THE BELLONA AND EMPRESS SAIL FOR ADEN--PART COMPANY--BELLONA FALLS IN
WITH A MERCHANTMAN IN DISTRESS--A GLEAM OF HOPE--TOUCHES AT THE CAPE AND
ADEN, AND PROCEEDS UP THE RED SEA--THE BELLONA REACHES ANNESLEY BAY--
JACK AND TOM LAND AT ZULLA--VISIT THE BRITISH CAMP--EXTENSIVE OPERATIONS
GOING FORWARD--MARCH COMMENCED--INTERVIEW BETWEEN SIR ROBERT NAPIER AND
THE PRINCE OF TIGRE--THE BRITISH ARMY ADVANCES TO ATTACK MAGDALA--
ENCOUNTERS THEODORE'S FORCES--DEFEAT OF THE ABYSSINIANS--THEODORE SENDS
LIEUTENANT PRIDEAUX TO SIR ROBERT--ANXIOUS NEGOTIATIONS--THE CAPTIVES
RELEASED--MOST OF THEODORE'S TROOPS LAY DOWN THEIR ARMS--THE KING HOLDS
OUT--MAGDALA STORMED--THEODORE SHOOTS HIMSELF--THE FORTRESS DESTROYED--
RETURN MARCH--THE BELLONA SAILS FOR ADEN.
The _Bellona_ and _Empress_ had been for some time at sea on their
voyage round the Cape of Good Hope. Adair had, to the last moment
before leaving England, expected to hear of his nephew, Lord Saint Maur,
but although he had instituted every possible inquiry, no news had come
of him.
He had hoped, should Gerald have been carried off by the ship which ran
down the yacht, that he would have got on board some homeward-bound
vessel or have landed at some port from whence he could send word of his
safety, which he would certainly have done, knowing the deep anxiety
which must be felt about him, not only by his uncle, but by his many
other friends.
Though sailing in company, Jack and Adair were seldom able to
communicate except by signal. They had, before crossing the line, met
with a heavy gale, during which they lost sight of each other, though
they fully expected to meet again before long, as their course was the
same and both ships sailed or steamed at a pretty equal rate. On board
the _Bellona_, which ship we must accompany, a look-out was kept for the
_Empress_, as Jack had no doubt that she was ahead. But day after day
the sun rose and set and she did not appear. The _Bellona_ had reached
almost to the latitude of Saint Helena, when it came on a dead calm, and
as there appeared every prospect of its continuance, Jack unwillingly--
as he had been charged to husband his coal--got up steam, and the ship
clove her rapid way through the calm water.
Just as morning dawned, the look-out from the mast-head announced a
vessel in sight on the starboard bow. Archie Gordon, who, as first
lieutenant, was paddling about with his trousers tucked up and his feet
bare, superintending the process of holystoning and washing decks,
inquired the appearance of the stranger, hoping that she might prove to
be the _Empress_.
"She looks as if she had met with bad weather, sir; her foremast and two
topmasts are gone. She has just hoisted a signal of distress half mast
high."
Tom at that moment came on deck, and on hearing this went aloft with his
spy-glass to have a look at the stranger. Being satisfied that she was
really in distress, on coming down, he sent young Alick to inform the
captain, and asked leave to steer for her.
Jack, quickly coming on deck, ordered the ship to be headed up towards
the stranger. As the _Bellona_ approached, her battered condition
became more clearly visible; her boats were gone, her bulwarks stove in,
and she lay a mere wreck on the water; a few people only were seen on
her deck, and even through the telescopes directed at them, their
countenances appeared worn and haggard as they stood leaning over the
bulwarks gazing at the approaching man-of-war. The _Bellona's_ way was
stopped, and a boat being lowered, Tom was soon alongside the wreck.
"What ship is that?" he asked, as he pulled up.
"The _Argo_, Captain Robson, from Hong-kong. In Heaven's Dame, I trust
you can render us assistance," said the man, in a hollow voice. "We are
short of provisions, and consumed our last drop of water yesterday. We
are dying of thirst, and scarcely strong enough to keep the pumps
going."
"We will give you all the help we can," said Tom, climbing up on deck,
where the spectacle which met his view convinced him of the truth of the
master's statement. Five of the hands, whose countenances showed the
sufferings they had endured, were working away at the pumps with all the
strength they possessed, the clear stream which issued from the side
showing the large amount of water the vessel must be making; while
several others lay about the deck, exhausted from their previous
exertions. A few only remained on foot, who looked ready to sink.
Tom, on seeing this, without further inquiries sent young Alick back in
the boat with a report of the state of the ship, requesting that the
carpenter and his crew and some hands might return, to assist in
repairing as far as possible the damages, as also that a supply of water
and provisions might quickly be sent.
"Water! oh, water! Let us have water first!" cried the master.
The men bent to their oars, and quickly reached the _Bellona_. Two
other boats were immediately lowered, and into Alick's, which was the
first ready, a cask of water was at once put, with which he and several
additional hands returned to the merchantman.
The fresh hands jumped on board and hoisted up the cask of water, at the
sight of which the thirsty crew rushed aft. Tom, who stood by while the
contents were drawn up, was about to hand the cup to the master. He
took it and hurried below.
