of

Selassie sloped upwards from the scarp to the centre,

and its summit commanded the two other mountains.

On the advance being ordered, at half-past 8 a.m.,

the Armstrong guns of Murray's Battery and the two

8-inch mortars were placed in their covering posi-

tion ; the mountain battery commanded by Lieutenant-
Colonel Penn,f having ascended a short distance with
the column, was placed in position on a spur on the left

of the road, to cover the head of the ascent ; whilst the

mountain battery commanded by Captain Twiss,J fol-

lowed in rear of the leading battahon of infantry.

* Report of Sir Charles Staveley.

t ' A Battery 21st Brigade Eoyal Artillery.
'

1 ' B Battery 21st Brigade Royal Artillery.

'


CHAP. XIII.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 227

Both mountain batteries were under the command of

Colonel Milward. The division moved up the road
with the 2nd Brigade, headed by a ladder-party of
Sappers in front. The 2nd Brigade consisted of

'B Batteiy 21st Brigade Royal Artillery (Captain Twiss)

' lOcI men.
<G' Battery 14th Brigade Royal Ai-tillery (Capt. Murray) 94 ))

Detachment of 5th Battery 25th Brigade Royal Artillery

(Major Hills, V.C.) 27 J)

33rd Regiment (Major Cooper) 694 M

Six companies 45th Regiment (Lieut.-Col. Parish) 325 V
Wing 10th Regiment Native Infantry (Colonel Field) . 271 M

'
It was a fine sight to see the long line of red,

Eoyal Engineers (toiling under their scahng-ladders),

Sappers, 33rd and 45th Eegiments, the 4th King's Own
in their grey kakee, the Beloochees in their dark green,
the Eoyal Artillery in blue, and the mountain batteries

on mules, winding up the steep and picturesque path

that led to the Fahla saddle ; while down the sides of

the hill, by every sheep-track, streamed the soldiery

of Theodore, who had surrendered to Captain Speedy,

and laid down their arms. Old men and boys, mothers,
and families with their household treasures, were seek-
ing an asylum in the Arogi valley till the storm of war

should be over above. Sword and helmet sparkled in

the morning sun, the banners were unfurled, the breeze

was just enough to display their gay colours and the

proud names woven thereon, and all nature seemed to

contribute to the splendour of the pageant.

'
Inspirited as the soldiers were by the thought that
Q 2
228 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xtti.

their toils were now almost over, and that success was
about to crown their enterprise, their ardour was also
strengthened by the uncertainty which surrounded
everything up to the very last moment. For all any-

body knew to the contrary, Theodore might have

10,000 armed men in battle-array on the top, or he
might, as already reported, have died a suicide's death.'*

For, as the column was ascending the mountain, con-

tradictory statements were continually brought to Sir

Eobert Napier. Hardly had one messenger confirmed

the report of his flight, than another would come with
the information that he had returned to Magdala,
and was busily engaged in massacring the Abyssinian
prisoners confined there, to be followed by a third,

stating that he had committed suicide.

A company of the Belooch Battalion, under Lieu-

tenant Beville, was sent up the first accessible spur on

the right into Fahla, and was supported by two com-
panies of the 10th Eegiment of Native Infantry, wdiich,

under Colonel Field, climbed up the next spur.

About midday, the head of the column reached the
Fahla saddle, when the advance-guard of two com-
panies of the 33rd Eegiment was pushed onto the sum-

mit of Selassie, supported by the remainder of the 2nd

Brigade and Twiss's mountain battery ; but the path
was so bad that the mules could not accomplish it, and
only three mountain-guns could be passed up, and those

* Shepherd's Campaign in Abyssinia.

 :

CHAP. XIII.] CAPTURE OF MAG DAL A. -

229

by hand. When Selassie was crowned by the 2nd

Brigade, the King's troops there were ordered to lay

down then* arms, and retire to the plain below. The

first portion of this order was immediately obeyed
the people everywhere laid down their arms, and men
women and children left the mountain as quicldy as the

narrow exit permitted. It was hardly possible to form

a correct estimate of their numbers ; they covered the

whole face of the hill, and the paths leading from it

were thronged for many hom^s diuring their migration.

It was beheved that the numbers could not have been

less than fi'om 25,000 to 30,000, of whom about a
third were armed men.
The two hills of Falila and Selassie formed a very

strong position, and if they had been defended with

ordinary determination, would have caused very serious

loss of life in their capture. If only the women had

kept behind the brows of the hills and rolled down
stones, they might have destroyed many men before

the summit could have been won. When they were

secured, orders were sent for Lieutenant-Colonel

Wallace to bring up Murray's Armstrong guns and

the 8 -inch mortars. This was accomplished by means

of the elephants.

The state of matters in the actual stronghold of Mag-

dala remained as much a problem as ever for the
British Commander to solve. About noon, Theodore,
with about a hundred picked followers, left the aniba
 230 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

and went towards the market-place in Islamgi, where his

guns were placed. These he intended to move into his
citadel, and with them to defend it resolutely to the

last.

At this time the detachment of Bombay Light Caval-

ry, under Colonel Loch, had emerged on the Islamgi

saddle ; and Sir Charles Staveley, seeing the advance
of the Abyssinians from the fortress towards their
guns, pushed down a company of the 33rdEegimentto
the saddle, with orders to keep the guns under their

fire. Theodore met these two detachments. He then

called for his horse, and having mounted it, and

ordered two of his guns to be dragged into Magdala,
began careering about, boasting of his prowess, firing

off his rifle as a challenge, and calling on a champion

to come out and meet him. He did not, however,

come sufiiciently far to allow Colonel Loch to intercept

his retreat to the fortress, and the latter had to rest

content to prevent, by the fire of his infantry, the King

or his followers making their escape by any path lead-

ing down from the Islamgi saddle. A desultory fire

from small guns was meanwhile maintained from the

defences of the fortress against the detachment, which

was answered by turning some of Theodore's own guns

against him, when he withdrew to where his people

were engaged in dragging the guns towards the gate

of the fortress. Several round-shot feU near him ; still

his men did not abandon the aims, until a rifle- bullet
CHAP, xm.] CAPTURE OF 3IAGDALA. 231

from the infantry killed one of them. All then retired

into the amba, and the gate was closed.

A pause then ensued, when the few troops on the

Islamgi saddle perceived a dreadful stench. The cause

was now apparent. At the foot of the precipice, on

their right, lay, in one putrefying mass, the Galla

prisoners, whom Theodore had massacred on the 9th
and thrown over the rock. They lay there, in an
advanced state of corruption, old men, women, and
children some manacled, and a few chained toge-
ther. This sight of wholesale slaughter caused a deep

feeling of hatred to Theodore among the British

soldiery.

The British Commander in the meantime reconnoi-

tred Magdala, and prepared for the attack of the

fortress. Beyond the saddle of Islamgi, the rock of

Magdala rose in a steep scarp, three hundred feet in

height. A double line of defence, in each of which

was a narrow gate, crowned the scarp ; to these a

steep, narrow, and rugged path led up. Whatever

number of defenders the fort contained was studiously

concealed ; it was plain, however, that the place was

not abandoned, as the gates, which had at first been
open, were closed, and figures of armed men could
occasionally be seen in the amba, one of which was
believed to be that of Theodore.

