ADVANCE OF THE NILE COLUMN. 1 33 of the expedition to Khartum and of the rescue by Lord Charles Beresford.

Thus we see that the situation at Suakim, the contradictory stories respecting Gordon and the advance of the Nile column under the command of General Earle, were the questions on which the decision of the government and the protraction of the campaign would depend. The advance of the Nile column was already anxiously awaited by the natives, and to a brief account of this movement we will now turn.

It was but two days afterwards, the nth of February, that General Wolseley had to announce from Korti that he had just received a telegram from General Brackenbury from the camp opposite Dulka Island, which is about 70 miles above Merawi, giving some account of an "attack well planned and gallantly executed," which he (Lord Wolseley) expected would have the effect of opening the way to Berber without further fighting.

Alas! that attack and the engagement which followed,—known as the battle of Kirbekan,—cost us dear. Another brave and distinguished officer. General Earle himself, the leader of the column, had fallen. Truly, the possession of the whole of the Soudan would not have been worth the price that was paid for the effort to hold or to deliver Khartum.

The enemy had been found in position on the 9th of February when the force had reached Dulka Island, and General Earle concentrated the Stafford and Black Watch, reconnoitred the position, and on the morning of the loth advanced to the attack.

" The enemy held a high ridge of razor-backed hills, and some advanced koppies in front close to the river. Two companies of Stafford and two guns being left under Col. Alleyne to hold the enemy in front, we marched with six companies Stafford and six companies Black Watch round the high range of hills, entirely turning the enemy's position, which we attacked from the rear.

The enemy's numbers were not great, but their position was extremely strong and difficult of access, and they fought with most determined bravery.

The Black Watch advanced over rocks and broken ground &