"It's for his wife," observed one of the men; "she's very bad."
Two boys, whose looks betrayed their sufferings, came forward, heaving
deep sighs as they poured the refreshing liquid down their throats. The
other men followed in turn. By this time the master returned and
eagerly drank a draught of water.
"Thank Heaven!" he ejaculated. "It has restored new strength to me, but
we must not let the pumps be idle, or the water will gain upon us more
rapidly than it has been doing."
"Let your men rest," said Tom, leading the way to the pumps, which he
with his people manned.
Meantime Alick took his place at the cask and served out more water to
the master and his men, who appeared still far from satisfied.
Jack, hearing of the condition of the merchantman's crew, sent the
doctor, who now stepped on board.
"Stop, my lads!" he cried, on seeing the quantity of water the men were
drinking. "You may have too much of such a simple thing as pure water."
"Will you come below and see my poor wife, sir?" said the master, in an
anxious tone.
The doctor at once descended with him. Meantime the provisions were
handed up; some cans of hot cocoa and biscuit. The crew stood round
like school children, waiting to be supplied with their food, with
difficulty restraining their eagerness until the cups of cocoa were
handed to them.
The food had a magical effect, and even those stretched on the deck now
managed to move about.
Some spars had been towed off from the _Bellona_, and Tom at once set
about fitting up a jury-mast, while the carpenter and his crew went
below to try and find the leak, and see what could be done to stop it.
The energetic pumping of the man-of-war's men soon reduced the water in
the hold. After a long search the carpenter sent up to say he had
discovered the worst leak and was already at work stopping it.
Expressions of thankfulness escaped from the crew as they heard this,
and they turned to with a vigour they had not hitherto shown, to assist
in the repairs going forward.
"Your wife will do very well," said the doctor, as he accompanied the
master on deck. "Proper food is all she wants, and Captain Rogers will
do his utmost to supply you."
"I shall be very grateful," said the master. "My poor wife would not
take more than her share when she found how the men were suffering, nor
touch any of mine, and, being delicate, she was almost succumbing."
The doctor having now examined the most suffering of the crew, returned
on board to report their condition, and obtain the medicines he
considered necessary.
Jack liberally supplied the ship with such provisions as were required
to take them home. As he was anxious to lose as little time as
possible, he also sent Mr Large, the boatswain, with more men on board,
who, working assiduously, soon got up a fore jury-mast, repaired the
bowsprit, set up topmasts, with their rigging, and bent fresh sails, all
of which had been carried away.
The carpenter, having stopped the leak, set to work to patch up the
bulwarks, a task the diminished crew of the _Argo_ were unable to
accomplish.
Captain Robson gave a sad account of their sufferings. Two men had died
of fever, while three had been washed overboard during a previous gale,
which had well-nigh sent her to the bottom. "By-the-by, sir," he said
to Tom, "we spoke a ship just as it was commencing, but there was too
much sea on to allow us to board her. She was under Dutch colours,
bound out to Batavia. She began to signalise us, but all I could make
out was what seemed to be `British officer, take him on board, say'; but
before I could distinguish the other flags, the gale came down on us,
and we had too much to do to look after his signals, which probably did
not concern us."
"Could you make out anybody on the stranger's deck?" asked Tom, eagerly.
"No, sir, for evening was coming on, and we were too far off for that.
She was a big ship, high out of the water for one outward bound.
However, I did not further note her, and she was soon out of sight.
That very night we lost a man overboard, but it was not until some weeks
later, after we had been becalmed for ten days or more, that we fell in
with the gale which reduced us to the wrecked state in which you found
us."
"I wish you could have made out the signal," said Tom. "Are you certain
that the first part was `British officer'?"
"No doubt about that," answered Captain Robson, "and I am certain as to
the other words."
"That's strange," thought Tom. "I wonder whether Desmond could have
been on board. If so, we may hear of him from Batavia, or one of the
Spice Islands, to which the stranger was bound."
Tom, as he surveyed the still haggard-looking crew and their commander,
felt how unfit they were to continue the voyage to England, and proposed
that he should request the captain of the _Bellona_ to strengthen her
crew, and assist in navigating her to Saint Helena, or back to the Cape.
"No, thank you, sir," replied the stout-hearted master, "you have set me
to rights, and given me food and water, and I will touch at Saint Helena
or Ascension for more, if necessary, and hope, with God's providence, to
find my way safe up the Mersey. I have been in a worse plight than
this, and provided the leak doesn't break out again, or my men fall
sick, and we don't run short of provisions and water, we shall get home
in time. You will come below, sir, before you leave, and let my wife
thank you. She is grateful for all you have done for us. It is the
only return we can make, under present circumstances."
Tom accepted the invitation, and found the master's wife seated on sofa,
and a very ladylike person she seemed to be, though she looked
dreadfully ill.
"I shall be better soon, I trust, now that I have some wholesome food;
but we are in God's hands. He knows best what is good for us, and we
must not repine. You and your men, sir, have saved our lives, for we
could not have held out many hours longer; and accept our gratitude.
Our prayers will be offered for your safety wherever you go."