About 1 P.M. the Commander-in-Chief ordered a

tolerably sharp cannonade to be directed on the gate.
232 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

No one of the assailant force could tell what was the

amount of fire which the fortress then gave forth, as

the noise was drowned by the British artillery, but had

it not been for this cannonade few would have passed

up the ascent and reached the gateway alive. Many

armed men were lurking behind the defences, as the

heaps of arms found when the place was taken proved.

The three mountain-guns on Selassie fired a few rounds

from that position, when it was found that the clear-

ness of the atmosphere and the grand proportions of

the mountains had led to the distances being under-

rated, and Colonel Milward was ordered to place the

three other guns of Twiss's battery with Penn's bat-

tery in a better position at the foot of Selassie, and

directly opposite the gate of Magdala, from which they

were 1,300 yards distant. The three guns were there-

fore moved down from Selassie, so that Lieutenant-

Colonel Milward had a formidable battery of twelve

guns, supported by four rocket-tubes, under his super-

vision. The cannonade did not elicit any demonstra-

tion from the fortress, and the Commander-in-Cliief,
in consideration of the women and children who were
known to be in Magdala, did not ever advance his
artillery beyond this position, whence it could fire

on the defences without doing serious damage within

the interior of the amba.

By order of Sir Eobert Napier, Sir Charles Staveley

then made dispositions for the assault of the fortress by

CHAP. xiii.J CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 233

the 2nd Brigade, supported by the 1st, which had

advanced along the lower road after Selassie had
been occupied by the 2nd Brigade.
The 33rd Eegiment, ten companies strong, were to

advance across Islamgi, two companies being in skir-

mishing order, and two in support ; the remaining six

companies, under Major Cooper, headed by a detach-

ment of the Eoyal Engineers, under Major Pritchard,
and the '
K ' Company of Madras Sappers and Miners,

under Captain Elhot, wdth powder-bags, crowbars,

and ladders, were to form the storming-party. Two

companies of Bombay Sappers and Miners, under
Captain Leshe and Lieutenant Leacock, were to follow
in rear of the 33rd Eegiment. On nearing the foot of

the steep ascent up to the gate of the fortress, the

skirmishers were to halt, and, reinforced by the sup-

ports, maintain a steady fire upon the gate and the

defences during the ascent of the storming-party.

The 45th Eegiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Parish,

was to advance in line in rear of the 33rd Eegiment,

and the 1st Brigade with the exception of the Punjab
Pioneers, and two companies of the 10th Native In-
fantry, which had been left to guard the camp at

Arogi, some distance in rear was to move up in

column as a reserve. Two companies of the 10th

Native Infantry, under Colonel Field, w^ere to remain
on Selassie, to guard the arms surrendered by Theo-
dore's troops, and clear the Abyssinians off the moun-
234 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

tains. The Armstrong guns and 8~inch mortars, which

had arrived on elephants from below, were to advance
along the main road, south of Selassie, as far as prac-
ticable, and cover the advance of the infantry, while

the two mountain and naval rocket batteries at the

foot of Selassie were to keep up a fire upon the gate

of the fortress.

About 3 P.M. the batteries opened fire, and the

shells from the mountain-guns fell thick upon the
gateway and the adjoining defences. The Armstrong
guns and mortars did not reach so good a position as
tliat of the mountain batteries, as it was impracticable,
on account of the nature of the ground, to advance
them farther than within 2,400 yards of the gate.
Nevertheless, Captain Murray threw some shells with
good effect ; but Major Hills fired only a few rounds
from his mortars, as he found that his position was not
sufficiently far advanced to produce a great result.

The fire of the artillery was concentrated against the

gateway and the north end of the fort, which was

crowded with the houses of the soldiers, avoidino; as

much as possible the higher parts of the interior, occu-

pied by the Abyssinian prisoners and non-combatants.

During the cannonade the enemy carefully concealed

themselves from view, so that the place seemed almost

deserted, although, when entered by the troops, it was

found to be thronged with soldiers, who had thrown
away their arms, released prisoners, and the numerous
 CHAP. XIII.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 235

voluntary and involuntary followers of Theodore's

fortunes.

About 4 P.M. the advance to storm was ordered.

The mountain batteries as long as possible kept up a

fire over the heads of the troops advancing to the
assault. The 33rd Eegiment, led by Major Cooper,
and keeping up a continuous fire from its skirmishers,

soon surmounted the steep precipitous clifi* which lay

between it and the outer gate, notwithstanding the
fire of the garrison from behind its first defensive

line, which consisted of a wall surrounded by strong

and thick barricades of thorny stakes, with a narrow
stone gateway. On arriving at the gateway, the pro-

gress of the assailants was arrested, for it was closed,

and, for the moment, the engineers had not at hand

the powder-bags with which to blow it in. The
crowbars were, however, set to work, and the gate
was broken down, when it was found that the path of
the gateway, fifteen feet deep, was filled up with large

stones to a height of twelve feet, which formed an

almost insurmountable obstacle. While the Sappers
were engaged upon the gate, the garrison maintained
a constant fire upon them through their loopholes, and
during that time nine ofiicers and men received wounds
or contusions. Meanwhile, some of the men of the

33rd, turning to the right, found a point where the

wall and fence were sufficiently low to be surmounted

by means of a scaling-ladder. Here they entered, and,

236 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

taking the defendants of tlie gate in flank, drove them

up a narrow path, which, twisting through rocks and

soldiers' huts, led to another narrow gateway, some

seventy yards higher up. Through this the leading

men of the 33rd rushed, close behind the rearmost

fugitives ; and being followed by the whole regiment,
the summit of the fortress was quickly occupied, the

standard of England was planted upon the African

rock which had so long been the prison-home of

British envoys, and Magdala was captured. The fol-

lowers of Theodore immediately threw down their

arms and prayed for quarter, which was of course

granted, and no further loss of life occurred.

This fortress, which was comparatively easily carried,

was one of the strongest, even when its own proper

defences were readied, which could be found in the

world. Its position with reference to its outworks,

Fahla and Selassie, adds so much to its strength that

it might be made quite impregnable. If Theodore had

been properly supported by his soldiers, the British

could not have escaped severe loss in its attack. As it

was, however, his army had been so completely de-

morahsed by tlie severity of the loss fortuitously

inflicted on them two days before, that the troops

remaining faithful to Theodore were few ; and when
they found that their unscientific defences gave them
no opportunity to inflict loss on the assailants, without
exposing themselves to the fatal eflccts of the rapid
CHAP. XTii.] CAPTUBE OF MAGDALA. - 237

fire of the breechloaders, they abandoned the contest

as soon as their first fine of defence was carried by tlie

stormers.

Among the dead at the outer gateway were found

several of Theodore's devoted chiefs ; among others

Eas Engedda, who had endeavoured to persuade him

to massacre his European prisoners. The body of
Theodore w^as found some way up the path which led

from the second gateway to the palace. It appeared

that Theodore,* after re-entering Magdala when fired

upon by Colonel Loch's detachment, had ordered the

gateway to be filled up with stones, and had himself
set the example in the work. When the British

artillery opened, he and his followers remained under

cover, and few of the three hundred well-armed men
whom he had with him were injured, but Eas Engedda
was killed by a shell just inside the gate. When Eas
Engedda fell, Theodore himself hurried farther up the
fortress, divested himself of the gold-brocaded mantle

which he had worn early in the day, and which he

seemed to think made him a mark for the aim of the
guns, and gave it to a servant. As soon as the storm-

ing party carried the outer gate, he exclaimed to those

near him, '

Flee ! I release you from your allegiance.

