GENERAL STEWART'S MARCH ACROSS THE DESERT.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3258, 6 March 1885, Page 2

GENERAL STEWART'S MARCH ACROSS THE DESERT.

General Stewart's force, with its convoy of supplies, arrived at Gakdul Wells on Jan. 2nd. The journey of ninety-seven miles from Korti was accomplished m sixty-five hours, and during that time the camels were not once watered. The road led over many rough places, where marching was very difficult. The force left Korti on the afternoon of Dec. 30, at 3 o'clock, and did not bivouac till eight o'clock on the following morning, when Abu Naiki was reached. Here there was some excitement owing to the uncertainty as to the whereabouts and disposition of the inhabitants. Only a few huts were visible, and these were deserted. Plenty of green fodder was obtainable. The troops remained on the spot, quite undisturbed, until three m the afternoon, when a starb was again made. Both men and animals were greatly refreshed by the rest, and the men all seemed to vie with each other m the tmartnes3 with which they remounted when the order' was given. The formation observed almost throughout the march was column of companies, and the force was so distributed that m two minutes three squares could be formed m echelon to resist any attack. All the men were fall of excitement. There were conflicting reports as to. whether our possession of the wells would be contested by the enemy. Everything was done to make our position secure. The supply of water was unlimited. The New Year was ushered m with great cheering from the men, which rang far and wide over the plains and echoed through the 'hills. Hardly had the cheering ceased, when there ; was a cry of "Wells ahead!" This instantly brought the 26th Company of Boral Engineers to the front, and under the direction of Major Dorward, the tripod pumps soon supplied the men's wants. On January ]st, at eight o'clock, the men mounted to continuo the march to the Gakdul Wells, capturing on their way a quantity of spoil, 1 and making all the natives they met prisoners. Captain Fanshawe, with a troop of the 19th Hussars, succeeded m capturing, a prominent sheikh named Abu Loola, together with his family. The Mudir of Dongola once offered lOOOdols for the sheikh's head. At night Major Kitchener, with an escort, captured fire natives from a hut, who are said to huve been the Mahdi's meat contractors. Gakdul Wells were secured the fol* lowing morning at . seven o'clock. The ' natives had all disappeared. The water was found to be good. A moveable hospital accompanied the force under Surgeon Briggs. Five more natives were captured and brought m by Captain Walsh's Division of the Mounted infantry. Two of them wore the Mahdi's uniform, and allf attempted to evade capture, being well armed and disposed to fight. The force, marching m extended order, covered a frontage of forty yards, with scouts as the advance and rear guards, and presented a most formidable appearance. The natives stated that the Mahdi'a force was terrified, declaring that there is no end to the British troops. ■■"'■•'