Tom could remain but a couple of minutes. His men having performed
their tasks, had returned to the ship, and his boat was the only one
alongside. He jumped into her, feeling very doubtful whether the _Argo_
would ever reach home in safety.
"Go ahead!" cried the captain, as Tom's boat was hoisted up, and the
_Bellona_ soon left the unfortunate _Argo_ astern. In a few hours,
however, they met a strong breeze, which they hoped would fill her sails
and waft her on her way.
In consequence of the expenditure of so much coal, the _Bellona_ had to
touch at the Cape. Jack and Tom made every possible inquiry for Lord
Saint Maur, but they could gain no tidings of the Dutch ship.
"He must, then, have gone on to Batavia. I was in hopes that he might
have put in here," observed Tom.
Jack was surprised that the _Empress_ had not got in, as he thought that
she could have done so before him, in consequence of his delay in
assisting the _Argo_. Some time was occupied in taking in coal and
fresh water and provisions, to make up for the stores supplied to the
merchant vessel. He waited until the last moment he felt justified in
doing, but still the _Empress_ did not appear, and he then had to
continue his course up the Mozambique Channel, with which he and Green
were so well acquainted, and onwards to Aden.
Here he found numerous ships of war, and several transports and store
ships. The troops were to proceed up the Red Sea to Massowah, a port
belonging to the Egyptians, at which the Foreign Office had obtained
permission for the disembarkation of the forces destined to march to the
rescue of the British prisoners held captive by Theodore, the tyrant
King of Abyssinia. Colliers also were arriving with coal to supply
motive power, both for the transit of troops and also for the purpose of
condensing from the sea fresh water for the use of men and animals.
The _Bellona_, in company with numerous other ships, now proceeded up
the Red Sea. On their arrival in the neighbourhood of their destined
port, they found that a convenient landing-place had been selected at
Zulla, on the shore of Annesley Bay.
The _Bellona_ steamed slowly in amid the vast number of vessels already
arrived, and at length came to an anchor. About fourteen miles off rose
the lofty mountains of Abyssinia, which it was the destined task of the
British soldiers to scale. Between these mountains and the sea extended
a wide plain, on which could be seen a large collection of white canvas
tents, glittering in the tropical sun. Among them red dots represented
the British soldiers moving about; while the banner of England floated
from a tall flag-staff in their midst. A long wharf had been
constructed, extending into the sea, and on both sides of it were
lighters, discharging munitions of war and stores of all descriptions,
while countless other boats pulled backwards and forwards between the
vessels and the pier.
On shore, thousands of labourers of every hue were employed like ants,
carrying the stores as they were landed to the commissariat depots.
Steam-engines were at work, rendering help of all sorts; some condensing
the salt water, and, when turned into fresh fit for drinking, forcing it
through pipes to the shore.
Nearly every hour fresh vessels were arriving, both from Suez and Aden,
the former bringing mules and horses in vast numbers, to be employed in
the transport service, the latter camels and even elephants, attended by
swarthy drivers, sent out from India.
Jack, accompanied by his brother, hastened on shore to report his
arrival and request to know from the commander-in-chief what service he
could render. He was not a little pleased to find that a naval brigade
was to be formed, and that there was a prospect of seeing some fighting
and more of the wild mountainous region which rose before them, about
which people in general seemed to know very little. [See note 1.]
Of course the expected warfare was the subject of conversation in the
ward room, and various opinions were hazarded as to the result.
"We shall know more about it in the course of a few days, when the march
is commenced," observed the first lieutenant. "The question is whether
Theodore will murder his prisoners and fight to the last, or whether,
when he sees the approach of so formidable a force as ours, he will
deliver them up and apologise for his conduct."
"At all events we will do our best to help the soldiers," said Tom, and
this sentiment was very general throughout the squadron, for never did
soldiers and sailors work more cordially together.
The next morning Tom and his men, with Billy Blueblazes and Dicky Duff,
now senior mate, and Alick Murray as midshipman, went on shore to join
the Naval Brigade, to which, to their infinite satisfaction, they had
been appointed. It was under the command of Captain Fellows. They had
been but two days encamped when the order to commence the march was
issued.
The army, in detachments, moved forward for the front, for which the
commander-in-chief had started on the 25th of January. The first post
was Senaffe, high up among the mountains, 7000 feet above the level of
the sea. It was situated about two miles in front of the issue of the
Komayli defile, on elevated rocky ground. To the east and west rose
lofty cliffs, and in front extended a wide plain. The scenery was
magnificent. Here rose masses of jagged rock, topped with acacia and
juniper trees, deep valleys intervened with rushing streams, while
heights extended as far as the eye could range over a vast extent of
country. Tom fancied that the army was to push on without stopping, but
he found that each post had to be fortified and garrisoned, for it was
evident that as the expedition showed strength, so in proportion it
obtained the confidence of the savage rulers of the country.
In spite, however, of the toil the army had to undergo, the men were in
high spirits, the seamen especially laughing and joking as they marched
along. They could carry but a small amount of provisions; and every
article of baggage which could be dispensed with was left behind. In
regard to provisions, they hoped that, on arriving at the next post,
they would be amply provided.
Billy groaned as he went puffing and blowing up the hills.
"I believe, Mr Rogers, that we are worse off than we were when making
our way through Papua."
