CAPTAIN SPEEDY.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 367, 3 October 1868, Page 3

CAPTAIN SPEEDY.

In publishing a portrait of Capt. Speedy, who left the Auckland Militia to serve under Sir Robert Napier in Abyssinia, the " Illustrated London News " relates the following particulars concerning him.—" Captain Chas. Speedy, has rendered very important service in the Abyssini m expedition. This gentleman, from 1854 to 1857, served in the 81st Regiment ; after which, till 1860, he was Adjutant of the 10th Punjaub Infantry. Having quitted the army he went to Abyssinia; but when he came to Adowa he found that King Theodore would nob allow him to leave the country again. He saw the King at Debra Tabor, and was requested to enter his service But Captain Speedy soon found that it would be improper for a European officer to perform such duties as were required of him, and he never actually did so. Theodore, however, would not allow him to depart; and he accmpanied the King, but merely as a spectator, in his war against the Gallas. He received the name of " Basha Fellaka," the first word being the Turkish title of "Pacha," and the other word, " Fellaka," being the Amharic translation of his name " Speedy ;" though it also means " glittering," and was supplied in this sense to him, because he wore spectacles, which glittered in the sun. Captain Speedy was once threatened with imprisonment at G-affat, but drew his sword and offered to resist. He was left free, and he then requested permission to leave the country. It was in vain that the King offered him the rank of Lika Makuas (Makuas, he who wears the Royal apparel), or Prime Minister. But this high title was not enough ; liberty was preferred, and he was allowed to depart; but previously to leaving, Theodore presented him with a horse and silver trappings and a shield and spear. After this he was for a year Vice-Consul at Massowah, under Consul Cameron. From this Captain Speedy went to New Zealand, and served in the Auckland Militia in "Waikato, where he was when he received a telegram from Sir Eobert Napier to proceed to Aden, with which he immediately complied, and has been with tbe Commander-in-Chief during the whole of the expedition. His knowledge of the language and the habits and ideas of the people, and his personal acquaintance with some of the chiejs, have been of usein guiding the decisions and plans of those in command. The finding of supplies on the line of march, particularly near to Magdala, was often entirely due to his knowledge of the country and the feelings of the people in regard to Theodore. On joining the army he, at the request of Sir Robert Napier, adopted the costume of an Abyssinian chief, as it was thoughtthat his constant andimportant intercourse with the natives might perhaps be facilitated by thus preserving a link of external resemblance, and experience has justified the wisdom of the thought. It is in this costume that we give his portrait, and in it the Captain presents rather a striking figure, for he stands about. 6ft.. 6in. in his stockings. The hirsute portion of the dress which covers the breast and shoulders is a lion's mane, with charms in silver cases attached to it. All Abyssinian chiefs wear a skin of some kind cut into pendants of a

similar shape. When our Government approved of the proposal to take charge; of Dejatch Alamaeo, Theodore's son, for his education, Sir Robert Napier appointed Captain Speedy, on reaching Zulla, to have the boy under his care,' and he has brought him safely to Eugland.