As for me, I shall never fall into the hands of an

enemy.' Drawing his pistol, he put it into his mouth,

fired, and fell dead. His immediate followers fled

* Statement of Theodore's servant.

 ;

238 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA. [cB.kv.xiii.

across the amba, and went out of the Kaffir-bir Gate

but were confronted by tlie Gallas, who tauntingly

invited them to approach. Debarred from escape, they

crept into a cave ; but hearing, in the evening, that the

British did not kill their prisoners, they came in and

surrendered themselves.
Immediately on entering the fortress the Commander-
in-Chief made a rapid examination of the interior, and

ordered a guard to be placed on the Kaffir-bir Gate,

the approaches to which from the interior were choked

with arms thrown aside apparently in hasty flight.

As the owners could not have passed the Gallas,

many must have returned to swell the crowd within

the fortress.

Groups of huts thickly crowded together, and many

of them occupied, gave room for dangers of a noc-

turnal conflagration, or acts of violence.

The only way of meeting this difficulty was to

collect all the Abyssinians, except the Eoyal House-

hold, in the open space in the centre of the fortress,

where they could be cared for and protected ; they

quickly hutted themselves, and remained there until

they could be sent away.

Early on the morning of the loth, the main body of
the cavalry, under Colonel Graves, moved from the

Bashilo, and marching to the south side of Magdala,

threw out picquets to watch all the avenues leading

from the fortress between the British camp at Arogi



CHAP, xm.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 239

and the Kaffir-bir Gate, whicli was watched by the

Gallas. The regiments employed on this duty con-
sisted of the head-quarters of the 3rd Dragoon Guards,
under Lieutenant-Colonel Tower, the 3rd Bombay
Cavaky, and 12th Bengal Cavalry ; while, at the same
time, the fords of the Basliilo were watched by picquets
of the same regiments, placed under the charge of
Major Miller, of the 3rd Dragoon Guards. The cavalry
picquets were within reach of each other, and were

kept in constant communication by means of frequent

patrols, so that before the assault the fortress was
closely invested, and Theodore was deprived of all

hope of escape. The next day the cavalry returned to

its former position on the Bashilo ; it had not come in

contact with the enemy, and suffered no casualties in

men, but lost not a few horses from the cold to which
it was subjected, and from the insufficiency of grain,

under which it had long suffered during several forced

marches.
The whole of Theodore's guns were captured at the

same time as his fortress. They consisted of

3 brass 56-poimders smooth-bore.

1 ))
18 J) M
4 jj
6 ?> j>
Turkish.
4 j
6 ?; V
2 V 6 V }f
English (cast at Cossipore)
1 V 6 V })
French.

5 V 24- pounder howitzers Native and French.

3 )}
12 V )f

1 ?>
8 i) )f

4 iron 1 >j }}
240 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

1 brass 20-inch mortar

2 10
5 from 2| to G-inch

These guns, mortars, and howitzers were all found

serviceable, and supplied with ammunition, except one
5 6 -pounder, which had burst on the 10th. This ord-

nance was much superior, both in number of pieces

and in calibre, to the artillery of the British ; had it

not been deserted by its gunners, it must have caused

much loss to the assailants of Magdala. Its existence

proved the wisdom of the resolution of the British

Commander to carry forward his Armstrong guns and
mortars to the very entrance of Magdala.
The British casualties at the storming of Magdala
were not very serious. Major Pritchard, E.E., received
two wounds by splinters of stones ; Corporal Hobson, a

splintered wound of right leg ; Sapper Denis, a slight

splintered wound of forehead ; Sergeant Jones and

Private Lake, 33rd Eegiment, were severely shot

through the right leg; Privates Hayne, Daly, and
Hickson, of the same regiment, received slight gun-

shot or spear wounds ; one man of the Madras Sappers

and one of the 3rd Light Cavalry also received severe

gunshot wounds. Captain Elliot, of the Madras Sap-

pers ; Cornet Dalrymple, of the 19th Hussars, attached
to the Madras Sappers ; Sergeant Fielding, of the

Madras Sappers ; Sergeant Dean, E.E., and Lieutenant



CHAP. XIII.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 241

Morgan, E.E., were also hurt near the gateway, but

were not returned as wounded.*
The force that was engaged in the capture of Mag-
dala has been asserted by those ignorant of the exact
circumstances to have been too larcre. Yet had Theodore
held the summit of his mountain fastness and defended

it properly with the weapons at his disposal, the force

of the assailants would evidently have been rather in-

adequate for success ; and had he sent a detachment to

trouble the British communications with the Bashilo,

his adversary would have been seriously inconvenienced.

The Abyssinians were better armed than many of the

adversaries who dispute with the British power in
India. Double-barrelled percussion guns, which take
life at the same distance as a musket, are weapons not

* Subjoined is a nominal roll of men woimded in the action at Arogi,

which completes the list of wounded in the campaign :

Captain Edward Roberts, 4th King's Own, dangerously.

ff

Private G. Kirby If

G. Snifield^ ))
slightly.

Deal Singh 2.3rd Punjabees ff

Pioneer Basa Kail )f

severely.

KaU Sing ft
Utter Sing dangerously.
Jewal Sing ff
severely.
Bugler Kosal Sing )f >j

Private Jeeta Sing ff )}

Sunoop Sing ft
slightly.

Goorun Sing f} ff

Heera Sing ff

Jewan Sing if f)

Jawala Sing ff >>

Sapper C. H. Sumboo ff ff
242 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiii.

to be despised. The force at the disposal of Sir Eobert

Napier was too small to allow him to attack at two

points, nor could he have detached a column to threaten
the farther side of the fortress without great risk.

Nor was a larger force available. The weakness of

the posts along the line of communications is shown in

the reports of the officers of the intelligence depart-

ment, which demonstrate that the tension along that

line was drawn to its utmost hmit. At the time of the

capture of Magdala every station was beginning to be

pressed. The robbers about Senafe from the Shoho

country were becoming extremely daring. Several

bodies of armed men hung upon the line between

Senafe and Adigerat, and more than one convoy was

molested. The detachment at Goona-goona had to turn

out to .repel an attack by an armed party ; and the

increase of such molestations obliged the Commander-
in-Chief to order up a detachment of seamen to
strengthen Senafe. At Adigerat the garrison was so

much reduced that nothing but the^ two guns retained

there maintained respect for it, and it was being
mobbed when a detachment of the 25th Native Infantry

opportunely arrived to reinforce it. Farther in advance,

at Agula, the Mahommedan inhabitants were trouble-
some, and had the army been in trouble, the Gallas
would have been called up to attack that post. Waldo
Jasous was ever threatening the communications, at

onB time stopped the transport, and but for the force
CHAP. XIII.] CAPTURE OF MAGDALA. 243

sent against him by Prince Kassai would probably have

attacked the post at Atalo, or cut off that at Belago.

The posts at Atalo, Makhan Ashangi, and Dildi had

to turn out, and to fire upon the men of Waldo Jasous.

The whole border population, whether Mahommedan

or Christian, could not resist the sight and temptation

of property.

It was a. source of fear lest the small strength of the

parties along the Hne of communications might tempt

the people to attack them, and then, when blood was
once well drawn, a feud would have ensued which
would have led to a thorough interruption of the
British convoys. The supplies obtained from the

country were invariably in direct proportion with the

strength of the troops ; when these were weak they
came in feebly. Those who were with the main body,
where great strength was displayed, had no opportunity
to estimate the hazards or dangers of the campaign.