"I can't agree with you there," answered Tom, laughing. "We found it
pretty hard work, to be sure, crossing the mountains, and where for
several days we had to go on short allowance of food and water, but I
expect that things will mend as we advance, when we shall get into a
more fertile region."
Tom was right. At length the army emerged into a broader but still
barren portion of the pass, the road winding steeply for several miles
along a snowy water-course, whence they passed over a plain, which, from
the number of guinea fowls found there, obtained the name of "Guinea
Fowl Plain." Here were seen tulip trees of enormous size, and graceful
acacias, while the cactus, with its stiff, prickly leaves, grew in
profusion among the rocks. Antelopes frequently bounded across the
road, and it was said at no great distance elephants and wild boars were
to be found. Birds of all sizes, some of the most gorgeous plumage,
flashed here and there in the sunlight. Monkeys and baboons appeared
scrambling among the rocks, or leaping from tree to tree, jabbering at
the strangers visiting their territory.
"Those beasts remind me of Papua, though they have a very different
appearance," observed Billy. "We should astonish some of our friends if
we were to shoot and cook a big monkey for dinner. I shouldn't mind
eating one, I know."
The monkeys, however, were generally too wary to come within gunshot;
and Billy had not an opportunity of astonishing his friends, which he
certainly would have done. The country through which they passed
continued rugged and barren in the extreme. The villages consisted of
groups of mud hovels, generally pitched on high ground, originally for
defence. The inhabitants were tall, with fine figures, the men dressed
in a single robe of cotton, seldom washed, their black hair plaited and
covered with rancid butter. Their arms generally consisted of a crooked
sword and spear, as well as a club. Such were the weapons used for ages
by their ancestors; but many had matchlocks, and others even
double-barrelled guns. The discipline of the army was strict, so that
no plundering took place; and the inhabitants were everywhere treated
with kindness. Negotiations were now opened with the Prince of Tigre,
who professed a friendship for the British. Nothing created so much
astonishment as the appearance of the elephants, which were followed by
crowds of wondering natives, who had been under the impression that no
elephant could be tamed. The arrival of a battery of Armstrong guns
created equal surprise.
Notwithstanding the difficulties of the road, the gunners succeeded in
carrying their guns to Adigerat. Step by step the army advanced, until
Anotolo was reached, on the 2nd of March. Anotolo may be said to be
half-way between Zulla and Magdala. Letters were received from the
prisoners, stating that Theodore was still engaged in efforts to get up
his ordnance and heavy baggage to Magdala; but, impeded by his mortar,
it was not likely that he could reach that stronghold until the first
week in March.
News was now brought that Kassai, Prince of Tigre, was advancing, to
seek an interview with the British general, and Sir Robert accordingly
marched forward, taking advantage of the cool hours of the morning to
meet him on the banks of the Diab.
The force, which was accompanied by several guns, pitched their camp
about half a mile from the eastern bank of the river, which it was
arranged should divide the two armies.
The scenery around was magnificent, the ground sloping up gradually from
the western bank of the Diab, where the Tigrean army was to be posted.
The sun shone out brilliantly. The heat was excessive. About eleven
o'clock the vanguard of Kassai's army was seen approaching, and a body
of men hurriedly coming forward, pitched a red tent on the slope
opposite to that of the strangers' camp. Just before midday the whole
of the Tigrean army, with drums beating and standards flying, consisting
of about 4000 men, advanced down the slope towards the river, two yellow
and red flags fluttering high above their heads showing the position of
the chief and his principal officers. Sir Robert had directed a tent to
be raised close to the bank of the river, where the meeting was to take
place.
As soon as the Abyssinians were seen advancing, the English forces got
under arms. The commander-in-chief, mounted on an elephant, and
followed by his staff, rode forward. The appearance of the elephant
undoubtedly greatly impressed the Abyssinians, it being supposed that
their own African elephants are untameable. On getting near the stream
Sir Robert descended from his elephant, and mounted a horse, on which
the Abyssinian line opened; and Kassai, surrounded by his chiefs and
mounted on a white mule, with a crimson umbrella borne over his head,
came forward, and at once fording the river approached Sir Robert. The
Abyssinian chief wore a white robe embroidered with crimson round his
body, and a flowered silk shirt; his black hair, carefully plaited, was
drawn back from his forehead, and tied behind his neck with a ribbon.
He was still in the prime of manhood. His complexion was of a dark
olive hue, his countenance intellectual; but he looked careworn and
anxious.
After the usual civilities had been gone through, Sir Robert conducted
his guest to the tent, where a guard of honour drawn up fired a salute,
evidently causing no small alarm in the chiefs mind and in that of his
followers, who probably expected that the strangers would set upon them
and shoot them down. On dismounting Sir Robert led the chief into the
tent, when their respective officers arranged themselves on either side,
the Abyssinians squatting down on the ground.
The conversation was for some time commonplace. Then the presents which
had been brought were offered, among which was a fine Arab horse, the
gift of Sir Robert himself. Port wine was then served out, greatly to
the satisfaction of the chiefs, when all, with the exception of two of
the principal officers of both parties, having retired, serious matters
were entered into between Sir Robert and Kassai, who was assured that if
he showed a friendly disposition and would send grain to the army, he
would be handsomely rewarded.
