THE ABYSSINIAN EXPEDITION.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2604, 30 November 1867, Page 6

THE ABYSSINIAN EXPEDITION.

The Oriental Circular says ; — lt appears probable that Massowah has been finally lixed upon as the port of debarkation for the Abyssinian expedition in the Eed Sea. Massowah, or the " shepherd's harbor," consists of a small straggling town, lining the western side of a barren coral island, which does not in size exceed a mile in length, by half that distance in breadth. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. The climate is one of the hottest in the world, and during the summer months is very unhealthy, fever and dysentery being the prevailing complaints. No spring of water exists upon the island, and the cisterns which were once constructed to catch the rain water have been allowed to fall into decay, so that the inhabitants are dependent upon the mainland for their supply of water. It is chiefly brought from Arkiko, a village some three or four miles distant. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, Massowah possesses advantages over the other ports, such as its harbor, which is good and safe, while tho country arouud it is practicable and open. The nomade tribes of the Shohos and the Bellaws, who inhabit the latter, are not likely to cause any serious inconvenience to the force under Sir llobtrt Napier's command. The former tribe possesses vast herd 3 of cattle, which may be turned to good account by our commissariat department. Some five or six marches from the coast the expedition will leave the country of these pastoral Mahomedaas and enter upon a portion of Abyssinia proper, inhabited by a Christian population. Here the scenery will rise, and lofty mountains and some dense jungle will be met with. The province of ffaoiaseyn, through which they will subsequeutly pass, consists of a vast table land, interspersed with hill and dale, and the climate will be found comparatively wholesome and invigoratiug. Thence crossing fche M. areb they will probably march upon Adoua, the capital of Tigre. It stands amidst rocky and precipitous inouutains, and is itself elevated nearly six thousand feet above the level of the sea. Here, for the first time, will much cultivation be observed, a considerable quantity of wheat and other grain being grown in the neighboring valleys, which aro of surprising fertility. ' With respect to the opposition to be afforded to our advance, we are not of those who anticipate much hostility from the people themselves ; their character altogether lacks the fierce fanaticism of the border tribes of our north-western frontiers of India, with whom our experience chiefly lies, and though their courage may equal theirs, they have, as Christians, no religious zeal wherewith to influence their passions. It may also probably turn out that the dissensions which have torn and divided Ethiopia for so many centuries have served to deaden if not to extinguish that patriotic ardor which induces the Affghun clans to combine to resist any invasion or occupation of their territory by us with so much spirit and determination. Much must, however, depend upon the attitude taken up towards us by the principal Amhara and other chieftans, who are now in arms and commanding armies (for from King Theodore himself we apprehend that we have little to fear, until he is finally brought to bay). It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that an experienced political officer should accompany the force, and endeavor to secure the alliance and co-operation of these leaders, and we trust the Government of India will make a careful and judicious selection for this purpose.