The British in Africa.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 5159, 2 March 1888, Page 2

The British in Africa.

GREAT SLAUGHTER OF NATIVES,

Full particulars have just been received of the fighting between die British and the natives in the neighborhood of Sierra Leone, resulting in the capture of three native towns, a number of strongholds, and the slaughter of a very large number of natives. One report mentioned that in the battles which had taken place about 2000 natives were killed or wounded. Previous advices mentioned the capture of. Robari by the British forces, and the information just received states that two mere towns, namely, Macondoo and Rometto—have been taken. All three places are important towns in the Yonnio country. When the enemy were driven out of Robari they fell back upon Macondoo. Every preparation had been made by the natives for a desperate resistance, the route being obstructed by felled trees and othor impedimenta. Besides this, the enemy wero found in strong parties in ambush at different points. The Yonnies made a determined stand, and were consequently cut or shot down in largo numbers. Tho first hattlo lasted from seven o'clock in the morning till three o'clock in the afternoon. Tho Yonnies at that timo commenced to retreat. The British forco consisted chiefly of the Ist West India Regiment, assisted by native police from Sierra Leone, and a small force of the Naval Brigade, tho sailors inflicting havoc with their shells. Tho stronghold was entered. Robari was found to be a beautiful town situated on a hill; and hero Sir Francis De Winton, who commanded the expedition, made his headquarters! The Yonnies were said to number about 3500 fighting men, and were aided by the followers of Marampah, and Masimorah, making the combined forces to number about 6500. The English expedition all told was about 2000 strong. The advance guard consisted of eighteen men of tho Naval Brigado and 180 rank and filo, under the command of Major Pigott. There wero no fatalities on tho English side, but about sixteen men were wounded, some seriously. After capturing Robari tho force marched on Macondoo, the Naval Brigade again leading. Thore was little opposition, but there wore evident traces of extensive preparations for recoiving the enemy. The natives, however, had evidently been frightened by the battle before Robari, and most of tho strongholds had scarcely been completed. When the town itself was assaulted but little resistance was offered, and the place was captured without casualty on the British side. Macondoo was taken on the 24th ult., and next day tho English advanced on Rometto. The resistance hore was much more spirited, tho Yonnies fighting with much courage. Fourteen of their number were killed and a great many wounded, after which the expedition entered the town. The quickness of the march on Rometto had evidently taken the enemy by surprise, as many of the leading ohiofs had not time to escape, and were consequently taken prisoners by tho English. Amongst theso were tho brother of the lato Boy Sherbro, of Yonnio, a son of Boy Simmerah.and Bey Cobolo, of Marampah. Besides theso a large quantity of arms wero captured. Thero were again no casualties on the British side. The Yonnies who managed to escape fled to Masimerah. After the battle, orders were issued by Sir Francis do Winton and Deputy-Governor Hay, acknowledging the bravery of tho British troops in all tho engagements. Thero was great excitement in, the Yonnio country, and it was believed that tho expedition would have a salutary effect. H.M.S. Rifleman returned to Sierra Lcon,e on tho 3rd instant, bringing about 20.0 men who had been engaged in the battles, with the Yonnies.