After the prince had rested, a review of the forces took place. The
regiments, whose uniforms were very picturesque, among them being seen
the light blue and silver of the Bombay cavalry, the scarlet of the
King's Own, the dark blue and red facings of the artillery, and the
scarlet coats and white turbans of the Tenth Native Infantry, went
through various manoeuvres. Now they skirmished, now formed square for
receiving cavalry, and then the cavalry charged furiously at a supposed
foe. The prince appeared to take especial interest in the rifled guns,
and complimented the British on possessing, as he called it, "so
inestimable a blessing."
Sir Robert returned the visit later in the day, and with his staff
crossed the stream to the Abyssinian camp. The uniform of the soldiers
of Tigre was picturesque, if not quite according to European notions.
Their heads were bare, except such covering as their plaited hair
afforded. They wore long white robes, embroidered with scarlet, and the
greater number possessed firearms, either matchlocks or double-barrelled
percussion guns, some even had double-barrelled rifles, many had
pistols, and all wore long, crooked swords on the right side. A
comparative few were armed with sword, spear, and shield. The cavalry,
to the number of about 400 men, were mounted on shaggy ponies or mules.
The discipline of the men was, however, very good, and they went through
a number of movements in a most creditable manner.
The general and his staff descended close to Kassai's tent; inside it
was a couch, covered with silk, on which the prince placed Sir Robert by
his side. Several richly and variously dressed officers also were
present, while the evening sun, shining through the red tent on the
group, produced a most picturesque and scenic effect. Girls soon
afterwards came in, bearing baskets with bread and curry. They were
followed by others carrying huge jugs, filled with tedj, a beverage
manufactured from fermented honey. Each guest was expected to drink
several flasks, but as it tasted somewhat like bad small beer, they had
no great satisfaction in performing the necessary ceremony. Shortly
afterwards a band of six musicians, playing on long pipes, performed a
wild piece of music; then a minstrel sang a war song, in which all the
Abyssinians joined.
The entertainment being now considered at an end, the chief insisted on
presenting Sir Robert with the gifts he had prepared. The first
consisted of a silver gilt armlet, the sign of a great warrior, which
was clasped round the general's arm. Then a lion's skin and mane, the
mark of a fierce fighter in battle, was thrown over his shoulder, a
sword was next girt on his side, and a spear and shield, intended for
his use, handed to one of the _aides-de-camp_, who acted for the nonce
as his armour bearer. In this guise the general had to ride back to his
own camp on a mule, but fortunately by this time the shades of evening
having closed in, he was prevented from exhibiting himself in so antique
a guise to his troops.
Notwithstanding all the professions of friendship and promises of
assistance he received, Sir Robert very wisely did not put perfect faith
in the prince, but determined to fortify his posts and guard his
advance, as if he was passing through the country of an enemy.
At Anotolo the army was re-distributed in divisions, to each of which a
separate duty was assigned. Tom and his men marched with the second
brigade of the first division. Communication was kept up the whole of
the way with Zulla, and a telegraph wire laid down. On the 20th of
March Sir Robert led forward his forces to Tat. From this station he
began a rapid advance on Magdala. Hitherto every movement had been in
preparation for that undertaking.
By the 31st March the army was at no great distance from the line of
Theodore's advance posts, and scouts were frequently seen on horseback,
but were too nimble to be captured. Precautions were taken against a
night attack, which it was supposed Theodore would make. Several of the
enemy's deserted camps were passed. The inhabitants had hitherto been
universally friendly, and the Gallas, who were now gained over in
consequence of the barbarous treatment they had received from Theodore,
undertook to guard the passes by which the tyrant could make his way
eastward.
Young Alick Murray had bravely endured the fatigues of the march; he
generally kept by the side of Tom, who, indeed, was unwilling to have
him out of his sight. As they and the other officers of the Naval
Brigade sat round the camp fire at night, many a yarn was spun and many
a merry song sung, while during the day, as they marched on, jokes were
constantly cracked by the seamen, whose spirits never flagged. They
were always meeting objects of some sort to interest them, while the
scenery itself through which their route lay was often magnificent in
the extreme. At length the Delanta Heights were reached with the river
of Bashilo flowing beneath them on its course westward, hereafter to
swell the waters of the mighty Nile, of which it is one of the
numberless tributaries.
On either side of the valley through which the river flowed rose a
series of rugged heights forming a crescent, on the eastern horn of
which stood the fortress of Magdala, Theodore's supposed impregnable
stronghold, while on the west was the rugged hill of Fahla, mid-way
between it and the lofty plateau of Selassie. Magdala and Selassie were
seen to be connected by a ridge, known as the Saddle of Islamgi, while
the ridge joining Selassie to Fahla was called the Saddle of Fahla. The
plateau on which Magdala stood rose to a height of upwards of 9000 feet
above the sea, and 3000 above the ravines immediately surrounding it.
The sides were so steep and scarped by nature that it seemed as if it
would be impossible to scale them, but a closer inspection showed that
two causeways led to the plateau, one from Islamgi and one from
Sangalat.