The action of Arogi was anything but a skn^mish

against ill-disciphned or barbarous assailants. The
ground was so covered with tangled brushwood and
shrubs that the movements of regular armies were of

httle avail, and it was with difficulty that the British

regiments escaped surprise in its broken and wooded

configuration. The enemy sacrificed his great ad-

vantages when he descended to fight in the low ground

instead of remaining on the hill, but even there he was

repulsed not without skill and valour.

R 2
244 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA. [cnAP. xtv.

CHAPTEE XIY.

DESTRUCTION OF THE FORTRESS

A FTEE the capture of Magdala, the command of the

^^ place was entrusted to Brigadier-General Wilby,

who held it with the 33rd and a wing of the 45th

Eegiments. So tliickly was the fortress inhabited, and
so great was the crowd of people, that it was no easy-

matter to establish order. Guards were, however, placed

at the gates, and at all points where protection was
required.

The crown and royal seal of Theodore were taken

possession of in the name of the Queen. A letter was

addressed to his widow, in which Sir Eobert Napier
offered to accompHsh her desires with regard to the

disposal of the body. By her request, on the 14th, it

was buried with all decency, but without military

honours, m the Church of Magdala.
On the 15th the 4th (King's Own) Eegiment relieved

the 33rd in Magdala, and the 45th were removed to

Islamgi, to reinforce the detachment of the 10th Native

Infantry, engaged under Colonel Field in protecting the

captured arms and ordnance. The inhabitants of Mag-

dala were collected at Arogi, where great vigilance was
 CHAP. XIV.] DESTRUCTION OF THE FORTRESS. 245

necessary to protect them from the Gallas, who were

lying in wait both day and night for opportunities of

plundering or destroying them. Notwithstanding the

friendly relations with the Queen of the Gallas, lier

people were so httle under restraint that it was fre-

quently necessary to fire upon them, to diive them off

from molesting the water-parties and carrying away

the mules. One party of them, in search of plunder,

even dared to make their way into Magdala, where

they were captured by the guard of the 33rd Eegiment.
Anxious as the British commander was to abstain

from any further interference in Abyssinian affairs, after

the object of the expedition had been attained, it was

necessary, for the sake of the national credit, that due

consideration should be shown for the large numbers

whose interests and safety had centred in Theodore's

existence, and who remained disarmed and unprotected,

and exposed to merciless plunder and slaughter, at the
hands of the wild tribes whom circumstances had for
the moment converted into the aUies of their con-

querors. They included many women, and some had

considerable property in goods and cattle. On the

15th and 16th they were told to move from Arogi, and

go freely to their own districts, taking with them all

that belonged to them. The defile from Arogi to the

Bashilo was guarded for their protection by British

infantry, and their marcli was escorted by patrols of

cavalry as far as Bethor, where their safety from

246 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiv.

being plundered was assured. The disposal of the

fortress of Magdala then demanded the attention of Sir

Eobert Napier. It is situated, geographically, within

the territory of the Wallo Gallas, from whom it had

been finally wrested by Theodore about ten years pre-
viously. In his hands it imposed an effectual check
upon the encroachments of the Mahommedan GaUas in

Christian Abyssinia. Sir Eobert Napier desired, in the

interests of Christianity, to place the stronghold in the

possession of Wagshum Gobaze, the ruler and principal

chief of the neighbouring portion of Abyssinia. A
letter was accordingly sent to Gobaze, offering him the
possession of the fortress ; but, notwithstanding his re-

peated invitations to the British to come quickly to his

aid, he had removed himself and his army to a distant

quarter before the arrival of the English orce in front

of Magdala. His lieutenant, Dejatch Mashesha, was

however in the vicinity, and to him the place was
offered for his master. Before his answer could be

received several claimants apphed for it. One of these

was the Chief of Daont, and the two rival queens of the
Gallas each solicited it for her own. Werkait first pre-

sented herself in the camp to press her claims, and was

greatly affected in revisiting a locahty which had been
associated with so many misfortunes to her family and

people. She said, '

We fought with Theodore as long
as we could, and when his power was too strong for

us to resist any longer, my son submitted to him on

CHAP. XIV.] DESTRUCTION OF THE FORTRESS. 247

receiving a promise of good treatment, notwithstanding

which he was inhumanly cut to pieces, and thrown over
the precipice of Magdala ; and now I have come to see
the grave of my enemy Theodore, and the place where
my son fell.' At this time the offer of the fortress had

been made to Gobaze's lieutenant, and his answer had

not been received. Magdala was still in the possession

of the British troops, and the scene of military opera-

tions, and the exodus of its former inhabitants was not

completed; therefore it was not judged expedient that,

at the moment, Werkait's desire to ascend the mountain

should be indulged. Almost before her story was con-
cluded intimation was received that her rival (Masteeat)
was also in the neighbourhood, and on her way to offer her
congratulations and submit her claim. Sir Eobert Napier

at first hoped to be able to make peace between these

two rival queens ; but when this was hinted at to

Werkait, she said, '

When two persons are striving for a

crown, how can peace be made between them ? If

Masteeat were to make peace with me to-day, before

you, she would betray me to-morrow.' The news of

Masteeat's approach caused great uneasiness among

Werkait's escort and adherents ; and after a second
interview with the Commander-in-Chief, during which

she exhibited symptoms of much distress, she took a

hasty departure, apprehensive lest she should be inter-

cepted by her more powerful and more fortunate rival

more fortunate because her son was ahve, and the

248 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiv.

centre of the hopes of the large body of the people,

while to Werkait there remained only the memory of

her son, treacherously slain by Theodore.

Dejatch Mashesha arrived in camp, and in the
name of Wagshum Gobaze declined to accept Magdala,

alleging as his reason that it would require so large a

garrison to hold it, that it would be a source of weak-

ness rather than of strength. Masteeat shortly after-

wards arrived with her son, Emam Ahmad, and ex-

pressed no small gratitude and rejoicing at Theodore's

fall. She had responded very effectually to the request

of Sir Eobert Napier, to close all avenues by which

Theodore could have escaped, and thus she came in
the character of an estabhshed ally. To her request

for the possession of Magdala, Sir Eobert Napier was

enabled to answer, that as Gobaze's lieutenant had
declined to receive it, he would abandon the place
after dismanthng it, and burning all of it that could be

so destroyed as a mark of the anger of the British at

the ill-treatment of their countrymen, as well as of
their abhorrence of the cruelties which Theodore had
committed there. To this the Queen rephed that,

indeed, nothing but fire could purify it. On being-

asked if she could make peace with Werkait, she

answered that she would gladly do so, but that it was

impossible, because if Werkait were to swear friendship

on the Koran itself to-day, she would violate her oatli

to-morrow.
CHAP. XIV.] DESTRUCTION OF THE FORTRESS. 240

Advantage was taken of the friendly relations with

Masteeat to obtain from her safe-conducts, and the

promise of protection, for as many of the people of

Magdala as had occasion to pass through Galla terri-

tory on their way home, as well as for the care of

some of the Abyssinians who had been wounded in

the action of Arogi.

