SOUDAN WAR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 674, 30 January 1885, Page 13

SOUDAN WAR.

CAPTURE OE EL METEMNEH.

COL. STEWART WOUNDED

BY ELECTBIO TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT.

(bkuter’s telegrams.)

Caibo, January 27.

Latest telegrams from Korti report that Lord Wolseley has despatched a large convoy with supplies to Gakdul, on the road’toEl Metemneh. (Received January 29, 11 a.m.) Caibo, January 28, 11 a.m. Lord Wolseley wires that El Metemneh has been captured by Colonel Stewart’s column, after some heavy fighting, during which Colonel Stewart was severely wounded. Colonel Sir C. Wilson has left El Metemneh for Khartoum, in a steamer.

(Received January 29, 1.20 p.m.) TELEGRAM EROM LORD

WOLSELEY.

BRAYERY OE THE ARABS. Caibo, January 28. A later telegram from Lord Wolseley gives the following details of the action at El Metemneh. When Sir Charles Wilson had arrived within four miles of the Nile on the 19th instant, the enemy showed in strong force. Colonel Stewart therefore halted his column and constructed zarebah, although under heavy fire. It was here that Colonel Stewart was severely wounded. Colonel Sir C. Wilson then assumed command, and leaving the wounded in the

zarebah, marched out the same afternoon. The enemy, led by several Emirs on horseback, charged the British gallantly, but were repulsed each time, losing five of their Emirs and 250 killed, besides many wounded. The British loss is not stated.

Mr Cameron, special correspondent of the Standard, and Mr Herbert, of the Morning Post, were killed. Subsequent inspection of El Metemneh showed that it was fortified, and occupied by 2000 Arabs, and Colonel Wilson considered that the position would not be worth the loss which would be incurred in carrying it by assault. During the inspection of the enemy’s position four steamers, under the command of Misri Pasha, from Khartoum, reached Gubat, a short distance south of El MetemDeh, and landed guns and men. Sir Charles Wilson, with two steamers and a detachment of the Royal Sussex, started for Khartoum on the 24th instant.

Major-General Bulier is now leaving Korti for Gubat, where he will take command of operations. The Royal Irish have also started, and the West Kent follow shortly. The latest news from General Gordon is dated Khartoum, December 29, and reported all well.

(SPECIAL to UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE ENGAGEMENT. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT KILLED. (Received January 29, 1 p.m.) Kobti, January 28. The troops under Colonel Sir Herbert Stewart made forced marches on Sunday and Monday, and had nearly reached the Nile, when they were attacked by the rebels near El Metemneh. The enemy were beaten off after four hours’ heavy fighting. The British loss was slight. The British column succeeded in reaching the Nile after a severe fight, and remained there until Tuesday evening. During the engagement Mr Cameron, special correspondent of the London Standard, was killed.