Theodore's army, its size and strength unknown, was seen encamped on the
spit of Islamgi. A deep ravine led into the wide valley beneath the
heights occupied by the Abyssinians. Over-looking the plain of Arogi
was a spur, bearing in different parts the names of Gumbaji and Afficho,
which Sir Robert had resolved to occupy, so that he could operate on
either side of Fahla, evidently the key of Theodore's position. The
army was encamped above the Bashilo, the troops in high spirits at the
thoughts that at length they were about to meet the enemy whom they had
marched so many miles to encounter.
Sir Robert and his staff having crossed the river and reconnoitred the
ground, at early dawn on the 10th of April the advance was ordered. As
no water was to be procured between the river and the fortress, except
under the enemy's fire, a band of carriers had been organised for
transporting a supply for the troops, while another band marched in the
rear with stretchers for the removal of the wounded.
While the greater part of the troops were toiling slowly up the steep
slopes of the Gumbaji spur, which they were destined to occupy, the
Naval Brigade and a party of artillery, with the baggage of the first
brigade, were making their way through the pass of the Wurki Waha
valley, which it had been the intention of the general to secure by a
body of infantry, and to form a road from thence up the Gumbaji spur.
The latter task, through a mistake, had not been performed, nor was the
issue of the pass secured. The day had been threatening, already
showers of rain had begun to fall, while roars of thunder and flashes of
lightning burst from the clouds. The mules of the artillery and the
Rocket Brigade had just emerged from the valley, when, echoing the roar
of the thunder, the report of a gun was heard, fired from the heights on
which Theodore's army was posted, from whence, at the same moment, a
body of warriors was seen descending, evidently with the intention of
attacking the artillery. The small body of British immediately prepared
for the expected encounter. Most of the enemy were on foot, though
some, evidently chiefs, from their gorgeous scarlet costumes, were
mounted. The Naval Brigade, hastening up the Afficho plateau, got their
rocket tubes into position to receive the advancing mass of the foe.
Their position was critical in the extreme. Should the Abyssinians push
forward they might be overwhelmed by numbers. Without thinking of that,
however, they began blazing away with their rockets, every missile
telling fearfully among the crowded ranks of Theodore's troops, who,
brave as they were, appeared to be thrown into confusion. Tom looked
round to see what support was coming. At first the thought flashed upon
him that he and his companions must be annihilated by the overwhelming
hordes of barbarians rapidly approaching. Young Alick was thinking much
the same thing, but no sign of fear was exhibited in his countenance.
"I suppose, Mr Rogers, we shall have a pretty hard fight for it?" he
remarked; "but we won't let them take our rocket tubes at all events."
"No fear of that," answered Tom. "See, the troops are advancing."
While he was speaking, one party of the Abyssinians was seen coming
towards the artillery and baggage guard, who were, however, prepared to
receive them, while another larger party, taking a different course,
hurried on to battle, for now over the rugged ground the red coats of
the British were seen making their way as skirmishers in front, the
rapid crack of their rifles being heard as they got within range of the
enemy.
The troops now engaged consisted of the King's Own Regiment, with the
Belochees, and a detachment of the Royal Engineers and Bombay Sappers,
the men cheering lustily as they saw their enemy before them. At the
same time two companies of the 4th Regiment, with a body of pioneers,
attacked the enemy on their flank, pouring in rapid discharges from
their Snider rifles, the rockets whizzing again and again through their
ranks, while the artillery produced equal havoc.
All this time the enemy's guns had been playing on the British columns,
but, owing to their elevated position, their fire was plunging, while
their shot, from the use of too heavy charges of powder, ranged too far
to do any harm. The seamen continued to fire their rockets among the
mass of Abyssinians until the infantry, advancing, drove back the enemy,
when the rockets were directed upon the summit of Fahla, where Theodore
and his staff were still posted. So good was their practice, that they
caused confusion and dismay, and one, it was afterwards ascertained,
very nearly killed the king as he was superintending the fire of his
guns.
Though defeated at all quarters again and again, the Abyssinians
advanced. Masses of slain and wounded covered the plain. For three
hours the contest continued, when, in spite of their heroic courage, the
dark-skinned warriors were compelled to retire, at first slowly and
steadily up the heights, but a panic at length appeared to seize them as
they cast an eye over the ground on which they had fought, covered by
heaps of their men, when the larger number took to flight. The pursuit
continued for some way, but Sir Robert wisely prevented his troops from
advancing too far, lest by the British having to retire, the Abyssinians
might regain their courage. Wet and weary with the exertions they had
gone through, the troops bivouacked for the night at the mouth of the
ravine.
"I can't say I admire campaigning," observed Billy Blueblazes, as they
were sitting round their camp fire on the wet ground, the lofty hills
rising up above them, while the cries of the wounded Abyssinians could
still be heard from various parts of the plain where they had fallen.
The British camp was kept constantly on the alert for lights were seen
passing over the plain; but at length it was discovered that they were
borne by Abyssinians searching for their wounded or dead countrymen.
The British wounded amounted only to twenty men. They were soon brought
in. Most of them were suffering from spear wounds, received during the
desperate attempt of the Abyssinians to capture the baggage. Such of
the wounded Abyssinians as could be found were also brought into the
British camp to be attended to by the surgeons.