The elephants and heavier ordnance having been

sent in advance on the 15th, on the 17th orders were
issued for everyone to be cleared out of Magdala by
4 P.M. At that hour working-parties commenced the

demolition of the captured ordnance, and the destruc-

tion of the fortress. The former were burst into atoms.

The defences and gates of the amha were mined
and sprung, and fire was applied to the palace and
other houses, which spread quickly from habitation to

habitation ; these, burning slowly in the strong flame,

sent up a heavy cloud of dense smoke, which could be
seen for many miles.

On the 18th the last of the British force crossed the

Basliilo on its homeward route, and encamped that

evening on the Dalanta plain, while Masteeat lost no
time in establishing herself and her followers in the
dismantled fortress of Magdala.

On the 19th preparations were made for the return

of the whole force to Zulla, and precautions taken to

ensure the safety of the baggage and convoys, from the

numerous robbers and marauders who hung upon the


250 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiv.

flanks and rear of tlie army, attempting on every

occasion to plunder, and had to be frequently fired

upon by the rearguard to prevent molestation from

them.
A pioneer force, under the command of Major
Chamberlain and composed of one troop of the 3rd
Light Cavalry, the 3rd and 4th Companies of the

Bombay Sappers and Miners, and the head-quarter

wing of the 23rd Punjab Pioneers was to leave the

camp on Dalanta plain on April 21, and proceed in

advance of the force by regular marches to Antalo,

repairing the road where required, and making it

practicable for elephants and mules. The released

captives were escorted by this force. The head-

quarters of the 1st division, with the 2nd brigade
composed of the 3rd Eegiment Sind Horse, the 12th
Bengal Cavalry, the Armstrong Battery, Twiss's Moun-
tain Battery, the 8-inch mortars, the 2nd Company
Sappers and ]\iiners, the 33rd Eegiment, the 45th
Eegiment, and the 10 th Native Infantry were to leave

Dalanta camp the day after the pioneei force, and

proceed to Antalo by regular marches, haltmg for one
day at the Takkazie, Dildi, Ashangi, and Antalo ; while

the headquarters of the 3rd Native Infantry were to

march from Dildi to Antalo, three days before the

pioneer force arrived at the former station. The

headquarters of the army with the 1st brigade com-
posed of the headquarter wing 3rd Dragoon Guards,


CHAP. xiT.] DESTRUCTION OF THE FORTRESS. 251

the 3rd Light Cavalry, Penn's Mountain Battery, the

Naval Brigade, the 4th (King's Own) Eegiment, the 10th

Company of Eoyal Engineers, the Madras Sappers, one

wing of the 23rd Punjab Pioneers, and the Beloochees

were to leave Dalanta the day after the 2nd brigade,
and follow it by regular marches to Antalo. All de-
tachments of regiments at different stations were to
join their regiments as they passed through. The 2nd
field hospital, with the wounded, moved with the
pioneer force, and the 1st field hospital with the 1st

brigade.

On Dalanta plain the captives released from Theo-

dore's power, who belonged to other nationalities than

the British, were finally handed over to the foreign

officers who had been permitted to accompany the

headquarters of the army during the expedition. The

plunder taken in Magdala was sold by auction, and
the proceeds of the sale distributed among the troops

as prize-money. The campaign was also declared to

be over, in the following General Order which the

Commander-in-Cliief issued to the force :

Adjutant-General's Office, Head-Quarters' Camp,

Dalanta Plain, 20th April, 1868.

Soldiers and Sailors of the Army of Abyssinia ! The

Queen and the people of England entrusted to you a very
arduous and difficult expedition to release our country-
men from a long and painful captivity, and to vindicate the

honour of our country, which had been outraged by Theodore,

King of Abyssinia.
252 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xiv.

I congratulate you, with all my heart, on the noble way in

which you have fulfilled the commands of our Sovereign !

You have traversed, often under a tropical sun, or amidst

storms of rain and sleet, four hundred miles of mountainous
and rugged country.
You have crossed ranges of mountains (many steep and
precipitous), more than ten thousand feet in altitude, where
your supplies could not keep pace with you.
In four days you passed the formidable chasm of the
Bashilo, and, when within reach of your enemy, though with
scanty food, and some of you even for many hours without
either food or water, you defeated the army of Theodore,
which poured down upon you from its lofty fortress in full

confidence of victory.
A host of many thousands have laid down their arms at
your feet.

You have captured and destroyed upwards of thirty pieces

of artillery, many of great weight and efficiency, with ample
stores of ammunition.
You have stormed the almost inaccessible fortress of
Magdala, defended by Theodore and a desperate remnant of
his chiefs and followers.

After you forced the entrance to his fortress, Theodore,

who himself never showed mercy, distrusted the offer of it

held out to him by me, and died by his own hand.

You have released not only the British captives, but those
of other friendly nations.
You have unloosed the chains of more than ninety of the
principal chiefs of Abyssinia.
Magdala, on which so many victims have been slaughtered,
has been committed to the flames, and now remains only a
scorched rock.
. Our complete and rapid success is due firstly, to the
mercy of God, whose Hand, I feel assured, has been over us
 ! ;

CHAP. XIV.] DESTRUCTION OF THE FORTRESS. 253

in a just cause ; secondly, to the high spirit with which you

have been inspired
Indian soldiers have forgotten the prejudices of race and
creed to keep pace with their European comrades.
Never did an army enter on a war with more honourable
feelings than yours. This it is that has carried you through
so many fatigues and difficulties your ; sole anxiety has been
for the moment to arrive when you could close with your
enemy.
The remembrance of your privations will pass away quickly
your gallant exploit will live in history.
The Queen and the people of England will appreciate and
acknowledge your services ; on my part, as your Commander,
I thank you for your devotion to your duty, and the good
discipline you have maintained throughout.
Not a single complaint has been made against a soldier, of
fields injured, or villagers wilfully molested, either in person
or property.
We must not, however, forget what we owe to our comrades
who have been labouring for us in the sultry climate of ZouUa,
the Pass of Koomaylee, or in the monotony of the posts
which maintained our communications. One and all would
have given everything they possessed to be with us ; they
deserve our gratitude.
I shall watch over your safety to the moment of your re-
embarkation, and shall, to the end of my life, remember with
pride that I have commanded you.
254 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap.xv.

CHAPTEE XV.
THE RETUBN MARCH.

rpHE troops moved off as ordered, and on April 22,

-*- the Commander-in-Chief, with the last of the

force, marched to the edge of the Jidda ravine, and on

the 23rd reached Bethor. On the 24th he moved
again to Abdakom, where he received in audience a

large party of Abyssinians of note, who had been

liberated from Theodore's prison-house on the fall of

Magdala. The first was Birroo Gashoo, the Chief of

Godjam, who bore on his enfeebled frame the marks
of fourteen years of confinement in chains. The
second was Dejatch Aria, Prince of Enderta, who is

the maternal uncle of Kassai, Prince of Tigre. For

many years before his imprisonment, he had waged
war with Oobye for the supremacy in Tigre. Oobye
defeated him, and, in 1855, Theodore defeated and

dispossessed Oobye, and made Aria viceroy of Tigre.

After some time, distrusting him, Theodore summoned

him to Magdala, and made him a prisoner. The third

was Wagshum Tiferri, who was said to be the here-

ditary Prince of Wag, and to have been the means of
letting Gobaze escape from falling into the hands of

Theodore, for which he was imprisoned by the king.

CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 255

The whole of those who were Hberated is shown in the

subjoined hst,* but these were the men of the most

note present at Abdakom. To all the British com-

mander spoke, urging upon them the necessity of peace

in the present state of Abyssinia. These chiefs were

dismissed, but the widowed queen of Theodore, with

her son and two brothers, still remained as guests in

the British camp. On the 26th the bottom of the

Takkazie valley was reached, on May 3 Lat, on the

9th Antalo, and on the 10th Meshik. Here the Queen,

who had been ever treated with universal courtesy,

and who had been attended by Dr. Lumsdaine, the

medical officer attached to the personal staff of the

Commander-in-Chief, was reported to be seriously un-

well. She was a daughter of Oobye, the former Kmg
of Tigre, who had been taken prisoner, with his whole
family, by Theodore, about thirteen years previously.

Oobye remained a captive until his death. He had

been originally the hereditary ruler of the province of
Semien, a mountainous district south of Tigre. His
empire over the latter province had been acquired by
conquest. Theodore took his daughter from prison,
and married her while still a child ; but her elevation

by no means bettered the condition of her two brothers

who had been her fellow-captives, who had never so

much as seen their sister after her marriage till re-

leased from prison by the British.

* See page 271.

 ;

256 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xv.

The two brothers of the widowed Queen now

wished to return to their native province of Semien,
but acknowledged that they could not there protect
their sister, as they had neither arms nor money
and feared to take with them her child, Alamayou,
in case that his life might be taken by any aspirant
for the empire of Abyssinia. They were accordingly
allowed to depart, while the Queen and her son still

remained as guests in the camp.

The march from Dalanta to Antalo was trying, from
the frequent severe storms of rain which appeared to

accompany the columns, and from wliich the troops in

some degree, and more especially the followers and

transport animals, could not fail to suffer. The wild
border-tribes of Abyssinians and Gallas, through whom
the route lay from the Takkazie to Antalo, being

verv Httle under the control of their distant and almost

nominal rulers, were perfectly well behaved in the ad-

vance, but finding by degrees the vulnerable points of

the army, had been for some time making attacks

upon the muleteers and camp-followers when they

ventured far from their escorts, and on some occasions
even on the armed soldiers. In the first instances

some camp-followers were killed, and in the latter, the

soldiers being driven to use their weapons, several

Abyssinians and Gallas were killed and wounded.

Considerable numbers of armed men, principally

Gallas, watched the march from the liills, and, al-

though restrained by the presence of the columns,

CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 257

made attempts on the line of baggage, but met with

httle success. Soldiers were freely interspersed along
the line, and the rearguard from Marawa to Antalo
was continuously under the command of an ex-

perienced officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Bray, of the 4th

(King's Own) Eegiment. This was a clear indication
of what a force returning in difficulties would have
experienced. In the friendly territory of Prince Kassai,
the troops returned to marches made easy by the
im^Droved roads, and the increased supplies of articles

of food, turned into great luxuries by a period of

privations, which were stored in the fortified posts of

Antalo and Adigerat.

At Antalo, arrangements w^ere made for the return

of the force to Senafe. As soon as the pioneer force,

under Major Chamberlain, reached Antalo, the garrison

of Antalo moved to ZuUa. The portion of the force in

rear of the pioneer force was divided into fiYQ columns

and moved on Adigerat and Senafe. The 1st column
left Antalo on May 11 ; it consisted of the 3rd Eegi-

ment of Sind Horse, the 10th Bengal Cavalry, Twiss's

Mountain Battery, the 3rd and 4th Companies of Bom-

bay Sappers and Miners, and the headquarter wing of
the 23rd Punjab Pioneers. The 2nd column left Antalo

on May 12 ; it consisted of the 12th Bengal Cavalry,

one wing of the 33rd Eegiment, and one wing of the

23rd Punjab Pioneers. The 3rd column marched
from Antalo on May 13 ; it consisted of Murray's

s
25S BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xv.

Armstrong Battery, Hill's mortars, the headquarters of

the 3 3rd Eegiment, and the ' E ' Company of the Madras
Sappers. The 4th column marched on the 14th ; it

consisted of the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, Penn's

Mountain Battery, the 2nd Company of Bombay
Sappers and Miners, the headquarter wing of the
45th Eegiment, and the headquarter wing of the 10th
ISTative Infantry. The 5th column marched on the
15th ; it consisted of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, the Naval

Brigade, the 10th Company Eoyal Engineers, the 4th

(King's Own) Eegiment, and the Beloochees. The head-

quarters of the 1st division marched with the 4th column,
while the Commander-in-Chief and headquarters' staff ac-
companied the 5th column. Each column took ten days'
rations with it from Antalo, and five from Adigerat.
The infantry carried their greatcoats and mess-tins.

Accordingly, on the 15th, the rear of the force evacu-

ated Antalo, and marched to Haik-Hellat, where a letter

was received from Eas Guksa, the elder brother of

Kassai, Prince of Tigre, requesting permission to visit

the Commander-m-Chie Being duly invited, he ar-

rived, and was told that some munitions of war would

be presented to Pince Kassai at Senafe. At Haik-
Hellat the mdow of King Theodore died in the British

camp, from disease of the lungs. She had received

every comfort that it was possible to afford her. Her
body was attended out of camp by a guard of honour,
and was buried by the priests of the Abyssinian creed
 CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 259

in the churcli of Chelikut. Her son still remained with

the Commander-in-Chief, and subsequently accompanied

Sir Eobert Napier to England.

On May 24, the Commander-in-Chief reached Senafe,

where, on the 25th, a review of the troops was

held in honour of Her Majesty's birthday. Prince
Kassai was present, and in the afternoon paid the Com-
mander-in-Chief a private visit. The following day a

durbar was held, at which Kassai was received with a

salute, and at which he was informed that six mor-
tars and six howitzers, with 400 rounds of ammuni-
tion, had been sent for to Bombay, which would be
handed over to messengers whom he might send to
Zulla for them : he was also presented with 850
muskets and bayonets, 40,000 rounds of small-arm
ammunition, and 28 barrels of gunpowder. Sir Eobert
Napier impressed upon him that these weapons were
designed solely to aid him in the defence of his own
country, and not in the invasion of that of his neigh-

bours. On May 28, Kassai reviewed his troops, and,

leading his horsemen himself, made them, to the number
of two thousand, perform various movements, consisting

chiefly of furious charges and personal tilts. The

British army had released four chiefs of Tigre from

Magdala, and brought them with it to Senafe. These

were introduced to Kassai, and took an oath of alle-

giance to him on the Gospels Kassai, in his turn, swear-

ing that he would accord them his protection. He

s 2
260 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xv.

requested afterwards, in a private audience, that two or

three Europeans might be left behind for three months,

to teach his soldiery the use of their new weapons but ;

to this Sir Eobert Napier rephed, that the soldiers be-

longed to the Queen of England, and could not be left

behind without her special orders, but that any of the

men of Tigre whom Kassai would send to Aden, could

there be taught how to use their guns.

The presents bestowed upon Prince Kassai were but

a recognition of his friendly services towards the ex-
pedition. Tlurough the failure of the Land Transport
Corps, Sir Eobert Napier found himself, on reaching

Zulla, at the outset of the campaign, compelled to look

to local resources for the supply of transport and com-

missariat requirements, to an extent which he had not
intended, and which these resources proved very in-

adequate to meet. All that could then be done was

to try to develope to the utmost such som'ces of supply
as were within reach. It must be remembered how
important time was, and that the delay of a fortnight,
or even less, might have made the difference between
the campaign being terminated before the rains or not.

