ABU KLEA WELLS. 271 Necessity of obtaining water at Wells delayed for some hours his advance on Metammeh; for which place force was, however, about to push on when messenger left Stewart. A strong post has been established at Wells, where tents have been pitched for the wounded, who were doing well.

Stewart concludes his report thus: — ' It has been my duty to command a force from which exceptional work, exceptional hardships, and, it may even be added, exceptional fighting has been called for. It would be impossible for me adequately to describe the admirable support that has been given to me by every officer and man of the force.'

I regret to say our loss has been severe; but the success has been so complete, and enemy's loss so very heavy, that it may dishearten the enemy, so that all future fighting may be of a less obstinate character.

General Stewart's operations have been most creditable to him as a commander, and the nation has every reason to be proud of the gallantry and splendid spirit displayed by her majesty's soldiers on this occasion. Our losses have been nine officers killed, nine officers wounded, and sixty-five non-commissioned officers and men killed, and eighty-five wounded. Stewart's force was about fifteen hundred all told."

Yes, our losses had been severe indeed. The list of officers killed comprised the names of: — Colonel Burnaby, Royal Horse Guards; Major Carmichael, 5th Lancers; Major Atherton, 5th Dragoon Guards; Major Gough, Royal Dragoons; Captain Darley, 4th Dragoon Guards; Lieutenant Law, 4th Dragoon Guards; Lieutenant Wolfe, Scots Greys; Lieutenants Pigott and Del isle, Naval Brigade; while the severely wounded included — Lord St. Vincent, Major Dickson, Royals; Lieutenant Lyall and Guthrie, Artillery; Surgeon Magill; and the slightly wounded — Lord Airlie, Lieutenant Beech, Life Guards; Costello, 5th Lancers, contusion; Major Gough, Mounted Infantry.

The feelings with which this intelligence was received in England were marked by more distress than triumph. It was a bitter reflection that so many men who represented the flower