Next morning Tom, with several other officers, went over the
battle-field, which exhibited a scene of horror in every direction. At
the entrance of the ravine, men and horses were heaped together, shot
down or pierced through with sword or bayonet, ten or twelve together.
Further on could be seen tracks of blood, where the wounded had
attempted to crawl back to their friends or to gain the shelter of some
rock or bush. Almost in the middle of the field lay the dead body of
Theodore's chief general, arrayed in a splendid scarlet dress,
surrounded by no less than seven chiefs who had fallen with him.
Further to the right, where the firing had been at long ranges, there
were fewer dead, but numbers were stretched wounded on the ground. The
points towards which the rockets had been chiefly directed could be
discovered by the charred masses, showing the awful death the missiles
carried wherever they sped their devastating course.
The British army, having taken up their position, were again advancing
to attack the enemy, when, in the far distance, a white flag was made
out, borne aloft in the midst of a small party of horsemen, who came
winding down the mountain path to meet them.
As they approached nearer, the uniform of a British officer was seen
among them. Amid joyful cheers Lieutenant Prideaux and the missionary,
Mr Flad, rode through the outposts towards Sir Robert Napier's tent.
They came with a verbal message only from the king. He acknowledged
that heretofore he had considered himself the most important personage
in the world, but having now discovered that there were others more
powerful, he consequently desired to be reconciled to his sister
sovereign, the Queen of England.
Sir Robert replied that he must come and put himself into the power of
her general, and that no other terms could be accepted. The British
lieutenant and the missionary, with the courage of heroes, returned with
this answer in writing, knowing perfectly well that the tyrant in his
rage might put them to death.
Some time elapsed, when they returned with a written answer from
Theodore, in which he declared it had been his intention to conquer the
whole world, and that, among other things, he hoped to lead an army
against Jerusalem and expel the Turks from it; consequently he was not
inclined to yield to the British arms.
To this absurd missive Sir Robert sent back the answer he had returned
in the morning by Lieutenant Prideaux and Mr Flad, who owned that their
apprehensions of being put to death were very naturally increased.
Intense was their joy and that of many others who had accompanied them
on part of their journey to see a large band of persons approaching the
camp, who turned out to be the envoy Mr Rassam, Consul Cameron, Doctor
Blanc, and several others.
"The king," they said, "convinced that he was defeated, had put a pistol
to his head and attempted to destroy himself. On it being wrested from
him, he had at once ordered the release of the captives, who immediately
took advantage of his permission to get out of his power." During the
day a herd of cattle arrived at the outpost, sent by the savage king as
a peace offering, but the animals were returned by Sir Robert, who saw
the importance of exhibiting no signs of wavering. Not only was it
necessary to vindicate the honour of England, but, in justice to those
tribes who had assisted the British on their march, it was absolutely
necessary to remove Theodore from the country, for, had he escaped, he
would not have failed to have revenged himself on those who had sided
with his foes.
Some of his troops had now again gathered round him, and, his spirits
reviving, he led them into Magdala. The larger portion, however,
deserted him, and thousands were flying from the fortress.
Sir Robert had meantime so posted his forces that, with the aid of the
Gallas, no outlet for escape was left for Theodore. The second brigade
occupied the heights of Selassie, when the king's troops who had not
entered Magdala were ordered to lay down their arms. This they
immediately did, to the number of about 10,000 men, besides whom there
were 15,000 or 20,000 women and children, who had fled with their
husbands and fathers from the fortress. They now hurried as fast as the
narrow path would allow to the plain below, where they remained to watch
the issue of the contest.
A curious scene was enacted on the Islamgi Saddle, which was occupied by
a detachment of cavalry as well as by a company of infantry. Between it
and Magdala, Theodore had posted his six guns. A party from the
fortress issued out and dragged off two of these, but before the other
four could be removed, they were completely under the fire of the
British rifles. Theodore himself appeared mounted on a handsome
charger, when, riding towards his foes, he began careering about,
boasting of his mighty deeds, and occasionally firing off his rifle,
shouting in a loud voice to any of the British officers who would come
forth and meet him. He took good care, however, not to have his retreat
to the fortress cut off, and all that could be done was to prevent him
and his followers from making their escape down the other side of the
Saddle.
Tom, with a party of his men, had joined the infantry thus engaged. As
they were moving along the top of the cliff, their noses were assailed
by a most fearful odour. Looking down, what was their horror to see, at
the foot of the precipice to the right, a mass of human bodies in a
dreadful state of corruption, some chained together, others manacled,
many among them being those of old men, women, and children. They were
some unfortunate prisoners who had been carried off by a party from the
fortress some time before, and had been put to death in a drunken fit by
Theodore the day he heard of the approach of the British. It was, in
truth, a fearful sight, and increased the desire of the soldiers and
sailors to inflict condign punishment on the author of the atrocity.
The end was now approaching. Sir Robert had occupied with his troops
the nearest level spot to the principal gate of Magdala, and, planting
his artillery and rocket battery in commanding positions, he prepared
for the assault. Beyond this point, known as the Saddle of Islamgi, the
rock on which the fortress stood rose 300 feet in height, with
precipitous sides, a narrow, steep, and winding path leading up to it,
with two lines of defence, in each of which was a narrow gateway. It
was thus difficult to get a sight of the defenders, yet occasionally
armed men were seen moving about, and a stubborn resistance was
expected.