Owing in part to the ravages of locusts, the resomxes

of Abyssinia had fallen so low, that special efforts were

necessary before it was possible to purchase even the

little food that it contained. This was one of other

strong reasons which made it so desirable to establish

friendly relations with Prince Kassai. Such relations

CHAr. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 261

were established at his first meeting with Sir Eobert

Napier, near Adabagi ; during the second interview,

at the same place, the Commander-in-Chief saw that

the grain, which the Prince had on the previous day-

promised to collect, would be furnished with all the

more certainty if he had cause to expect some tangible

acknowledgment of his services. Sir Eobert Napier,
therefore, informed him that if he proved himself a
true friend of Her Majesty, he would be rewarded in a

way that would be useful in defending himself against

his enemies, and that, although no promise could be

made, it was hoped that guns suitable for mountain
warfare might be given him by the Queen of England.

Large quantities of gTain and wheat and barley, to the

value of about 10,000 dollars, were soon afterwards

sent as a gift to Sir Eobert Napier by the Prince him-

self, at a time when every load of flour was of great

value ; and the far more important supphes which,

with his help, the Commissariat was able to purchase
|^

in the province of Enderta, during the halt at Antalo,

enabled the advance beyond that position to be begun

on the day it was. The assurance, therefore, which

Sir Eobert Napier conveyed to Kassai, near Adabagi,
was as fully justified by the result as it appeared to

him expedient at the time it was given. The cordiality

and completeness, moreover, with which Prince Kassai,

although pressed by Turkish intriguers to oppose the

British advance, entered into the views of the British

262 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [ohap. xv.

commander, by appointing some of his confidential

chiefs as commissioners with the commanders of the

troops in Tigre, tended greatly to secure peaceful in-

tercourse with the people.

There is, however, another view of the subject

which must be mentioned. The best hope of Abys-

sinia enjoying peace lay in its provinces becoming

partitioned between at least two distinct rulers. Many
circumstances, independently of the great size of the

country itself, and the geographical barriers which

subdivide it, support this view. Any attempt on the

part of one chief to take possession of all Abyssinia,

would not only lead to a long civil war, but would

still leave room for a state of anarchy and disorder, if

its object were attained. When the positions of the

two men who govern Tigre and Lasta are considered,

it does not appear likely that Kassai will ever attack
Gobaze, unless carried away by too powerful chiefs,

while it is only too probable that the ambition of

Gobaze will extend itself to Tigre. Indeed, one of

the motives of the latter in not coming to meet the

British General, appeared to be that the latter might

require from him a promise that he would not invade
Tigre, which promise he was not prepared to make, or
at all events to keep, and he feared that he might after-

wards incur the resentment of England by breaking

such a stipulation.
The four Tigrean chiefs who had been released from
CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 263

Magdala, had enjoyed influence in tlieir own province

under a former dynasty. Had tliey not been restored
to their homes, they would have been exposed to
danger of destruction by the Gallas, or have been
driven to seek a refuge with Gobaze, who would have
found them useful agents in any designs against Kassai.
They were accordingly taken back to Tigre, but it

was apparent that, though this course involved the

lesser of two dangers, it might in the end prove a

source of trouble to Prince Kassai. All that could be

done towards securing their allegiance was done. At

Senafe they solemnly took oath, before the Prince, that

they would be faithful to him, and Kassai as solemnly

promised, in return, to afford them his protection. But
this ceremony might or might not have the effect of

restraininoj them from intricfues asrainst him. There-

fore, as the British restored them to a place in his

dominions, they were bound to strengthen him against

insurrection on their part. Had the British left

a ruler whom they had found just struggling into

power, and whose first use of that power had been for

their assistance, exposed to pressing dangers when they

could materially add to his means of self-defence by a

gift, which was as nothing compared to their own re-

sources, they would have adopted a course foreign

to the characteristic policy of their country towards

weaker States, even if hopes of the acknowledgment

of his services had not been held out to him.
264 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xv.

On May 29, the last of the British troops eva-

cuated Senafe. The Commander-in-Chief was accom-

panied by Prince Kassai to the head of the pass, where
the troops composing the rearguard were formed up,

while a salute was fired in honour of the Prince, who

shortly afterwards took leave of Sir Eobert Napier, and
returned towards Senafe. All local information had

led to the belief that there would be no danger of

floods in the Sooro Pass before the middle of June ; but,

owing to the extraordinary severity of the spring-rains,

a succession of floods, during the early part of May,

did much damage to the road through the defile. On
May 19, with hardly any warning, a heavy flood,

coming from a lateral tributary which enters the pass

above Sooro, filled the channel of the Sooro defile so

suddenly, that seven camp-followers and some cattle,

not being instantly removed from the waterway, were

swept away and perished. These losses were, how-
ever, due to a neglect of the precautionary instructions,

which Sir Eobert Napier had issued so early as the end

of January, to secure the safety of the troops in the

pass. By the exertions of the garrison of Sooro, the

damage to the road in the pass was rapidly repaired

after each flood.

On May 28, ]Mi\ Dufton, who had been attached

to the Intelligence Department, was attacked by a

party of Shohos in the Koomayli Pass, and wounded so

severely that death resulted. It is much to be regretted

CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 265

that he disregarded the stringent orders in force against

anyone marching without an escort. Possibly he thought

his position allowed him a certain degree of latitude in

arranging his own movements. No doubt, also, his

having travelled a good deal in Abyssinia, and his

being so well known as he was amongst the Shohos,
had made him less careful of his safety than he other-
wise would have been. He had been able to render,
in a quiet unobtrusive way, no inconsiderable service

to the expedition, chiefly in the important work

of assisting the Commissariat to purchase supplies

froin the people. His character had gained him the

respect of everyone with whom he was associated,
and when his remains were interred, in a suitable spot

at Maiyen Wells, it was felt by all that the force had

lost an useful and deserving officer.

On June 1 the Commander-in-Chief, with the last

column of the Abyssinian Expeditionary Force, passed

through the Sooro defile and reached Koomayh. On
the follo\ving day he arrived at Zulla, where the
embarkation of troops, stores, and animals had been
busily progressing. The troops destined for England

were despatched to Suez, thence by rail to Alexandria,

and by troop transports home. The native regiments,

and those Europeans who had not completed theii*

period of service, returned to India. On June 10,

Sir Eobert Napier, after handing over to the Egyp-

tian Governor, Abdul Kadir Pacha (who offered to


266 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xv.

take charge of tliem), the care of some railway plant

and buildings which could not conveniently be removed

till after the monsoon, and the custody of the British
cemetery at Zulla, embarked in the '
Feroze,' and sailed

for Suez, whence he was conveyed to England, having

accomphshed the objects of the expedition to the glory

and honour of England, to the admiration and envy of

Europe, without interference with the rights of any of
the princes or chiefs of Abyssinia except Theodore, and

having left Abyssinia with a fairer prospect of enjoying

tranquillity than the country possessed when the Bri-

tish army first disembarked on the coast of the Eed

Sea.