With a humanity worthy of imitation, Sir Robert so placed his guns that
they should only act upon the gate, without running the risk of hurting
the women and children still within the fortress. The two brigades now
advanced, the storming party leading, and, covered by their fire, up the
steep path they climbed with scaling-ladders fixed, and crowbars to
burst open the gates. They were met by a hot fire from the garrison,
not a man of whom could be seen. Before the stormers was a wall,
surrounded by a strong and thick barricade of stout stakes, with a
narrow stone gateway. On reaching this gateway the engineers, finding
that the powder-bags were not forthcoming, immediately set to work with
their crowbars and burst it in, when, what was their disappointment to
discover a pile of large stones, twelve feet in height, and a still
greater breadth, directly in front of them.
All this time they were exposed to the fire of the garrison. In vain
they endeavoured to surmount a formidable barricade, but at length a
party of the 33rd Regiment, turning to the right, discovered a lower
part of the wall, against which a scaling-ladder was placed.
Immediately mounting, they reached the top of the wall, and, leaping
down, forming as they did so, attacked the garrison, who, seeing that
their fortress was entered, took to flight towards the second defence.
The whole regiment was quickly in, and, pressing after the fugitives,
rushed through the second gateway, when, the summit of the fortress
being gained, the British flag was quickly flying above it. On this the
Abyssinians, throwing down their arms, asked for quarter, which was at
once granted.
But what had become of the unhappy king, who had been the chief cause of
the misery and suffering endured by his unhappy subjects for so many
years? Stretched on the ground leading to the second gateway to the
palace his body was found, with a pistol-bullet through his head, the
weapon with which he had shot himself still by his side. Near the
outward gateway lay several of his devoted chiefs, while the rest of his
officers, throwing down their arms, endeavoured to escape. They all,
however, before long, having been driven back by the Gallas, who were
watching for them on the other side, were compelled to return to the
fortress, where they delivered themselves up.
Taking possession of Magdala, Sir Robert, having made a hasty survey of
it, collected all the Abyssinians in the centre space, and placed a
strong guard over them. An anxious night now commenced, as at any
moment the numberless thatched buildings which covered the heights might
have been set on fire and a heavy loss of life have ensued. The two
gates were carefully watched, and, owing to the admirable arrangements,
no disturbance occurred. The inhabitants were desired to take their
departure, while the body of Theodore was delivered up to his unhappy
queen, and was interred two days afterwards in the church of Magdala.
The queen and her son then came into the British camp, where they
received honourable treatment, while the inhabitants were escorted as
far as was necessary towards the district where they had friends.
The fortress was afterwards destroyed, the buildings within set on fire,
and the guns which had been captured were also burst into fragments. As
the British army retired they could see for many a league the dense
clouds of smoke which rose to the sky and hung like a funeral pall over
the stronghold of the tyrant king.
"I'm thankful that we've done it, and done it well," exclaimed Tom, as
he, with his blue jackets, commenced their march towards Annesley Bay.
"So am I," answered Billy Blueblazes. "For my part, I don't like this
campaigning business. It may be very pleasant over a tolerable good
road and plenty to eat, but I don't like having to climb these hills and
to exist on short commons."
The return march was not without its dangers, for the rebel tribes were
on the watch to attack any weak convoy, tempted by the plunder they
hoped to obtain, and aware that the British were not likely to follow
them far into their mountain fastnesses; indeed, several persons who had
incautiously wandered out of the line of march were cut off and
murdered.
The events of the return march need not be described. It was managed
with the same skill as the advance, although the troops suffered
somewhat from the storms of rain to which they were exposed.
With no small satisfaction the men of the Naval Brigade returned to
their respective ships, whose crews, however, had to remain to assist in
the embarkation of the troops and stores.
"Why, Mr Blewitt, you appear to have lost two stone in weight!"
observed the first lieutenant when Billy made his appearance on board.
"Yes, sir," answered Billy, with a rueful countenance. "I believe I've
lost three stone; but I intend to do my best to make up for it now I've
got back to the ship."
Billy did not fail to keep to his intentions, and the rest of the mess
declared that he ought to pay a double subscription, as he certainly
consumed more than any two others among them.
"So would you if you fellows had gone through what I have done,"
answered Billy, and he gave, not for the first time, an account of the
hardships he had endured, the weight he had carried on his shoulders,
his hard fare, the steep hills he had climbed, and the abrupt descents
down which he had had to make his way.
The _Bellona_ remained with other ships of war until the troops had gone
and the last of the stores had been embarked, when once more Annesley
Bay was left to itself, in its original solitude. With a cheerful song
the crew tramped round and round at the capstan, steam was got up, and
the _Bellona_, proceeding out of the bay, steered for Aden, where
Captain Rogers hoped to obtain intelligence of the _Empress_.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1. An account of the origin of the war, and of many interesting
particulars connected with it, will be found in "Our Soldiers, or
Anecdotes of the Campaigns and Gallant Deeds of the British Army,"
published by Griffith and Farran.