The Abyssinian Expedition, and the relief of the

captives held by Theodore, was not achieved without

cost of money.
For this England should however have been pre-
pared, as Sir Eobert Napier perceived that the expense

must be considerable, and when first consulted, having

no expectation of commanding the expedition, for

which he had recommended another officer, empha-

tically warned the Government on July 33, in these

words :

'It is hardly necessary to observe that no such

expedition could be carried out without very great

expenditure, and that the very best arrangements may

be crippled by some misplaced economy.'


CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 267

Again, on August 31, a minute written in reply to

one from the Governor of Bombay :

' One great and indispensable want is land transport,

which can only be dehvered at the point of action at a
very vast expenditure.'
Under other circumstances the expenditure might be
in the transport of great masses of artillery and gigantic
siege trains.

The cost of the highly perfected ammunition of the

present day expended in the course of a month's siege

would be enormous ; here our expense must be in the

transport and maintenance of beasts of burthen, and if

the British Government consider it necessary to pro-

secute the expedition, I conclude that the expenditure

must be incurred, even if it be necessary to transport a

considerable part of our baggage cattle from India.

The expense was however greater than the Com-

mander-in-Chief anticipated, because the Government
of Bombay, whether in the behef that Theodore would
surrender his prisoners on the first threat of an inva-

sion, or that they would be wrested from his grasp by

the successes of rebels over him, or from some other
cause, did not at the first take sufficiently energetic and
vigorous measures.
The failure in the early part of the expedition proved
the justice of the Commander-in-Chiefs views, but
materially increased the cost of the expenditure.
268 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xv.

The transport corps improved greatly in tlie course

of a few months, but the loss of time was irreparable.

The Punjab divisions, formed of men who were

already disciplined and organised during their long

march to the coast, were far more satisfactory, and

were at once brought to the front.

Other causes led to the increase of expenditure.

Whether the Bombay Government were credulous of
the assertions of those who believed that Theodore

would be terrified by the presence of even a single

British soldier at Massowah, or whether supplies were

not procurable at such short notice, they did not

arrive sufficiently early.

There was undue economy in taking up vessels, so

that captains of ships which could at first have been

easily available, left the port with other freight, and
vessels were not forthcoming when subsequently re-

quired.

The supplies were not despatched to the force as

quickly as they should have been. While four thou-

sand transport animals were uselessly nourished at
Bombay, the army which required them, and eagerly
entreated their advent, was obliged to purchase ani-

mals in Abyssinia and Berbera.

The railway gear was old, of inferior material, and
could not be laid rapidly for want of a sufficient num-
ber of experienced plate-layers.
The want of a proper department to superintend the
CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 269

embarkation of stores at Bombay caused considerable

expense of time and money.
The warm clotliing sent from England was left in

the commissariat stores at Bombay, instead of being

sent to Ziilla ; this was pointed out to the Govermnent,

and a steamer was detained to take it on, but it was
not sent in her, and substitutes had to be purchased

from the stores of the men-of-war and transports.

The early recommendations of Sir Eobert Napier for

lighterage and cranes were not early attended to, and

at first three cotton-boats were all that were sent to

Annesley Bay with wliich to accompHsh the landing of

the material and supphes of an army ; while an officer

of the Marine Department, who, in his anxiety for the

result, purchased six barges, was ordered to be held

personally responsible for their cost, as at first one
alone was sanctioned.

These circumstances, whether due to the idea that

Theodore would readily surrender his captives, or to a

well intentioned, but mistaken idea of economy, led to

an imwillingness to submit promptly and energetically

to a primary expense, and entailed in the end increased
expenditure, losses, and delay, which no subsequent

energy or exertion could remedy.

Much expense would have been saved if the Govern-

ment of India had been content to furnish regiments in

rehef of the Bombay corps required for the campaign,

instead of pressing to send them to the theatre of

270 BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA, [chap. xv.

operations and incurring the excessive cost of transports

from Calcutta. While, however, there may have been

some lapses of foresight in India, in England .the

Commander-in-Chief was implicitly trusted. Of this

trust he proved himself worthy, and the result justi-

fied the confidence reposed in him.

 CHAP. XV.] THE RETURN MARCH. 271

EOM- OF THE PfilNCIPAL ChIEFS LIBEEA.TED FROM MaGDAXA, SHOVS^NO THE

Length of their Iitprisokaeext, and where they went to after Kelease.*

Length of
Position a\d
^0. NAMES Imprison-
Country "Where Gone to
JIENT

Years
1 Faris Alee .... 11 Chief of Edjoo . Eebelled temporarily, but
probably submitted to
Gobaze
2 Wagshum Tiferri . . 4 Chief of Wag, "Went to Gobaze to sub-
cousin of "Wag- mit
shum Gobaze
8 Dejaz Sahelo . . . 5 Chief of Haramat Joined Kassai, and sub-
mitted to him at Senafe
4 Ajaj Negussy . . . 6 Chief ofHaramat, Eemained at Haramat
son of Sahelo .

5 Balgeda Miiro . . . 5 Chief of Tera. . Eemained at Dongolo

'Joined Kassai of Tigre,
6 Shiim Agame Aragari 7 Chief of Agame .

7 Lij Sahaja .... 5 Chief of Id . .

and
him
submitted to

8 Shiun Salova Ezekias 5 Chief of Salowa . "Went to Samnil

9 Dejaj Iman .... 15 Brother of Eas Left Magdala, without
Ali .... paying his respects
10 Burroo Gosh, and 15 Chiefs of Godjam Joined Gobaze, and sub-
two brothers . . . mitted to him
11 Cassa, son of Dobey . 14 Chief of Semien . ^Brothers of the Em-
12 Gwangnl, son of Id . 14 Chief of Id . .
/ press went to Semien
;

13 Hugla Dereso . . . 3 Chief of Selemh . Left Argee sick desti- ;

nation unknown
14 Goshn Wondia . . . 4 Chief of Belessa . "Went to his country
15 Ras Walda Mariam . 1 Chief of Begem- Ditto
der ....
16 Eas G-ebrie .... 1 Chief of Id
Ditto . .

17 Eas Waheda Tadla 1 . Ditto Ditto ....

18 Betwaded Tadla, and 1 Ditto Ditto ....
two brothers . . .

19 Engeda Unknown Chief of Dembea Ditto

20 Maureme 2 Chief of Shoa "Went . to his country un-
der safe-conduct of Mas-
teeat, Queen of the Gallas
21 Ubi6 2 Ditto .... Ditto
22 Aregi, son of Sewale 2 Ditto .... Ditto
Sellassie ....
23 Ajah Wondie . . . 1 Chief of Begem- Went to his country
der ....
24 Ajaj Geret .... 3 Ditto .... Ditto
25 Ajaj Gebra Selassie . 1 Dttto .... Ditto
26 Belala Gobazye . . 1 Ditto .... Ditto
27 Sergio Deresso . . . 1 Ditto .... Ditto
28 Lej Meshasho . . . Unknown Ditto .... Ditto
29 Wossen Illma . . . 1 Chief of Kwara . Ditto
30 "Wossen Dareya . . 1 Chief of Id . . Ditto
31 Pasha Hayle . . . 10 Chief of Meja . Unknown
32 Talef Engeda . . . 1 Chief of Tigre . Joined Kassai of Tigre,
and submitted to him
33 Eas Lebie .... 3 Chief of Maga . Went to Shoa
34 Balgida Area . . 13 Chief of Enderta Joined Kassai of Tigre,
and submitted to him

* There were several others of Shoa and Waag, whose names are unknown, and of minor importance.
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